Story & Lesson Highlights with Tommy Grasley of West Hollywood

Tommy Grasley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Tommy, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Honestly, it’s the band. Not just the music, but the machine behind it. People see the shows, the energy, the sound, but they don’t see the grind it takes to keep it all moving. The rehearsals that run late into the night, the scheduling, the gear maintenance, the endless messages, the problem-solving when things fall apart hours before a gig.

It’s like building a house that’s always under renovation, every song, every performance, every lineup shift adds another layer. And somehow, you’ve got to keep it standing while keeping everyone inspired and aligned. That’s the real work, managing the moving parts, the vision, the business side, and still finding the soul in the music.

So yeah, what I’m most proud of building is the foundation no one sees, the one that keeps TOMMYGUNN alive and ready to hit that stage like it’s the first and last time.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tommy Grasley – singer, songwriter, and recording artist of TOMMYGUNN. A band that’s built on grit, heart, and pure rock energy. What makes what I do unique is that it’s not just about the music, it’s about building something real from the ground up.

Every song, every show, every connection with the audience comes from lived experience, from chasing a dream that doesn’t quit even when it gets tough.

The TOMMYGUNN sound is raw, emotional, and unapologetically alive, it’s the soundtrack for anyone who’s ever fought for something they believe in. I’ve been putting in the work behind the scenes to grow this band, the writing, producing, booking, promoting, every piece of it. Right now, we’re focused on taking that energy to bigger stages, new music releases, and creating experiences that hit hard and stay with you.

At the end of the day, TOMMYGUNN isn’t just a band, it’s a movement built on passion, resilience, and the belief that rock is still very much alive.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
For me, it’s ego, silence, and assumptions. It’s when we stop listening and start defending. When pride gets louder than truth. Bonds don’t usually break all at once, they fade when honesty, effort, and empathy take a back seat.

I’ve seen it happen in bands, friendships, and even within myself when I get too caught up in the grind and forget to stay human.

But what restores those bonds is love. Always. Love cuts through the noise, humbles the ego, and reminds us why we cared in the first place. It shows up when we reach out, when we forgive, when we start again. Music has that same power, it reconnects what got lost, even for a moment. No matter how far we drift, love always brings us back.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Slow down. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. The things that feel like setbacks are actually shaping you into someone stronger, wiser, and more grounded than you can imagine. Be patient, with the process, with people, and with yourself.

You’ll get where you’re meant to go, but it won’t happen by force. It’ll happen through persistence, heart, and time. So take a breath, trust your path, and know that every stumble is still forward movement. The music, the lessons, the love, it all comes when you’re ready for it.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. The public version of me is the real me, what you see is what you get. I’ve never been good at hiding behind an image or pretending to be something I’m not. I wear my heart on my sleeve, for better or worse. The emotion you see on stage, in my music, in my words, that’s all real.

I feel things deeply. When I sing, I’m not performing a part; I’m living it. The stories, the pain, the joy, they come straight from my life. Maybe that makes me vulnerable, but I’d rather be raw and real than polished and empty. I can’t separate who I am from what I create. The public me is me, every heartbeat, every lyric, every ounce of emotion you hear is the same guy you’d meet offstage.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply, something most people overlook, is that love really is the answer. I know that sounds simple, maybe even cliché, but it’s not. It’s the hardest, most powerful force we’ve got. Most people think love is just an emotion, something soft or fleeting. But I’ve learned it’s actually the backbone of everything that matters, connection, forgiveness, resilience, purpose.

Love isn’t just about romance; it’s how you show up for people, for your art, for yourself. It’s choosing compassion when it’d be easier to walk away. It’s the courage to stay open even after you’ve been hurt. That’s not weakness, that’s strength.
So yeah, I believe in love. Always have. Always will. I write about it. And if that sounds too simple, maybe that’s because the truth usually is.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://societal.com/TOMMYGUNN
• Instagram: @TOMMYGUNNlove
• Twitter: @TOMMYGUNN
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TGrocks3
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TOMMYGUNNLOVE