Pursuits: Thunderstorm Artis on Discovering His Voice
Thunderstorm Artis, a singer-songwriter from Hale‘iwa, won raves for his soulful American Idol performances.
While talking about music, Thunderstorm Artis’ megawatt smile and soulful brown eyes radiate joy. The singer-songwriter from Hale‘iwa reached the top five on this year’s American Idol, touching judges and millions of viewers with his rich, raspy takes on such beloved songs as “Fire and Rain” and “Is This Love,” as well as one he wrote for his wife.
Artis’ performances on the longstanding reality show—which earned high praise from judges—marked a pivotal point in the 29-year-old’s musical journey. “I’m still discovering more about my voice,” he says. “Being around so many great artists, on and off the show, has been a gift. I was surrounded by people who spoke my language of music, and it challenged me to grow.”
Now living in Nashville, Artis grew up on the North Shore performing in a band with his parents and 10 siblings, playing drums, piano, bass, percussion and guitar. He started writing songs at age 14, and his mother encouraged him to practice singing jazz standards by legends like Nat King Cole.
“I remember setting up a little stage in our front yard and just singing out into the air,” he says, laughing. “One neighbor told me, ‘When you first started singing, I didn’t think it was your gift—but you just kept getting better.’ That stuck with me.”
Artis says his late father, Ron, raised him to be a lifelong learner. Thunderstorm was only 13 when his dad died, and he turned to music to process his grief. Music “saved my life,” he says.
He’s now preparing to tour this fall with critically acclaimed country duo The War and Treaty, and he’s set to release an album in July. “The show may be over, but now, the real work begins,” he says.
SEE ALSO: Where Thunderstorm Artis Eats When He Comes Home to O‘ahu
Darlene Dela Cruz is editor of Hawai‘i Home & Remodeling magazine.
