Stephen Thomas Taps into Raw Resilience with His Alt-Rock Powerhouse “Stay Strong”

In a world where algorithm-driven trends often overshadow authenticity, Stephen Thomas stands tall, unapologetically real, raw, and passionately relentless. His latest single, “Stay Strong,” is more than just a song—it’s a full-throttle, alt-rock anthem of survival, designed to uplift the weary and embolden the brave.

Hailing from Charleston, West Virginia, Stephen Thomas has never fit neatly into a box. His career spans over a decade of creative evolution, earning five Grammy nominations as an independent artist and features in acclaimed outlets like Vibe and Earmilk. But with “Stay Strong,” he steps into a new chapter—one that leans fully into gritty, grunge-tinged guitar riffs and a soaring vocal performance that hits like a rallying cry.

At its core, “Stay Strong” is a tribute to America’s troops—yet its reach is universal. From hospital wards to hard days at the office, the song is a battle cry for anyone walking through the fire. The track's visceral energy is no accident: Stephen himself is a veteran, and you can feel every ounce of lived experience baked into the bones of this song. The lyrics are honest and evocative, crafted not just to tell a story, but to make listeners feel like they’re part of it.

Lines like “Don’t give up, don’t give in” land with extra weight when you know they come from someone who’s walked through his own war zones—both literal and metaphorical. And that conviction radiates through the guitar work: bold, distorted, and emotionally charged, echoing the spirit of early 2000s alt-rock greats while maintaining a fresh, cinematic edge.

The official music video for “Stay Strong,” directed by longtime collaborator Will Thomas, brings the song's message to life with stunning poignancy. Part music video, part short film, it follows the dual journey of a young child battling a serious autoimmune disease and his father—a deployed soldier—struggling to balance service and family. It’s a gut punch in the best way. Cinematically rich and emotionally grounded, the visuals elevate the song to new heights, offering a lens into the intimate struggles so many families face in silence.

Stephen’s presence in the video is magnetic—he doesn’t just perform; he embodies the song’s spirit. The unshakeable bond between him and director Will Thomas shines through in every frame, proving that loyalty and vision can create something truly unforgettable.

“Stay Strong” feels timely, but also timeless. It’s a reminder that no matter the fight—physical, emotional, or spiritual—there’s strength in persistence, in vulnerability, and in community. And in Stephen Thomas, the alt-rock world has found a new voice of grit and grace.

With new releases on the horizon and a well-earned “Artist to Watch” nod from The Source Magazine, Stephen Thomas isn’t just carving out space in the industry—he’s redefining what it means to be an artist with purpose. If “Stay Strong” is any indication of what’s to come, listeners should strap in. The ride is just getting started.

“Stay Strong” is such a powerful anthem rooted in resilience and personal experience. Can you walk us through the moment or inspiration that sparked the creation of this song? What personal or global events moved you to write it?

"Stay Strong" was written from several personal experiences in my life. Part of it came from having family members and someone close to me who battled an autoimmune disease. As I reflected on this song, I also thought about my involvement with St. Jude in raising money for those fighting for their lives. Additionally, I wanted to create something bigger than myself—something meaningful. That’s when I thought about our military and the countless individuals, including my own family members, who have served. I imagined what it was like for them to stay strong while being deployed, under fire, and facing the uncertainty of whether they’d make it home.

Many people don’t know this, but during the studio session, my second verse was inspired by one of my favorite movies, Lone Survivor, starring Mark Wahlberg, as well as one of my favorite TV shows, SEAL Team, featuring David Boreanaz, AJ Buckley, Max Thieriot, Neil Brown Jr., and Toni Trucks. One of their main mottos, Never out of the fight, is embedded in the song. If you listen closely to Stay Strong, you’ll hear it in there.

Beyond that, I was also thinking of someone I knew who was a veteran, along with the many others facing mental health challenges and simply trying to navigate life. The reality is, we all have struggles—we all have something we need to stay strong through. And with everything happening in the world today, this message is more relevant than ever.

Stay Strong was released on September 27th, and the music video followed on January 10th—just three weeks ago. Look at everything that has happened since then. From the wildfires in LA to the presidential transition and so many people losing loved ones, the world is constantly facing challenges. This song is not just a message—it’s a movement.

Regardless of genre, race, or style, Stay Strong and Back Home will always be timeless records. Because no matter what, there will always be a place to get back home to, and there will always be someone or something we need to stay strong for."

Your music video for “Stay Strong” feels like a short film—it’s cinematic and deeply emotional. How did the concept for the video come together, and what was it like working again with director Will Thomas? What message were you hoping to drive home through the visuals?

Thank you—I really appreciate that. The goal from the very beginning was to make “Stay Strong” feel more like a short film than a traditional music video. The song carries so much weight emotionally, so we knew the visuals had to match that same depth and intensity.

The concept came together through a series of conversations with director Will Thomas. We've worked together before, and there's a level of trust and creative chemistry that makes the process really collaborative. We talked a lot about real-life struggles—mental health, military service, chronic illness, and the everyday battles people face that often go unseen. Will has a unique ability to translate raw emotion into visual storytelling, and he brought a level of authenticity and cinematic vision that elevated the entire project.

The message we wanted to drive home was simple but powerful: everyone is fighting a battle, whether you can see it or not. And in the middle of all that, you have to find something within yourself to stay strong. The visuals highlight different types of people—veterans, families, individuals struggling with health or mental wellness—because we wanted viewers to see themselves or someone they love in these stories. It’s about unity, resilience, and reminding people they’re not alone.

In the end, the video isn't just a visual companion to the song—it's an extension of the message. And I think that's what makes it so impactful.

You've had an incredibly diverse musical journey, earning Grammy nominations and recognition across different genres. What drew you toward alt-rock for this release, and how does it reflect where you are creatively right now?

I have worked hard and sacrificed a great deal to get to where I am today, but I also know there’s still so much more to accomplish. That’s why I never allow myself to become complacent. My musical journey has been diverse, and I’ve always believed that true artistry isn’t about staying in one lane—it’s about evolving, experimenting, and staying honest with where you are in life.

With “Back Home” and “Stay Strong,” shifting into the alt-rock space just felt natural. I grew up listening to everything from hip-hop, R&B, Christian, punk, alternative, pop, and so many more genres. Then I discovered artists like Yungblud and MGK, and the new sound they’ve helped create—I instantly connected with it and loved the energy and emotion behind it.

But even before that, I always knew I had a thing for the genre. I remember being introduced to Blink-182 through their song “Feeling This” while playing a video game called Madden years ago when I was a kid, and I’ve never forgotten that moment. That track instantly became one of my all-time favorites. It opened the door for me to explore alternative music on a deeper level, and it has stuck with me ever since.

Creatively, I’m in a place where I want every song to say something—to hit you in the chest and make you feel something real. Alt-rock gives me the freedom to be bold with my vocals, the grit to express my frustrations or passions, and the space to tell deeper stories. Right now, I’m not chasing a trend or trying to fit into a mold—I’m chasing the opportunity to be a standout voice and a universal artist that speaks across genres and generations.

This era of music for me is about authenticity, emotion, and connection. And alt-rock gives me the perfect canvas to paint with all of that.

There’s a strong military influence in both the song and video, but the message transcends that. What do you hope everyday listeners outside of the military community take away from “Stay Strong”?

Absolutely. While “Stay Strong” does carry a strong military influence—because of my deep respect for those who serve and the sacrifices they make—the message is meant to reach far beyond that. The heart of the song is about resilience, no matter who you are or what you’re going through.

Not everyone wears a uniform, but we’re all in some kind of battle—whether it's mental health, chronic illness, grief, financial struggles, or just the everyday pressure of life. I wanted “Stay Strong” to be a reminder that your fight matters, your story matters, and you’re not alone in it.

If someone hears this song and feels seen, if it gives them just a little bit of strength to push through one more day, then I’ve done what I set out to do. That’s what music is about to me—connection, healing, and hope. And sometimes that means facing heartbreaks, or walking away from people and environments that are toxic to your soul. Everyone deserves to be free.

Being named an Artist to Watch in 2025 by The Source is a big deal. What’s next for you in this new chapter of your career, and how do you plan to continue redefining what it means to be a “universal artist”?

Being named an Artist to Watch in 2025 by The Source is such an honor—it’s humbling, and at the same time, it fuels me to keep pushing forward. I see this as just the beginning of a much bigger chapter, not just for me but for the message and movement behind the music.

What’s next? We’re looking into touring and releasing songs that speak across genres, cultures, and personal experiences. I also want to get these songs featured in major films and TV shows, where they can reach an even wider audience and truly resonate. It’s about finding new ways to share the message and make an impact—through every platform and experience possible.

When I talk about being a “universal artist,” I’m not just talking about sound—I’m talking about substance. I want to be an artist who speaks to the soul of people from all walks of life. Someone who can show up on a pop playlist, a rock stage, a hip-hop set, or an inspirational panel—and still feel authentic and impactful. That’s the mission: to break barriers, stay true, and continue building something bigger than music.