Meet Recording Artist Thomas Orlina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Orlina

Hi Thomas, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I always wanted to be an entertainer.

I began joining the choir and other after-school activities to boost my confidence. I went to college to pursue my entertainment career and gained my bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Television Arts from Cal State University Northridge.

Since then, I’ve worked in the entertainment industry for a decade in areas like celebrity entertainment news, unscripted and scripted television, production, film, publicity, corporate communications, public affairs, creative advertising, and special events at various Fortune 100 movie studios, where the biggest blockbuster Hollywood films are created.

It was in 2016 that I began my on-camera career ambitions. In nearly a decade, prominent news publications like VOGUE, Forbes, GLAAD, CNN, NBC, The Advocate, The Wall Street Journal, and more have profiled and highlighted my creative work.

Today, I’m best known as a GRAMMY® Considered Artist, Advocate & Producer who has been named one of the 75 Most Influential Filipino Americans.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being in the entertainment industry comes with a lot of challenges and scrutiny. I’ve had to work hard for some of the opportunities that I’ve had in my career. Oftentimes you will hear the words, “no” or “we’ll pass,” and as gut-wrenching as it is to feel you aren’t enough, it’s those times that make me stronger and want to work even harder.

People’s negative opinions can weigh you down as an artist, but I’ve learned to let the haters say what they want and to remind myself that they can’t touch me and their negative opinions and gossip about my work are less about what I’m doing and more about the self-hate they have for themselves. It’s a tough business to be in so I’m thankful to have the strong mindset I have today.

There are struggles and challenges that we all face so it’s important to have a support system that motivates you and keeps you going.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a GRAMMY® Considered Artist, Advocate, and Producer, my on-camera career began almost a decade ago, hosting after shows, interviewing celebrity guests, and creating my own YouTube series, “Your Time With Thomas,” which went on for two seasons.

From those experiences, I revisited a passion of mine to become a recording artist. Since 2020, I’ve released five dance-pop songs, with a sixth on the way dropping on Friday, March 21st in alignment with National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week.

My upcoming dance-pop song, “Diamonds In The Crowd,” is a special record that I’m looking forward to sharing with my followers and officially adding to my catalog. The song was written by Santiago Clendinen, a songwriter that I admire and respect. The song was produced by my original team, Melt Music. A video for the single will be released soon, which was directed by me and edited by Jimmy Page, who I worked with on my first-ever solo music video, “Brush It Off.”

As an entertainer, performer, and internet personality, I’m most proud of using my platform to bring awareness to mental health, the AAPI, Filipino American, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

My visuals and music have intentionally always had a purpose. My supporters love to classify my work as, “pop music with a purpose,” so I think the combination of having a unique sound and aligning global causes and discussions brings out my level of individuality in comparison to others.

I did a recent interview with VOUGE where I shared my struggles and triumphs, which I think could be beneficial for a lot of people who want to prioritize their mental health.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I loved being able to perform on stage whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Whether it was for a school play, choir, or any type of production. I remember always commanding a lot of attention in whatever room I was in because I was so excited to share and express my imaginative thoughts.

My long-time creative director, Kyle Thompson, brings out the childlike kid in me, and without him, I don’t think I would have the confidence I have today. I’m grateful to have him on my team.

On a more personal level, I cherished the time with my grandparents. I’m glad I was able to have those years with them, and I hope they are watching over me and proud of what I’ve accomplished thus far.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thomasorlina.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasorlina/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomas.orlina/
• Twitter: https://x.com/thomasorlina_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBZLkuMI-uEZL_khP-2fOWw
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-732752449
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/thomas-orlina/1548516881

Image Credits
Red + Blue =Zachariah Schmitt

Blue Suit = David Christopher Lee

Diamonds Cover = N/A

White performance outfits = Colin King