Marking Pride Month Thomas Orlina and I got the wonderful chance to talk. He is a creatively driven entrepreneur and artist. His enthusiasm of writing songs with a meaning was sparked early on by his experiences and feelings. Influences for him include Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton. He calls his songs lively, meaningful, and entertaining. Being a member of the LGBTQ and Filipino-American communities, he has obstacles but wants to raise awareness and diversity. Orlina wants to keep doing live shows, putting out new songs, and going after different professional paths. He sees himself married, prosperous, and content in the future.

To learn even more about him, read the whole exchange below!

Pebbles: What first got you into music?
Orlina: Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved entertaining and staying up to date with the latest artists coming out with music. From watching MTV music videos and reading pop culture magazines, I always hoped one day that I would have my own music and that people would appreciate the storytelling involved in each of my songs and music videos.

Pebbles: Can you describe how you would compose a song?

Orlina: My songs have all come from a feeling or experience that I was going through. For example, my debut single “Brush It Off”, was a time when I had to overcome challenges and wanted to empower others to use their voice. My second single, “Journey” was to share my relationship and passion for travel. For my third single, “This Time”, the narrative behind that project was to be candid about my mental health struggles, and “I Want It Right Now” was about me celebrating my confidence and feeling stronger than ever before. I take a lot of time making sure the music I’m putting out has a purpose and means something far beyond me and truly what I think my audience can relate to.

After I decide what the subject matter is, which can be a tedious process, I team up with my songwriters like Christopher Bugna, have several meetings with my producers from MELT Music, and begin the recording process in the studio. I’ve got the best team beside me every step of the way and I truly feel blessed to work with such talented individuals. I’ve worked with the same team since the start of my music career, so you can hear the production value increase and the growth we’ve all had together.

Pebbles: Who inspired you to make music?
Orlina: Paris Hilton has been a key person who’s made me believe that I could enter the music scene. When I was in high school and her TV show, “The Simple Life” was on, I remember how popular she had become and after hearing her first single, “Stars Are Blind” on the radio, I thought how cool it was that she parlayed her fame from television into a music career.

As most people know, my claim to fame came from YouTube and creating my show, “Your Time With Thomas,” so in a way, I felt like I followed in her footsteps. I adore her as a person and as a successful business person. I’ve met her a few times and was an extra in her music video with Kim Kardashian, who is another person I’ve admired for years.

    Other artists who have inspired me to create music specifically and inspired my sound are Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga. I have tons of respect for them as people and artists, and hope that people who listen to my music hear the influence that they have.

    Pebbles: Regarding the overall composition, what is your favorite song and why?
    Orlina: My latest single which was released on May 3rd titled, “Tell Me Your Name” is my favorite single thus far. I think what I love about it the most is how sexually driven the lyrics are and how through this project, I’m able to showcase another side of myself that people aren’t necessarily familiar with. My team went there with the production value and is meant to have that Billboard chart sound.

    I’ve spent a lot of my life worrying about public opinion, and when you hear this song, now available on all music streaming platforms, you will hear this edgier vibe like nothing I’ve released before that’s a lot more carefree and powerful.
    The sexually heightened music video drops on June 7th in honor of Pride month and I think that will mark the beginning of a new chapter in my career and add a new layer to how people perceive me and my artistry.

    Pebbles: How would you describe the music that you typically create?
    Orlina: My music is very meaningful. That would be the best way to describe what I do with the music I release. Every song has a curated narrative designed to tell my audience about something that I’m going through and intended to inspire and uplift my audience. I also would like to think that my music is fun, energetic, and exciting to dance to and have a good time. Whether you’re in the car, at the gym working out, or at the bar or club, all of the songs have the bop to them that sticks in your head. That’s sort of the recipe we go with every time that team and I make music together.

    I recently performed at a sold out show in Los Angeles, you can watch it here.

      Pebbles: Tell me more about your Asian culture and what it’s like being an Asian Artist in America.
      Orlina: I’m Filipino-American. My dad was born in Manila and my mom was born in Ilocos. Both of these places are in the Philippines and I’m very proud of where my roots come from. Growing up Filipino had its challenges. There weren’t too many of us and often I would get bullied for not being “Asian,” or people would confuse me for another race. In recent years, I have found that a lot of people have embraced diversity, and more nationalities are being championed and celebrated, so I’m happy to see a positive change in my adult life.

      Being an AAPI artist in America has a lot of pluses and minuses. I think it has given us a chance to show the world that we’re just as good as other mainstream artists, but also gives us a platform to share our cultural background. I love it and I’m excited to hopefully continue to promote my cultural background in future performances and music videos.

        Pebbles: You’re also part of the LBGTQ community. What are some of the challenges this community faces in the industry?
        Orlina: The mission for the last 8 years in front of the camera and with my music has always been to lead with kindness, create meaningful content, champion Filipino Americans, the AAPI, and LGBTQIA+ communities and inspire others to tap into their creativity.

        I think there are sadly always going to be negative people out there that find joy in others’ pain and I think it’s a matter of focusing on the positive things in life and tuning out the negativity. I do my best as a person in the LGBTQIA+ community to spread awareness and champion for the community, and I think at the end of the day that’s all I can do personally.

          My biggest concern is the youth. I think it’s challenging even more so now with the internet and social media being at the forefront of everything we do. I hope that more action can take place to end bullying in schools, and hopefully we can implement more positive information in the systems so kids grow up to see everyone as equal versus more division.

          Pebbles: Do you think the industry allows you to be who you are? If not tell me why?
          Orlina: I think the industry has allowed me to reinvent myself time and time again. When I first came out on the scene on YouTube I came in without any expectations and just did my thing. I didn’t really think about the industry so much and just wanted to have fun with the cameras following me around.

          Today, I feel even more confident and have more conviction in who I am because I think as time moves on you start to realize what’s truly important, and I find that my best work happens when I focus on happiness and doing what I love, versus what I think the industry or other people will think of me.

            Pebbles: What is the next big thing for you?
            Orlina: I’m so excited to continue to perform live in front of audiences. I’ve been able to perform on the West Coast in different cities, and I’m excited to hopefully get a chance to perform in New York over the summer and reach new audiences there. Eventually, I would like to perform in the Philippines.

            I also have new music coming out, another music video, and a film I’m working on. Every day new projects are being presented to me, whether it is photoshoots or opportunities, so it’s fun to be able to pick and choose what makes sense for my overall brand and future in this industry.

              Pebbles: Tell us where you see yourself in years to come and where people can follow you on social media.
              Orlina: In the future, I hope to be married, settle down in a nice place, and continue my many different career endeavors. I’m an entertainer at my core, so whether it’s hosting a television show, or performing my music, doing more non-profit work and overall feeling healthy and happy is something that I hope for in the years to come. I feel like the camera and I have a great relationship, so I hope to be doing more projects that position my future to be in that space.

              To connect with me online, please visit my website thomasorlina.com, follow my Instagram and stream my music on Apple Music, Spotify and everywhere you listen to music!

                Photography Credit
                Zachariah Schmitt