We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, why did you pursue a creative career?
I had no other options really. To function without making music would just lead me down a road that isn’t healthy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My name Michael Thomas, I am a songwriter from Chicago who has been living in San Diego for 9 years. I have a band called Night Swims, which I started during the pandemic and we have been goin strong since, playing a lot of shows throughout southern California, between LA and SD. We have just released a new song, which serves as a precursor to our next album, which is our second and is due to be released in early 2024. It is also the 2nd song we’ve released in which we have taken on all engineering responsibilities from recording to mixing. It’s been a privilege to work with the guys in the band who are all incredibly talented musicians; Dave Savoian, Nate Atwood, and Tucker Bancroft.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them hiking in Cleveland National Forest or Mission Trails Regional Park for some place closer to the city. I’d also take them to Fiesta with my dog. I’d bring them to OB for surfing and swimming, a show at either Soda Bar, Til Two, Black Cat, Whistle stop or the Print Shop where my old rehearsal space was (I’m not giving the address). For food, to some place that isn’t owned by Consortium or another restauranteur group. I can’t stand that stuff. I like independent spots like Plumeria or The Rose who also have secret sisters bakery attached which is fantastic. there are too many to mention here that are wonderful, and a lot that have closed unfortunately like Sundara, which used to be a favorite of mine. I’d take them to the Hillcrest farmers market though. That is my favorite in the city. I’d also take them down to El Cajon to the original El Gordo’s for some Lengua Tacos. They have my favorite Lengua in the city. However as far as tacos, Lola 55 is overlooked and I can’t for the life of me figure out why.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say my wife, Bara. She helped to pull me out of a tough situation in life, some of it my own creation. I credit her with helping me to realize my true potential as a person and an artist.

Website: https://linktr.ee/Nightswims?fbclid=PAAabg7NBLfMLEiztHmVb3mu0FypbCxSCBNGJyMwiWzQ6oLI0RdCHKoDcM8oQ_aem_AfqJmmBFMJQbRSlRYM65ZJS7ABe2YGjR9vlS8epq9tI_tbDzpWcb3pBA1wHtfRUpnAQ

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nightswimsband?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nightswims?mibextid=9R9pXO

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nightswimsband?si=3GVEPjPUMq79JArT

Image Credits
Mitch Wilson Asia Hunter Justin Bieggar

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.