Bold and Unapologetic: TX2 Interview on “Hatchet” Single and His Outlook on Life

We recently had the opportunity to chat with emo rocker TX2. Evan Thomas, better known by his stage name of TX2, started as a viral YouTuber and TikTok star. I recently had the opportunity to chat with the musician. He released his first single in 2018 and has been rising ever since. His catchy hooks and melodic beats are just as bold as he is. Love him or hate him, he’s here to stay. More info, music, and more can be found here.

I was immediately drawn to your sound, and I just love how bold and unapologetic you are. You’re just like, “this is me, deal with it.” Have you always been that way? If not, what helped you to reach that point?

TX2 (aka Evan Thomas): “No, I have not always been that way. I spent at least 20 years of my life trying to please a father who was never satisfied with me (or proud), and then spent my entire high school career being bullied and physically/mentally harassed. About two to three years ago, though, I just had a breaking point (after some pretty brutal trauma). I got sick of being walked over, I vowed to never be the floor for someone else again, and rebranded/changed my outlook on life. I’m no longer going to apologize for being myself or for things that I’m not sorry about in order to please those who look down on me.”

Your first single was released in 2018, and your career has been rising steadily ever since. What would you do differently if you were to start over again from day one?

“If I had a chance to start over, I would be myself from the start. I’ve been TX2 since 2015 and when I started this, I wanted so badly to be ‘cool’. After spending years getting harassed as ‘TX2’, I one day realized that I never will be cool. I will forever be the “joke”, but I can’t change that. My favorite artists seemed to have the same problem and, in some ways, this is the best thing for me. There are millions of kids who feel the same way I do and they need someone who can speak out for them, and understand what it’s like to not be the ‘cool kid’ or ‘poster child’.”

You just released a killer new track called “Hatchet”! What has the reaction been like to that one so far?

“So far, ‘Hatchet’ has been our biggest release yet! The momentum with TX2 is insane right now and we just keep getting bigger. I’ve never had a song perform so well without a viral moment online.”

So, you’ve got The Festival Tour coming up in early May, and it looks like you’re even hitting some of the same cities again! What are you most excited about for this tour? 

“I’ve never played a festival before so this will be my introduction. I am SO EXCITED. I have dreamt of crowds and moments like this, and I’m ready for anything to come. I just wanna leave the crowds at these festivals with stories for years to come, and in return get some stories of my own.”

You also have a massive tour starting in August, opening up for Ice Nine Kills, In This Moment, and Avatar! It seems like this is definitely your year! What are your future goals and aspirations for your career?

“I grew up without a role model, but the role models I had were all on TV (Gerard Way, Billie Joe Armstrong, Chester Bennington, etc). I just wanna be that for future generations. I want to be a role model for those who don’t have one at home. The bigger we get, the more lives we can change, and in some ways that just makes me feel better. Gives me a purpose and reason to be here.”

Kiss of Death Tour 2

What has been the most memorable show for you so far, and why?

“The first show of my first headline tour in Detroit was sold out and I will never forget that. I spent so many years being shit on for the music I made, and then to hear a crowd roar and sing every word I sang back, for the first time in a state I have never played in felt surreal. It was the reminder that I needed of why I started ‘TX2’ to begin with.”

What artists have been inspiring you lately, or that you feel are consistently pushing boundaries and changing the game? 

“There’s so many. Christian Gates is a close friend of mine and inspires me every time I have a conversation with him. He is so wise for his age, and reminds me of the importance of the art in music every time I speak with him. Spencer Charnas also has been a HUGE inspiration lately. He believed in me at a time when I needed it and gave me a chance. I’ve heard nothing but good about him, and listened to his music for years, so hearing that he believed in me feels like that last bit of inspiration I needed.”

What is the funniest rumor that you’ve ever heard about yourself? 

“All of the rumors on TX2 are hilarious. The ‘Industry plant’ one is hilarious. I grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado and drummed in bands for years playing empty shows, got boo-d off stage my first show as TX2, and didn’t have a single member of the music industry know me until I started going viral from content I created myself. Also love the ‘poser’ accusations, like what even is a poser? I wasn’t allowed to dress how I wanted or be myself in high school, and I was a closeted emo lol (and closeted man in general LOL), so to hear that I’m a poser from people who were lucky enough to have supportive families is hilarious.”

I’ve noticed some hate for you online, yet you’re selling out shows and have fans screaming every word back to you, so I’d say that you’re doing something right! What would you say to the haters?

“Thank you. If you knew what I’ve been through, you’d realize none of your words can come close to the trauma I’ve endured. But you’re the reason I’m here today, so keep it up!”

Lastly, is there anything else that you would like to share with your fans?

“If I can do this, so can anyone. I came from Fort Collins with no industry connections and just a dream. I’ve been told no more than yes for every stage of my career, and somehow I just keep pushing. Don’t ever let anyone tell you shit about yourself. Any hate is always a projection of feelings towards one’s self.”