Tyler James
Now a resident of Nashville, Tennessee, Tyler James has the clarity of voice and the keyboard touch found in few other young pianists. His "Stay Humble" (2005) is similar in style to the more recent songs of Andy Davis. But there is some difference - in production, for instance. The strings in the background add a nice touch to this tune.
James cites such influences as Bob Dylan and The Beatles, not unusual legends to build a career on. But this youthful player also credits the nighthawk poet Tom Waits and Wood Allen as contributing to his musical and lyrical development. He also includes Bill Withers, who may be one of the least appreciated songwriters of our time. Having these sounds in your young head would certainly help a singing career.
With assistance from Adam Keefer – bass, Dan Burns – drums, Mitch Jones – organ, and Aaron Roche – guitar, James has been touring in a limited way. He carries such tunes as "Sweet Relief" (Sweet Relief EP 2007) that are well-crafted and obviously constructed on piano by someone who knows the keyboard. "Don’t Leave" (Windows Facing West) and "For My Generation" (Sweet Relief EP 2007) continue the comfortable listening work, though it might be hard to determine which song, if any, will be considered great. The steel-guitar sound helps "For May Generation" become a bit more soulful.
He’s 25, looks 15 and sings like someone 40 years old. Good stuff.
Tags: music, independent music, indie music, indie, Tyler James
I’m not really sure if I really like his singing or songwriting. He’s got a nice voice, that’s for sure, and as far as his playing the piano he’s better than “just all right,” so the guy has some “musical chops” that can’t be denied.
What has me wondering is that while Tyler does seem like he’ll have a successful career, do I like him because he sings well, or do I like him simply because I like the genre he happens to prefer performing in? I mean, I’m impressed by the voice and potential of growth, but his lyrics don’t quite impress me…yet.
I’ve got to be honest, he has yet to sell me on his music. Each part of the composition seems great, but it just doesn’t do much for. I guess I just have to be in a certain mood for the music.
I’ll give him another chance later and check back in.
@Fardreamer
I really do have to agree though. His abilities are definitely not in question.
First of all, I can’t believe that he is 25! I wasn’t expecting that at all. I was actually guessing that he was 15 before I got to the end of the article.
Definitely better than average on the piano, not a stand-out voice in my head. The composition is interesting. I’d like to hear him live. Seems to me like the type of music that I would enjoy more in person.
I’m in Nashville, does he play regularly anywhere here?
I actually like the singing, songwriting, and definitely the strings. This is some good stuff. “Stay Humble” reminded me a bit of ColdPlay, but he is individual enough not to sound too much like them (note: just that on particular song reminded me of ColdPlay). To me, this is what Indie Pop is all about. Even you harder edge listeners should give him a listen. You may be a bit surprised. I do though agree with Redland. While I love everything that I have heard, I have to be in that certain mood to listen in. This could also be some great meditation music, especially “Come off Cold”.
Leighdu,
I am still perplexed by my somewhat unusual reluctance to really like Tyler. I do like the more gentle side of indie far more than I enjoy the hard-rock acts, so the guy has me on his corner, so to speak, genre-wise. It’s the lyrics that have me a bit on the fence-sitting aspect of listening to him.
Fardreamer,
Which song and what lyrics are you talking about? Can you give a specific example ? He has quite a few songs and I haven’t heard any generic, written in five minutes lyrics. Is is the subject or what? If you could give some examples I could better follow what you don’t like about it instead of saying that it is the lyrics as a whole.
I will give you and example of what I think are some well thought out lyrics by James:
“sweet relief - to wake to the rain upon my roof in that attic by my bed
loud enough to wake me to the visions that had come taken root in the night” ( From Sweet Relief)
“never been sent off to war
don’t know what you’re fighting for
are you the generation i call my own?
never lookin’ for a key
that unlocks doors and sets you free
from black coffins that bind” ( From My Generation)
Maybe it’s just this one song’s lyrics that don’t “work” for me. I suppose it’s my predilection for ballads and more concrete ideas that is getting in the way.
The song I don’t particularly care for much is “Stay Humble.” Musically, it’s fine. Lyrics-wise…well, it’s just not in my comfort zone.
(Stay Humble)
its for your own, its for your own goodness sake - its for your own protection from steps that you might take - i’m selfish, there i said it - it scares me when i see - that i can’t deny what comes so naturally
stay humble humble humble
its for your own, its for your own clear view - its for your own efforts to hold on to whats true - my comfort and my glory - are shaken when i see - that my life’s not a story about me
Goodness, look at that picture! He looks just like a kid! I certainly wasn’t expecting him to have such a sweet voice. It sounds so mature. I am liking this guy already. I too like the violin additions for Stay Humble. It really adds a nice vibe to the entire song. I wouldn’t mind seeing a concert at all. That is the kind of voice that I hope would belong to my future husband
Oh, yes. I saw that photo and thought he looked like a kid in high school about to perform in public for the first time. (Been there, done that, but lost the T-shirt!) The voice certainly doesn’t sound child-like at all, and as far as composing/arranging goes, he is a very talented person indeed.
I am going to be completely honest when I say that my day gets a little bit better whenenver I hear my iPod begin to play a Tyler James song. He’s got such an amazing voice and when he sings its so powerful it seems as if hes almost holding back. I believe Tyler has a looonnngggg music career ahead of him, and as far as it comes to purchasing his music..etc. I’ll be there to support every step of the way.