Thundercat has spent most of his career blending jazz, funk and soul into a sound that is uniquely his own. With his latest album, Distracted, the Grammy-winning musician continues to explore new creative directions ahead of his upcoming performance at The Criterion in Oklahoma City.
“As a live instrumentalist, it naturally will always have an air of me,” Thundercat said. “I think that something that holds the balance and the force to that is me being able to play.”
Music has been a part of Thundercat’s life since he was young. When asked when he realized he wanted to pursue music as a career, he said it was something he knew from childhood. However, developing the sound audiences recognize today did not happen overnight. He described the process as “very slow and tedious, and very expensive,” reflecting the time and dedication required to develop his musical identity.
For listeners discovering his music for the first time, he offered three songs he believes will provide a good introduction to his sound. He recommended “Them Changes,” “Funny Thing” and “Dragonball Durag” as a starting point for newcomers.
“Funny Thing” is part of the track list for his 2020 album It Is What It Is. The song has become one of his most popular releases, earning well over 400 million streams on Spotify. The album also earned Thundercat a Grammy in 2021, winning Best Progressive R&B Album. The award marked his second Grammy win and his first for a solo project. His first win came in 2016 for his contribution to Kendrick Lamar’s “These Walls,” from the album To Pimp a Butterfly.
Throughout his career, Thundercat has worked with several influential artists, including Kendrick Lamar and Flying Lotus. He said both collaborations challenged him creatively, as each artist brought a different perspective and approach to making music. Working with other musicians has given him opportunities to adapt to different creative visions and explore ideas outside of his usual approach.
When working with other musicians, Thundercat tries to remain open to new ideas rather than entering a collaboration with a set expectation.
“I think the best way to go into things is with an open mind and heart,” Thundercat said. “You don’t know where it’s going to go.”
That willingness to explore new ideas carries into his latest album, Distracted. Released in April, the project marks his fifth studio album and his first full-length release in six years. The album features contributions from several artists, including A$AP Rocky, WILLOW, Tame Impala, Lil Yachty, and the late Mac Miller.
When asked what he hopes listeners take away from the project, Thundercat offered a simple perspective.
“Life is full of mystery, and sometimes distractions are a good thing,” he said.
One track he particularly enjoys is “Pozole,” which he described as a funny song that allowed him to experiment with his vocals.
“It’s me doing my best Barbra Streisand,” Thundercat said.
The album continues to showcase his willingness to experiment while maintaining the musical personality that has defined his career. From his bass playing to his vocals, Thundercat approaches music with a sense of curiosity that allows him to move between different styles and ideas.
Thundercat began the Distracted AF Tour on Oct. 2 in Miami. While much of the work takes shape in the studio, he said performing live offers audiences an opportunity to experience his music in a different way. As he prepares to bring his music to Oklahoma City, he encourages fans to come ready to enjoy the experience.
“Come prepared to have fun and dance,” Thundercat said. “Feel free to sing along and yell obscenities at the stage.”
Thundercat said he is looking forward to returning to Oklahoma. He added that his previous visits have given him lasting memories and that he hopes to create more during his upcoming performance.
“I’m very much looking forward to coming to Oklahoma. I really love you guys out there,” he said. “All of my memories there have been absolutely awesome. I hope to make more beautiful memories.”