Thollem McDonas, born on February 23, 1967, in the United States of America, is an American composer and songwriter. He began studying piano at age five under his mother's guidance and started composing his own music by fourteen. After graduating from San Jose State University with degrees in piano performance and composition, McDonas pursued political activism during the Gulf War before resuming his musical career. McDonas has released several albums including Dear Future (2013) and The Light Is Real (2023). His work spans various genres from classical to experimental music, and he has collaborated with notable musicians such as William Parker and Nels Cline on albums like Gowanus Sessions II (2020) and The Gowanus Session (2012). He founded the Estamos Ensemble in 2011, an international group promoting dialogue across the U.S.-Mexican border.
