On January 17th through the indie label R&R, Grammy-nominated producer and up-and-coming alt-country musician Bluey Thomas takes another step towards becoming an arresting solo artist with his new single, ‘High For a Reason’. Featuring the artist’s signature mix of country, indie, and alternative influences, the song is an anthemic preview of the artist’s long-awaited debut album More Than Before– which is slated to come out in February.

‘High For a Reason’ is a gritty yet alternative country anthem layered with shades of indie rock- capturing Bluey’s ability to craft deeply personal and universally resonant songs. The lyrics dive into issues of personal strife and emotional highs and lows with lines such as, “Oh I get high for a reason / So don’t hold my hand when I’m leaving.”  Bluey’s masterful vocals are lifted at the right moments to catch the ebbs and flow between tension and release- crafting a deeply personal song that speaks to everyone, as if just for the solitary late-night drive or quiet, introspective moments.

On the inspiration behind ‘High For a Reason’ Bluey says,

“I’m a creature of habit, both the good ones that keep me grounded and the bad ones that sometimes drag me down. I’ve always had this tendency to be a slacker, someone who naturally gravitates toward the path of least resistance. For me, that easy way out often looks like getting high and trying to shut out the weight of my responsibilities, pretending they don’t exist for a little while.

 

What’s the story behind this single? Why this title?

“High for a Reason” is about the tug-of-war between wanting to escape and knowing you’re running out of time. The title is a nod to my tendency to justify my habits, even when they’re holding me back. It’s about confronting those moments when you’re stuck but trying to convince yourself it’s all for a reason.

How does this single fit within the record?

This song sits at a turning point in the record—it’s where self-awareness hits. A lot of the other tracks touch on escapism, but “High for a Reason” digs into the fear of letting life slip by and the weight of unfulfilled potential.

What’s the main message behind this record?

The record is about balance—how we navigate between ambition and avoidance, growth and comfort. It’s a reflection on the ways we sabotage ourselves, and how those choices shape the lives we’re trying to build.

What inspires your blend of genres of musical styles?

My music pulls from everywhere because I think life feels that way—messy and overlapping. There’s a bit of indie vibes for the rawness and folk that touches to mirror the highs and lows of escapism.

How did your lyrics, themes, and storytelling develop for this project?

For “High for a Reason,” I wanted the lyrics to feel conversational, like an internal dialogue. The themes grew from that mix of guilt and acceptance—realizing I’m flawed but trying to work through it.

What are the main themes of your visual storytelling when you come up with your visuals?

For this track, the visuals are hazy and dreamlike, with a sense of time slipping away—

What were some genres, records, or artists that brought you up artistically?

Artists like Noah Kahan taught me how to lean into vulnerability, while Post Malone inspired my approach to blending genres.

What inspired you to want to get from producing records for others to get front row and make your own?

I realized I was producing tracks for other people to tell stories that felt a lot like mine. It made me wonder why I wasn’t just telling those stories myself. 

What inspired the production of the record overall?

The production mirrors that feeling of avoidance and time slipping by. There’s a lot of layered synths and atmospheric textures to make it feel both spacious and slightly claustrophobic, like being stuck in your own head.

What are your plans for 2025?

2025 is all about connection and momentum. I’m releasing my album in February, which feels like the perfect way to set the tone for the year. After that, I’m hitting the road to play shows and share these songs live. Performing has always been where the music comes to life for me, and I can’t wait to bring this record to audiences and see how it resonates in real time.