Congratulations to MaiLy of North Bay Haven for receiving the honors to interview Thomas V. Diamond for 2025! MaiLy is a kid reporter and meteorologist. There’s a viral video out there somewhere of her getting blown in the storm. She’s also the soccer star of her school team. We hope you enjoy her interview below [08-17-2025]…

1. So Uncle Tom, when did you first discover your love for making music?

About 15 years ago today I felt like it was time to share my talent with the world.  It was a long road but little by little my skills in music production improved as time went by.

2. Can you tell us what first inspired you to start a music career?

The words of my former landlord kept ringing my ears.  I never forgot what she said.  She heard me playing one day in church and told me if I don’t share my talent with the world I would rob them of the most precious gift ever.

3. Do you remember when you began learning music? What got you started?

When I was in 3^rd grade I saw in the music class a piano.  I wanted to play it so bad.  The teachers instructed any kids banging on the piano would get into big trouble.  It was my dream back then to learn how to play piano but I never got access to one until my senior year in high school.

4. These days, can you play more than one instrument? Which ones?

I can play drums and piano very well.  A little bit of violin.  However I can write music for just about any instrument especially electric guitar being a pianist.

5. Do you sing too, or do you focus more on playing instruments?

I don’t have the lung capacity to sing.  I get very exhausted quickly.

6. In your opinion, what’s the hardest instrument to learn—and have you tried it?

Saxophone – yes I tried it and have no desire to attempt such endeavor again.  Too much work for my lungs.

7. What do you love the most about being a musician?

Being able to make the audience happy.  If they enjoy my music then I felt I’ve done my part.  It’s a challenge when you’re writing your own music.  Most people’s time are valuable and introducing new music to them can be difficult because time is precious.  People tend to like to listen to what they feel familiar with.  I do my best to do what I can to stand out and so far it’s gained a little traction especially with Main Stream Media recognition.

8. Have you ever taught anyone else how to play an instrument or write music?

I taught very little in the past but it’s not in my element.  I always recommend those seeking to learn to play piano to find the best classical pianist they can train with.

9. Have you ever been part of a music video or made one yourself?

Due to lack of funding no production company was hired to do any music videos for me.  I have to learn to do everything myself and the videos I put together are pretty simple.

10. Do you have a favorite band or artist you look up to?

I really enjoy a lot of the 80’s band like Modern Talking, CC Catch and others similar to them back in the day.

11. What kind of music do you enjoy the most—rock, pop, or something else?

I enjoy most 80’s pop, European Dance and soft rock.

12. When it comes to writing songs, how do you usually come up with your ideas?

It’s something hard to explain.  When my entire brain is completely active it’s like 6^th sense. I can hear and create melodies that flows smoothly like a river. Just sitting around in thought and thinking I’m gonna write a song today doesn’t cut it for me.  I pretty much let my 6^th sense guide me.

13. Do you think you could write a whole song in just one day? Have you done it?

Yes, I have written quite a few and one I recall in 20 minutes.

14. What’s your biggest goal when it comes to music?

Audience engagement.  If people enjoy what I create then I’m happy and feel I can bring some joy to everyone around the world.  Facebook put my fan page on recommended after 12 years.  They said my music brings the world together and to keep up the good work.

15. If you could have your dream music job, what would it be?

This is a very hard question.  I don’t think I would be working in the music industry.  All I care about is putting music out there for people to enjoy.

16. Have you ever thought about making your own album someday?

I find it easier to release all my music as singles.  What people enjoy they can choose from.  It allows for faster production since I have other obligations in life.

17. Would you want to go on a music tour around the world?

It’s something I thought about but not to perform since the music I create isn’t necessarily built for live shows but mostly for meet and greet.