This article is based on an interview with Arthur Thomas on March 22nd, 2021.

Today, many musicians are finding new ways to express their creativity. Philadelphia native entertainer and business owner, Arthur Thomas, has taken this idea to a whole new level.

Arthur Thomas always knew he wanted to be an entertainer. When discussing the origins of his creative career, he knew he wanted to put on suits and take after the legends of Motown from a young age. The influence of Motown was also present in the music Arthur’s father shared with him and his brothers, and these roots stuck with Thomas even after returning to Philadelphia from college in 2010 to begin his solo rap career. After a few years in the rap scene releasing singles like “Ice Cream” and “Butterfly Loco,” Thomas then discovered that funk was more his style. He decided to focus on this genre rather than keeping up with a specific rap image. With this comeback, he found his it-factor in rebranding and prioritizing the authenticity of Philly funk. However, being a trailblazer has come with some challenges as some people expect r&b or have a hard time placing funk on the bill- that is until the audiences experience the energy from the performances of Arthur Thomas and the Funkitorium. 

No matter what genre or artist image, Thomas says his main goal is to entertain- to make people smile and dance. Thomas does just this with the musicians of the Funkitorium: N Dot, Chops, Re-Mus, The JusMan, and Zavetis. He also strives to work as a team with an emphasis on collaboration and camaraderie within the band. "I want to see everyone around me win, everyone at the table,” he says. 

Arthur Thomas makes sure to see the bigger picture in more ways than one. Alongside pursuing music, his latest endeavor of releasing an eyewear line has made Thomas a business owner. He wants to create unique merchandise that people will actually wear rather than produce just another band t-shirt. Not only does he want to get his name out there, but he also wants individuals to discover their style and confidence with the help of his products. 

While he hopes to release other products including a fragrance line, jewelry, and a hat line, new music is also on the way. Thomas has used this past year to not only attend to other hobbies and spend time with his family but also to keep up with the music scene by doing live streams and writing for a new album in the studio. He also looks forward to the resurgence of live music with The Funkitorium's upcoming performance at the Queen in Delaware on June 11th.

Check out Arthur Thomas and his projects: Instagram Spotify Youtube Twitter