Tom Goss: from late bloomer to L.A. breakthrough

With seven albums, numerous music videos, and thousands of live performances under his belt, Tom has carved out a unique niche in the music industry.

Growing up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Tom’s path to self-discovery was anything but linear.

“I was a late bloomer,” he recalls. “My parents got divorced when I was 10, and their animosity towards each other made me cautious of relationships. I remember walking to my dad's hosue and thinking 'I never want to be in a relationship because of how much I was hurting.'  Honestly, that's probably an aspect of being queer.  You're ten years old and reflecting your emotions in such a mature way.  I knew I wasn't attracted to women, but I was around men all the time. I thought I was asexual for awhile because I wasn't attracted to anyone."

Tom’s journey took a significant turn when he entered seminary in Washington DC, intending to become a Catholic priest.

“I fell in love for the first time with a classmate,” he shares. “He was everything I wasn’t accustomed to – kind, thoughtful, shy. Falling in love opened me up and made me feel less robotic.”

However, seminary life proved challenging.

“It’s full of individuals who are not integrated emotionally, sexually, or spiritually,” Tom explains. “I had a stalker, and after six months of intense, inescapable energy, I decided to leave. It was a complete blowing up of everything. I chose to remain in D.C., but it was super liberating.”

Reflecting on his journey, Tom emphasizes the importance of authenticity. 

“Tell your story as authentically as possible,” he advises the next generation of LGBTQ+ individuals. “Who would’ve thought that saying ‘chubby guys are cute’ would be impactful? But it was. We’re all human, self-conscious, and afraid, and that’s okay. Your story can reach someone who needs to hear it.”

Tom’s latest album, Remember What It Feels Like, is a reflection of his journey and his resilience. The album features a collection of fun, summery pop tracks that highlight themes of memory and emotional strength. The music is a testament to his evolution as an artist and a person, blending lively melodies with heartfelt lyrics.

A former college wrestler, Tom's experiences in sports also shaped his understanding of identity and self-expression.

"For me, wrestling provided a construct of hard work, discipline and self-sacrifice. Honestly, probably too much," said Goss. "I needed to learn to relax and take a day off. It helped mold my non-stop engine and work ethic.  I owe a lot of my success as a human and as an independent musician to this constant churn. Never giving up, always working towards something better."

Tom has also been a vocal advocate for body positivity within the LGBTQ community.  

"Personally, I am attracted to men of size. For me, they are the most beautiful men, and as a result, I love them. Using that train of thought, if you love something, you want to uplift it.  That's my main focus.  I want all people to understand their own beauty and love themselves as much as possible."  

Tom's advocacy for body positivity and inclusivity underscores his commitment to making the community a welcoming space for all.

Now, Tom is focused on his music and his role as the CEO of Sounds Awesome LLC.

“I feel my age acutely in LA, and I’m on the verge of something,” he says. “I’d like to bring my skills to start a new generation of queer storytellers and help get their narratives out into the world.”

Tom’s commitment to his craft and his community continues to inspire. His journey from seminary to music is a testament to his resilience and authenticity.  

His advice to the next generation of LGBTQ people?  "Remember the power of personal stories -- and the importance of being true to oneself."