Thundercat returns to Dallas for Bomb Factory show

Stephen Bruner, known professionally as Thundercat, will perform at The Bomb Factory in Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 8. The concert is a stop on his Distracted AF Tour, which promotes his most recent album. Tickets for the event start at $60, and Latin indie artist 54 Ultra is scheduled to open the show.

The Los Angeles native has a long history with the Texas music scene. He has frequently performed at Erykah Badu’s birthday concerts in the Deep Ellum district and has collaborated with local producers such as DOMi and JD Beck. Bruner’s connection to Badu dates back to his teenage years, when he was a member of The Sa-Ra Creative Partners. He later played bass on several of her late 2000s tracks, including “The Cell” and “Window Seat.”

In early August, Bruner made a surprise appearance at ShyBoy Hi-Fi in downtown Dallas. He was present during a listening event for Badu’s album “Before the World Blows,” a joint project with The Alchemist. Bruner is featured on the track “They Ain’t You” from that record. He described the experience positively, noting that he heard the album during its production process and was eager for the public release.

“Erykah knows exactly what to do with me,” Bruner said. He explained that their musical collaborations capture specific moments in his life. He noted that Badu has consistently understood the sounds he wanted to provide throughout their years of working together.

Bruner released his album “Distracted” in April. He described it as his most introspective work to date, balancing themes of grief and anxiety with humor. The record follows his 2020 album “It Is What It Is,” marking his longest gap between releases. He stated that completing the album allowed him to step back and reflect on the previous few years of his life.

He is also continuing to discover new music, with Chicago musician Ian Crumley and Steve Lacy’s “Oh Yeah” currently on his rotation. Although Bruner’s hits are not typically radio dominant, tracks like “Them Changes” and “Funny Thing” have gained wide recognition. He recalled that “Them Changes” was written while he was going through a breakup.

For the upcoming Dallas show, Bruner expects a diverse crowd and a curated performance. He joked about bringing surprises to the stage, mentioning potential additions like performing circus bears, a street car takeover, and a flock of seagulls. He described his relationship with local musicians as familial, noting that their interactions are filled with jokes.