In many a tool shed, the whirring of a table saw or repetitive pounding of a hammer can create an anticipated melody, but Thomas LaVine likes to think outside the box. 

The 27-year-old Grover man has had a vision for years. Perhaps a piece of that vision didn’t include what, in other circumstances, could be a she-shed. But the small wooden structure in his backyard provides just what he needs to create a joyful noise. 

LaVine is a musician, vocalist, songwriter and music producer, all of which he does in a shed he’s tricked out to become a music studio. 

“The last record I made is quite big in sound, almost orchestral, but it’s all from utilizing sounds in that shed,” he said. “Whatever you have the will to do, I think you can do it. I don’t think you need a big studio.” 

LaVine’s connection to music goes back to childhood. 

Growing up in Blacksburg, South Carolina, he watched his gospel singing parents perform and remembers the sounds of the Doobie Brothers and Journey flowing through the home. 

“There was always music like that on in the house,” LaVine said. 

When his older brother, Stephen, started taking guitar lessons, LaVine’s young life had a purpose – to play in a band with his brother. He instantly took up the drums, and they ultimately did play in the band, Igniting the Sky, about a dozen years ago.

Through the years, he learned to play piano and guitar. He began singing and at 18 started writing songs. 

LaVine jokingly says he considers himself a master of none, but he’s thrilled to be using his talents to express himself while gaining enough ground to call it his full-time job. 

“My goal from here is to keep trying to capitalize and be appreciative and take in the opportunity that I've been given,” he said. 

LaVine recently started a working relationship with two organizations out of Nashville, Tennessee, that should lead to more exposure to music producers and greater distribution of his music. 

Far from his metal rock days, LaVine describes his music as Indie folk with “ethereal nuances.” 

Often inspired by nature, and life itself, LaVine said he was encouraged to change genres after hearing performers such as Enya, the Lumineers and Mumford and Sons.  

“I just fell in love with it because I just felt like nature has always been a love of mine,” he said. “That just naturally became the kind of thing I started to write.” 

Though he’s dabbled in writing for others, LaVine prefers to write for himself. And while his songs may sound like he performs with a band, he’s a one-man show, playing each instrument then ultimately putting them together for the final product. 

His songs can be heard on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and multiple sites online. 

LaVine said believing that he could make a career out of his music wasn’t always easy. He considered different paths and has sometimes scraped by with whatever job helped pay the bills. 

But with the support he had growing up, and that he now gets from his wife, Morgan, the goal seems attainable. 

And while life gets busy, especially with two young children, Adalynn, 3, and Oliver, 2, LaVine said he’s appreciative for the opportunities coming his way. 

“My goal is to have sustainability and to live a life that I really believe in,” he said. “For anybody to do what they want to do uncompromisingly, I think that’s a good path for anybody to take.” 

Diane Turbyfill can be reached at 704-669-3334 and dturbyfill@shelbystar.com.