Florida-based folk-pop artist Antonio Thornton is not only dedicated to expressing his creative vision but also emphasizes the significance of mental health in his music.
Thornton kicked off his partnership with the student-run artist development initiative at Full Sail University in an exciting fashion. He debuted his first single, "Sunshine," on March 15, 2024, now available on all major streaming platforms.
Before embarking on his solo career, Thornton was a member of the rock band, The Blumes, where he honed his musical skills and found a love for performing live. Driven by his musical vision and a desire to remain true to his other aspirations, he has made it his mission to advocate for mental health awareness through his music.
According to Jace Phelps (2024), the work of "Sunshine" embodies a culmination of Thornton's musical journey and growth, while expressing his commitment to mental health advocacy and creative excellence. In an interview with 3300+ Climbing Lead Coordinator Renata Garza (2024), Thornton described his desire to use his music to connect with individuals who may be experiencing hard times in life.
Thornton enjoys taking his time when developing a new song, allowing inspiration to flow freely without forcing the process. This approach enables him to craft stories into worlds, tapping into the depths of his emotions. As stated by Antonio Thornton (2024), "I like to journal first, which helps the ideas flow, then taking what I learned from acting class and applying that to allow my ideas to flow uninterrupted, and use whatever emotion I feel—anger, sadness, happiness, etc." (Interview with 3300+ Climbing, 2024).
Thornton emphasizes the importance he places on his lyrics, stating, "Some people hear a beat and can place incredible sounds together. For me, it is all about the lyrics, what the person is saying." This reflects Thornton's passion for creating meaningful songs that foster connections between individuals who may be experiencing rough times.
Jace Phelps (2024) describes Antonio Thornton as a soulful lyricist and musician from Kissimmee, Florida, who finds solace and purpose in songwriting. Partnered with 3300+ Climbing at Full Sail University, Thornton emphasizes mental health awareness in his music, aiming to touch as many lives as possible with his heartfelt words and melodies.
Check out Antonio Thornton's debut solo release "Sunshine" here: Link to "Sunshine"
Follow Antonio Thornton on Instagram: Antonio Thornton's Instagram"