The Words I Heard (2022)

What is love exactly? Is it longing (Desiree - Track 2)? Is it defined by rejection and heartbreak (West Ashley Blues - Track 1)? Is it family-oriented, nostalgic, and tied to a particular place (Foothills - Track 5)? Can it be abstract (Lady Katherine - Track 3)? Can it withstand mental illness (Phaedrus - Track 7)? What to do when you know it might not be working out (Leaving - Track 8)?

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Visual art by Jessica Jane Sillus, Cami Burruss, Megan Jenkauskas, Qian Zhao, Dante Degraff.

Ernest Thompson’s debut album, The Words I Heard, was originally released to friends and supporters as a Bandcamp exclusive. Within the first month, “The Words I Heard” sold 88 physical copies. Though not enormous, this figure represents $1,000 of gross revenue from recorded music (in an era when most people don’t buy music).

Now available on streaming!

Hi, I’m Ernest. This is my album.

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A move to Charleston (SC) near the end of a pandemic inspired me to begin writing and performing original songs. Though I wrote before, my songwriting accelerated into turbo drive in a new city. My guitar became my best friend.

In April of 2021, I began busking downtown. I found a spot near the horse-drawn carriages, and SANG my songs for anybody who would listen. The reception was positive — people loved it. It was a spectacle. There was something going on. People ‘followed me’ and took pictures. I pursued more opportunities… This was my creative birth.

By 2022, I became paid performer at the Charleston City Market. My guitar blended in amongst the palmetto fronds and vendors. Other haunts included Chico Feo’s Beach Bar, Martin's BBQ Joint, Gilligan’s Seafood, the Ravenel Historic Train Depot, and Smoke N' Brew. Thanks to everyone!

To capture all this excitement, I booked time at a recording studio. Ken Jones at Southern Harmony engineered my first LP, on which I played every instrument and self-produced. That’s how “The Words I Heard” emerged — from an artist-led ethic.

In fall ‘22, I used paid vacation from a day job to tour and promote ‘The Words I Heard’ in Atlanta, Athens, Nashville, Charlottesville, Washington DC, Winston-Salem, Greensboro (NC), and Bethesda. All as an unsigned artist. I slept on guest beds. The goal wasn’t profit, it was to spread a message. What message? That music brings joy!

Now, I’m doing music full-time…. sort of.

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Hope to see you along my journey,

-Ernest Thompson