Thompson Square is a country music duo composed of husband and wife, Keifer and Shawna Thompson. They are known for their unique sound and style that blends traditional country with pop and rock elements. The duo has been making music together since 2002 and have released four studio albums, with several chart-topping hits.
Keifer and Shawna Thompson both grew up in small towns in Alabama and Tennessee, respectively. They both had a passion for music from a young age and pursued it through various avenues. Keifer played in bands and worked as a songwriter, while Shawna performed in church and school choirs.
The two met in Nashville in the early 2000s and began writing and performing together, eventually forming Thompson Square. They have since become one of the most successful country music duos of the past decade, garnering critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
Key Takeaways
- Thompson Square is a country music duo consisting of husband and wife, Keifer and Shawna Thompson, who have been making music together since 2002.
- Their music blends traditional country with pop and rock elements, and their breakthrough hit ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not’ established them as a rising force in the country music scene.
- They have faced difficulties trying to conceive a child, which inspired their 2018 single ‘Masterpiece,’ and they support organizations that focus on helping military veterans and their families.
- Thompson Square has released numerous chart-topping hits and received recognition through several award nominations and wins, including two Academy of Country Music Awards, and they have hinted at the possibility of releasing a new album in the near future.
Early Years and Musical Beginnings
During their early years, Thompson Square explored their passion for music by performing at local events and honing their skills in songwriting. Both Keifer and Shawna Thompson were raised in small towns in Alabama and Georgia, where they developed an early appreciation for country music. They met each other in Nashville, where they were both pursuing careers as solo artists.
After collaborating on a few songs, they realized that their voices blended perfectly together and decided to form a duo. Thompson Square’s early musical beginnings consisted of performing at small venues and events in Nashville, where they gained a local following. They also worked on honing their songwriting skills, which would later become a key component of their success.
They eventually signed with Stoney Creek Records, a subsidiary of Broken Bow Records, and released their debut single, ‘Let’s Fight,’in 2010. The song received moderate success on country radio, but it was their follow-up single, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,’that became their breakthrough hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Meeting and Forming Thompson Square
Upon their initial encounter, Keifer and Shawna Thompson found common ground in their shared passion for country music. Both were pursuing their careers in Nashville, Tennessee, and they met at a singing competition.
After their first encounter, they began to explore the possibility of collaborating on a project together. Their collaboration started with them writing songs together and performing at local venues in Nashville. They would often perform as a duo in different clubs and bars in the city.
The duo quickly realized that they had a great musical chemistry and decided to form a band called Thompson Square. This marked the beginning of a successful journey in the music industry for the duo.
Debut Album and First Hit Single
After honing their skills as a duo, Keifer and Shawna released their debut album in 2011, which was self-titled ‘Thompson Square’. The album contained eleven tracks, all of which were co-written by the couple along with other songwriters. The album was produced by New Voice Entertainment and Stoney Creek Records.
The album’s first single, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not’, became a massive hit, peaking at number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and winning the duo multiple awards. The song’s music video, which featured Keifer and Shawna’s real-life wedding footage, further added to the song’s popularity.
The album also featured other popular tracks such as ‘I Got You’and ‘Glass’. Overall, Thompson Square’s debut album and its first hit single established the duo as a rising force in the country music scene.
Rise to Fame in the Country Music Scene
The duo’s self-titled debut album and hit single served as a game-changer for Thompson Square’s career. Following the release of their first album in 2011, the couple became one of the most sought-after acts in the country music scene. The album peaked at number three on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart, while their hit single, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,’ topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned them a double-platinum certification.
With their increasing popularity, the duo’s second album, ‘Just Feels Good,’ released in 2013, debuted at number four on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album also spawned two hit singles, ‘If I Didn’t Have You’ and ‘Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About,’ both of which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Thompson Square’s success in the country music industry was further cemented by their performance at the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards, where they won their second consecutive Vocal Duo of the Year award.
Evolution of Their Sound and Style
Evidently, the duo’s sound and style have evolved over the years, with their later albums showcasing a departure from the traditional country music sound that dominated their earlier works. In their 2017 album ‘Masterpiece,’Thompson Square experimented with a more pop-infused sound, incorporating electronic beats and synthesizers into their music. This marked a significant shift away from their earlier, more acoustic-driven country sound.
Furthermore, the couple has also experimented with different styles of songwriting, incorporating more personal and introspective lyrics into their later works. For example, their 2018 single ‘Masterpiece’was inspired by the difficulties they faced when trying to conceive a child, and the song’s lyrics offer a message of hope and perseverance.
Overall, Thompson Square’s evolution in sound and style demonstrates their willingness to take risks and push boundaries in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
Collaborations and Awards
Collaborations with other notable artists and awards recognition have also played a significant role in Thompson Square’s career trajectory.
One of their most notable collaborations was with the country music duo Florida Georgia Line, with whom they co-wrote the hit song ‘If I Didn’t Have You.’ The song became a huge success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning Thompson Square a nomination for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 2014 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Thompson Square has also received several other award nominations throughout their career, including two Grammy nominations for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their songs ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not’and ‘If I Didn’t Have You.’ Additionally, they have won three awards from the Academy of Country Music, including Vocal Duo of the Year in 2012 and 2013 and Video of the Year for ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not’in 2011.
These collaborations and awards have helped to solidify Thompson Square’s place in the country music industry and have contributed to their ongoing success.
Impact on the Country Music Genre
Significant contributions to the evolution of the country music genre can be attributed to the impact of Thompson Square’s music and career trajectory. The duo’s unique sound and style have helped to push the boundaries of traditional country music, infusing elements of rock and pop into their music. This has led to a new sub-genre of country music, known as ‘country pop,’which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Three ways in which Thompson Square has impacted the country music genre are:
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Breaking down gender barriers: As a husband and wife duo, Thompson Square has challenged traditional gender roles in country music, where male artists have historically dominated the genre. This has helped to create more opportunities for women in country music, and has paved the way for other male-female duos to succeed in the industry.
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Bringing a fresh sound to country music: Thompson Square’s unique blend of rock and pop influences has helped to bring new fans to the country music genre, and has inspired other artists to experiment with different sounds and styles.
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Inspiring a new generation of country music fans: By appealing to a younger demographic with their modern sound and relatable lyrics, Thompson Square has helped to attract a new generation of fans to the country music genre. This has helped to keep country music relevant and popular in a constantly evolving music industry.
Personal Life and Relationship
Thompson Square has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the country music genre. But aside from their successful music career, the duo’s personal life and relationship have also been a topic of interest for their fans and the media.
Keifer and Shawna Thompson, the husband-and-wife duo, have been married for over 20 years and have been making music together since 2002. Their love story began when they met at a singing competition in Nashville, where Keifer was a solo artist and Shawna was a backup singer for another contestant.
After a few years of dating, they decided to form a duo and pursue music together. In interviews, they have expressed that their marriage has been the foundation of their music and that they write songs that reflect their personal experiences.
Despite the challenges of balancing their personal and professional life, Keifer and Shawna have managed to maintain a strong relationship and continue to make music together. Their love story has inspired their fans and has become an essential part of their brand as a duo.
Future Plans and Projects
Moving forward, the country music duo Thompson Square has several future plans and projects in the works. The couple has been actively working on new music and has hinted at the possibility of releasing a new album in the near future. They have also expressed their desire to tour extensively and connect with their fans on a personal level.
In addition to their music, Thompson Square has also been involved in various philanthropic activities. The couple has been vocal about their support for organizations that focus on helping military veterans and their families. They have also been active in promoting music education in schools and have participated in several events and fundraisers to raise awareness about the importance of music education.
Overall, Thompson Square seems to be focused on continuing their successful career in the country music industry while also using their platform to make a positive impact in the world.
Legacy and Influence in Music Industry
The impact of their music and philanthropic efforts have solidified Thompson Square’s place in the country music industry as influential figures.
As a duo, Keifer and Shawna Thompson have made a significant impact in the industry since their debut in 2010.
They have released numerous chart-topping hits such as ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,”If I Didn’t Have You,’and ‘Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About.’
Their music has resonated with audiences worldwide, and they have received recognition through several award nominations and wins, including two Academy of Country Music Awards.
In addition to their successful music career, Thompson Square has also used their platform to give back to their community.
They have supported various charitable organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the USO.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as they have been honored with the 2018 Symphony Ball Award for their philanthropic contributions.
Thompson Square’s legacy and influence in the music industry extend beyond their music, and their dedication to making a positive impact on the world sets a remarkable example for aspiring artists.