Absolute Rocker.
My name is Thadeus Gonzalez. I grew up in the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area listening to radio stations KSJO (Concord High School) and Live 105. I am as much a Slayer fan as a Morrissey fan and remember in the ‘90s when Depeche Mode came out swinging with David Gahan covered in killer tattoos and with super long hair; Metallica came out with super short hair and baffled everyone; PJ Harvey changed into a super sexy rock icon. Not only did their appearances change, but their music changed as well. Each of them took a hard turn in the opposite direction of their established styles. For my generation, these musicians ingrained in us how you can change as an artist and still be a killer.
I have been playing guitar and piano since I was 9 years old and played my first gig during lunch in the 8th grade - singing and playing guitar. Though I have been in multiple bands since then, my first really exceptional band was Electric Sister. Our only album, The Lost Art Of Rock 'n' Roll, was independently released in October 2011. My first solo album, Utopian Society, was produced by Dennis Hill, engineered by Kyle Homme, and was independently released on September 9th, 2014. Touring throughout California to promote Utopian Society was very enjoyable, and I really developed a taste for being on the road.
While working on my next album, I revisited an old song I had been kicking around called "Silver Inside." The song is about knowing you are rad despite life not going your way, that you were indeed silver inside. It ended up being the title of my second album. Silver Inside was a harder-edged album than Utopian Society. Once again, I worked with Dennis Hill and Kyle Homme with the addition of Scott Richards on bass (Jetboy, Electric Sister). Silver Inside was released in January 2018 on Spectra Records, and it allowed me to expand my touring throughout the US multiple times plus a small self-funded tour in the UK, and work with professional videographers to create some fantastic music videos.
The third release was initially developed as a double album. As the recording progressed, it became apparent that there were really two separate albums. Opposite Faces was produced and engineered by Tim Narducci (Systematic, Spiral Arms) and was released in July 2021 on Rebel Waves Records. While the pandemic effectively shut down US touring options, I was still able to once again do a small self-funded tour of the UK, play showcase events at SXSW 2023, and continue creating more fantastic music videos.
In my latest album, Street Fights Are Starting To Hurt, I delve deep into the push and pull of existence, exploring themes of struggle, resilience, and the complexities of daily life. Each song is a reflection of the battles we face—whether they're societal, interpersonal, or internal—and the toll they take on us. Throughout the album, I draw from personal experiences to convey the raw emotion and intensity of these struggles. From the relentless pursuit of our desires to the inevitable pain and persecution that often accompany such pursuits, Street Fights Are Starting To Hurt is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
I have opened for multiple high-profile artists and continue to tour and release music. As a singer/songwriter, I work to avoid repeating myself, purposely developing a different sound for each album. As an artist, I consistently deliver a high-energy and dynamic live performance at every show. I look forward to seeing you at a show.
- Thadeus
Music Available On Your Favorite Streaming Platforms:
Street Fights Are Starting To Hurt | Opposite Faces | Silver Inside | Utopian Society