Heading :An Exclusive Interview with Thomas Orlina
Introduction to Thomas Orlina
Thomas Orlina, a Filipino American recording artist, entertainer, producer, and advocate, has made waves in the entertainment industry with his multi-faceted talent and strong advocacy for diversity, equality, and mental health awareness. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Thomas’ journey began on YouTube and has since expanded into the world of pop music, where he continues to shine.
In this exclusive interview, Thomas opens up about his musical journey, inspirations, and upcoming performances. He also delves into his passion for mental health advocacy and what lies ahead in his career.
Thomas Orlina’s Journey: From YouTube to the Music Stage
Q: Thomas, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you’re best known for?
Thomas Orlina: Sure! My name is Thomas Orlina, and I’m best known for being a recording artist, entertainer, producer, and advocate. I’ve worked across various entertainment fields, but my music career has really taken off, and that’s something I’m very proud of.
Filipino American Roots and Identity
Q: What’s your background and heritage, and how has it influenced your career?
Thomas Orlina: I’m Filipino American, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I proudly identify as Asian American. My cultural background plays a significant role in everything I do, from my music to my advocacy work. Being able to represent the AAPI community means a lot to me, and I hope to inspire others along the way.
Early Beginnings in Entertainment and Music
Q: How did you get started in entertainment, and what led you to pursue a music career?
Thomas Orlina: My on-camera career began on YouTube with my digital series Your Time With Thomas. But music has always been in my life—I’ve been singing since I was five years old. I was in choir during high school and performed regularly on stage. In 2020, I decided to fully pursue music, starting with my debut single, Brush It Off, which was featured in Forbes. Since then, I’ve released five songs across major platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. My releases include Journey, This Time (a song dedicated to mental health), I Want It Right Now, and my latest single, Tell Me Your Name.
Inspirations: The Artists Who Shaped Thomas Orlina’s Sound
Q: Which artists have inspired your sound and style?
Thomas Orlina: I’ve been heavily influenced by Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber. They’ve all shaped my sound and approach to music. I’ve also drawn inspiration from Paris Hilton—her debut song Stars Are Blind really encouraged me to pursue music in a big way.
Recognition and Advocacy: Using His Platform for Change
Q: You’ve been featured in major media outlets and recognized for your advocacy work. Can you tell us more about that?
Thomas Orlina: Yes! I’ve been featured in Forbes US twice, GLAAD five times, CNN in Asia, and The Wall Street Journal. I was also named one of the 75 most influential Filipino Americans. I’m one of the first openly gay Filipino American pop recording artists in the United States, and it’s been an honor to be recognized for both my music and my advocacy work around diversity, equality, and mental health.
Creative Inspirations: The Icons Who Motivate Him
Q: Who inspires you creatively?
Thomas Orlina: Lady Gaga has always been a huge inspiration. I admire her fearlessness and how she’s carved out her own path in music and acting. I’m also inspired by Filipino American influencer Bretman Rock. We’re both known for our social media presence, and I love how authentic he is with his fan base. It’s a reminder to always stay true to yourself.
Upcoming Projects: What’s Next for Thomas Orlina
Q: What exciting projects do you have coming up?
Thomas Orlina: I’m performing live on August 24th at the DTLA Proud Festival, which is an annual event celebrating music, art, and community. I’m also set to perform in various cities, at award shows, and on television. Later this fall, I’ll be walking in a fashion show. There’s a lot on the horizon, and I’m excited to share it all with my fans.
Focus on Mental Health: Advocating for Change
Q: You’ve been open about your struggles with mental health. How has that influenced your work?
Thomas Orlina: Being transparent about my mental health struggles has become a key part of my platform. Growing up, therapy wasn’t something that was heavily discussed, so I didn’t always know where to turn. It wasn’t until recently that I found the courage to seek professional help. Now, I’m involved with non-profit organizations that align with my values, and I’m passionate about shedding light on the importance of mental health. It’s been empowering to use my voice to create positive change.
Expanding His Creative Horizons: Modeling and Beyond
Q: Have you explored other creative fields beyond music?
Thomas Orlina: Absolutely! I’ve modeled for clothing brands in the past, and I’ve spent the last decade in front of the camera, whether it was for Your Time With Thomas or hosting content for Maria Menounos’s digital network. Recently, I’ve been asked to model for a runway show later this year, and I’m excited about that opportunity.
Recent Accomplishments and What’s Next
Q: What have been some of your recent accomplishments, and how can fans stay connected with you?
Thomas Orlina: Recently, I performed at a sold-out show in Los Angeles, performed at a new nightclub in Las Vegas, and was featured on the cover of two notable magazines for AAPI and Pride Month. I also released my fifth single, Tell Me Your Name, which is now available on all major platforms. To stay connected, visit my website thomasorlina.com and follow me on social media everywhere @thomasorlina.
Desires Weekly: Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Thomas! We’re excited to see what’s next for you.
Thomas Orlina: Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story.
