A Virginia Sound Built on Community
Theocles carries a clear musical philosophy: music from Virginia, for everyone. That simple idea shapes his writing, live shows, collaborations, and creative choices. His story begins in Charlottesville, where folk, bluegrass, and Americana music were part of everyday life. He grew up in a musical household and in a community where songs often felt personal, familiar, and close to home.
His mother, a singer and songwriter, noticed his connection to melody early. She shared that he was humming before he could speak. Soon, he was singing around the house, in the shower, and in the car. Those small moments became the early signs of a life centered on music.
Theocles entered the College of William & Mary with singing as his strongest passion. He earned a degree in Economics, but music shaped much of his college experience. He wrote, composed, taught himself guitar, and sang with choir and a cappella groups. He also joined late-night jam sessions and performed at parties. These experiences helped him develop his voice, his confidence, and his sense of connection with listeners.
That period led to his debut EP, “Short Stories,” which was funded by William & Mary. The project marked an early step in his recording journey and laid the foundation for the work that followed.
Finding Stages Wherever Life Took Him
After college, work brought Theocles to Philadelphia and then Minnesota. Even with a full schedule, he kept music close. He played open mics, bar gigs, house shows, festivals, and street corners. Any chance to perform became a chance to share a song.
These years helped shape his practical view of music. A performance did not need a large stage to matter. A street corner, a living room, or a small local room could still create a strong connection. He learned to meet people where they were and to bring warmth into ordinary spaces.
When COVID changed live entertainment, he found another way to sing for people. He invited neighbors to sit on lawns and porches while he performed from his driveway. This moment reflected the same spirit that has followed him throughout his career. Music was not only something to present. It was something to give.
Choosing Music Full Time
In December 2020, Theocles chose to pursue music full-time. He returned to Charlottesville, where he stepped back into the folk roots that shaped him. Regular live performances became part of his routine. His partnership with The Front Porch, a community music organization, became one of the key parts of that return.
During this period, he released “Pressure,” “Suburbia,” and “Johnny & Me.” He also formed deeper ties with musicians in Charlottesville. These relationships gave him support, motivation, and creative energy.
That environment helped lead to his first full-length studio album, “Roses.” The album showed his ability to bring catchy melodies together with thoughtful lyrics. “Don’t Blame It” used a bouncy New Orleans feel while addressing creepy behavior at festivals. “Wait For You to Wake Up” took a more emotional path, written from the perspective of a beloved pet dog.
Theocles used “Roses” to show both emotional range and technical control. The local response opened doors to larger stages, including the historic Southern Music Hall and Ting Pavilion. These opportunities expanded his reach while keeping his work grounded in the Charlottesville community.
A Move to Richmond and a Wider Virginia Reach
In 2024, Theocles moved to Richmond. The move gave him a new creative challenge and a chance to join another active Virginia music scene. He worked with old friends and new collaborators to record and shoot the music video for “Fiddle Baby.”
The song leaned into the bluegrass roots of his hometown while carrying an energetic folk pop style. “Fiddle Baby” quickly became a fan favorite. It earned regular play on local radio and helped lead to his first tour. That East Coast run included saxophonist Jake Vanaman of Kendall Street Company.
Theocles followed the song with the X.O.S. EP, a four-song project about finding and losing love. The EP showed a broader side of his writing. “Moonlit Windows” had a tender, intimate tone. “Miss Independent” moved into a sharper sound, with hip-hop influence and a sense of disillusionment. The project became the foundation for his second solo tour in fall 2025.
Expanding Through New Collaborations
As his reach grew beyond his hometown, Theocles also found new collaborators in Charlottesville. Artists and producers McGwire, ASTRSK*, and Wülf Boi recognized his talent and brought him into their creative work. Their success in the Nerdcore music space gave him access to a different audience and a new style of collaboration.
Alongside them, he performed sold-out 1700-cap shows opening for platinum artist The Living Tombstone. He also gained online attention for co-writing, arranging, and performing “MAIN ATTRACTION!!” with McGwire.
These collaborations show his flexibility as a songwriter and performer. He can work with folk-influenced songs, pop structures, live band settings, and internet-driven music circles. Even when the sound changes, his focus remains direct. He builds songs around melody, feeling, and connection.
What Comes Next
In 2026, Theocles continues to grow on stage and in the studio. His new backing band, “Theocles & the Muses,” is preparing debut performances in Virginia. In July, he plans to return to his folk roots with a new EP called “Grow.” The project will feature intimate yet catchy songs.
He also plans to release an original holiday song, “Gingerbread Home,” in December. A new dramatic ballad with McGwire is also expected.
Beyond releases and performances, he continues to use music to support others. He puts on fundraising shows, creates opportunities for new artists, and still sings on street corners for the joy of it. For him, a meaningful performance can happen almost anywhere.
Theocles has built his path around a simple promise to himself and his listeners. His music comes from Virginia, but it is made for anyone willing to listen. Whether he plays at a local bar, an amphitheater, a living room, or a crowded room, his work returns to the same purpose: bringing people together through song.
