Thomas Orlina — The Fearless Pulse of Pop’s New Era

By Young N’ Loud Magazine

The Beginning of a Dream

For Thomas Orlina, music was never an afterthought. As a five-year-old, he performed for family gatherings, embodying the spirit of an entertainer long before stepping onto a real stage. Those early sparks grew brighter through high school choir performances, where he learned to channel nerves into confidence.

But it was during the solitude of 2020, amid a world in pause, that Thomas transformed aspiration into action. The stillness of that moment became his ignition point. “I reached out to a producer and began writing,” he recalls. “Before I knew it, we were in the studio and released my debut single Brush It Off the following year.” Inspired by artists like Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber, Thomas sought to carve his own lane — one that honored pop grandeur through a Filipino American lens.

Today, that spark continues to blaze. A remix submitted for Grammy consideration marks a new milestone, yet Thomas remains grounded in his roots — those same dreams that began in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles.

Roots and Resonance

Eagle Rock is more than just a neighborhood to Thomas — it’s a cultural mosaic that shaped his voice and vision. Growing up surrounded by the vibrancy of the Filipino community gave him a sense of belonging and purpose. “Seeing people who looked like me, spoke our language, and shared common experiences was special,” he says. “It added a unique layer to who I am as a performer.”

That identity became the backbone of his artistry: celebrating Filipino pride while embracing global pop sensibilities. From the community halls of Eagle Rock to international recognition in Forbes and CNN, Thomas has always carried his heritage as both compass and catalyst.

Keeping his family name as his stage name — shared with his father and grandfather — was no accident. “It’s about continuing the legacy,” he explains. “Thomas Orlina represents more than just me. It’s family, history, and pride.”

The Sound of Stories

Thomas doesn’t simply make songs — he crafts eras. Each project is a reflection of a personal chapter, told through energetic beats and heartfelt lyrics. “My music has a lot of storytelling embedded in it,” he says. “From empowerment to romance and mental health, every song feels like you’re inside my life.”

That life, however, is not one of excess or distance. His songs — including the self-belief anthem Everything Is Meant To Be — resonate because they are human, honest, and raw. Listeners are not just spectators but participants in his ongoing journey.

When describing his sound, Thomas avoids traditional genre boxes. Instead, he speaks of feelings: rhythm as therapy, melody as connection, and storytelling as a mirror. His sonic palette may live in the world of pop, dance, and electronic music, but it’s the vulnerability beneath the production that defines him.

Creating from the Heart

Every song begins with something real. “I’m usually going through something personal,” Thomas explains. “That’s when the ideas start to spark.” He tells the story of his single I Want It Right Now, born from a moment of creative frustration that suddenly became inspiration. “I thought, I just want to finish this project right now — and then I realized, that’s the song.”

His creative process balances instinct and reflection. Some songs evolve organically, others take time to find their final form. But each carries intention — like Journey, originally titled Anywhere With You, which transformed as Thomas himself did.

Working alongside creative director Kyle Thompson, he ensures every release carries its own visual signature, complete with choreography. “I wanted every single song to have a signature dance,” Thomas says. “It’s truly magical when we lock in together.”

Defining Moments

Success, for Thomas, has never been just about fame — it’s about perseverance. “Self-belief has kept me going,” he says. “It’s easy to give up, but I remind myself how far I’ve come.”

Being featured in Vogue for his advocacy around mental health marked a major turning point. That openness, born from his own struggles, became a pillar of his music. His song This Time — written during therapy — turned pain into power, showing that vulnerability can be revolutionary.

As his music matured, so did his themes. Tell Me Your Name explored sexuality and self-expression, breaking boundaries in both sound and visuals. “You never know what’s coming next,” he smiles. “That’s the beauty of it.”

And then there’s Diamonds In The Crowd, a studio experience Thomas still recalls with a grin. “I knew in the studio it was going to be a banger,” he says. The energy, the dancers, the bold visuals — all of it captured the essence of what makes a Thomas Orlina era unforgettable.

Behind the Curtain

When the lights dim and the crowd fades, Thomas’s fire remains self-sustained. “I don’t need external inspiration,” he says. “What keeps me writing is connecting to life’s beauty — and its pain.”

Before performing, he grounds himself in ritual: rest, meditation, and mindful preparation. “I revisit what the songs mean to me now,” he shares. “That way, when I perform, it comes from a real place.”

If his music had a texture, it would be “a home-cooked meal.” He describes it as something warm, comforting, and nostalgic — a sensory experience that transports listeners back to their own memories.

Voice, Purpose, and Legacy

For Thomas, music is not just personal; it’s cultural. “I hope my supporters see me as brave,” he says. “As someone who did it anyway.” His journey as a Filipino American and openly queer artist is rooted in representation — a reminder that courage is contagious.

His advocacy for equality and inclusion extends beyond lyrics. Every performance, every interview, and every artistic decision reflects a commitment to inspire others to take the same leap of faith.

“I want my legacy to be that Filipino American artist who pursued his dream regardless of what the public thought,” he says firmly. “Fearless, bold, and brave.”

The Next Chapter

Thomas is far from finished. After submitting his latest project for Grammy consideration, he’s back in the studio, shaping what’s next. “I want to release even more music in 2026,” he says. “We’re working hard now to prepare for it.”

Dream collaborations are on the horizon, and global stages feel closer than ever. “It’s cool to know we’re not far from our goal,” he reflects.

For Thomas, success is layered. “Every feature, every recognition — those are milestones,” he says. “I like to think of myself as successful already. It keeps me grounded and motivated.”

What keeps him Young N’ Loud? “Knowing anything is possible with hard work,” he says. “When I started, I couldn’t imagine performing at a sold-out Los Angeles Fashion Week or submitting for the Grammys twice. Every morning, I wake up knowing opportunities are waiting if I put in the work.”

Final Note

If Thomas Orlina could describe his music in one line, it would be this: “Uplifting, dance-inspired, and motivating.”

And if he could send one song into space as a message from Earth, it would be Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra. “It’s catchy, fun, timeless — and pure energy,” he says.

That same description could easily apply to him. Thomas Orlina isn’t just chasing pop dreams — he’s redefining what it means to live them out loud.