Intro
So my story is a bit unusual. I've managed to carve out decent career in photography over the past 20 years while secretly teaching myself guitar and writing songs. When Covid hit I caught a bad one and thought I was going to die in bed alone. As I lied there sweating and coughing I thought about what I'd regret not doing if I died. Pursuing music was at the top of the list. Fortunately I lived. So during the Covid lockdown I started to have a few select friends over to "jam". One of those people was James Myers. I played him a few of my old tracks and he immediately grabbed a mic and proceeded to write and sing over three songs. It was one of those magical connections you hear about in music documentaries. So we decided to form a band called OFF CHANCE. Things were really progressing despite having so much to learn. We were coming up with 2-3 songs every time we got together. Eventually the Covid lockdown ended. and life went back to "normal". James got married, had 2 kids and had to get back to work. I got back to work too but as far as music I was feeling abandoned and confused as to what to do. So what was supposed to be my side project, TONE BOLD, became my main focus. Honestly I'd rather be in a band than be a solo artist but I figure taking on this project would be a great way to get into the music game and who knows what will happen.
This year has been a rough one for me and I find myself stuck and depressed. I've become isolated and anxious when making music rather than having fun. Sure I could do it all on my own but not having anyone to write, play and record with is insanity. I feel like I'm grieving a band and a vision that I truly believed in that never came to fruition while trying to be my own full band and support team. It sucks! So when I saw a spot had opened up at La Sierra Casa, I jumped on it and I'm so so so grateful you all accepted me.
I feel like getting accepted to La Sierra Casa and actually making it out of Brooklyn to play with creative supportive people including Carl Barât and Kyle Falconer is enough for me. The anticipation alone has me feeling more happy and free than I've felt in over a year but there are some specific things I'd like to achieve at camp.
1. Play with people - When I think about it, I've probably only played with a live drummer 10 times in my entire life. I've never played live save for 2 open mic performances. I'm not sure how to achieve sounds through amps. I rarely play my electric guitar standing up. Singing into a mic live with a band seems different than singing into a mic while recording in my bedroom. Basically, I wanna rock some songs out with a full band if possible and gain more stage confidence.
2. Record/Track - I'm not horrible at making things sound pretty good in GarageBand but I hit sticking points with my songs and don't know what to do or where to go. I also have 3-4 songs that are stuck on my acoustic guitar that I want to lay down a recorded foundation for.
3. SXSW? - I'm trying to check all the boxes to make the late deadline for SXSW '25. So anything that helps further me in that process will be helpful.
4. Help others - As I said, I really have no intention of becoming a solo artist. In fact I'd like to get better and producing and start a label so I can help other artists. I feel just as much if not more joy and accomplishment when I help other people shine. My photography background comes in handy as I can create top notch content for almost nothing and I'm decent with design and marketing.
Links
Here's a link to the TONE BOLD demos. 2 of the songs "I Hear You" and "I Believe in You" I feel solid about and want to work on the recordings. There are about 5 other songs that fit more or less in the songwriter genre and the La Sierra Casa vibe. I'll simply have to play for you acoustically when I arrive. "Snow Day" will be a special winter single and "Let It Go" is part of a separate collection of songs I plan on releasing Spring/Summer '25. The others are just strong ideas for now.
TONE BOLD WEBSITE - links to my Instagram and such are here
So here's OFF CHANCE. Isn't James' voice incredible! I'd like to work on tracking/arranging "No Ordinary Love". Otherwise, I put a lot into these songs (playing everything, recording everything, trying to mix them). I'm hoping Tone Bold will cut a path by putting a band together and improving overall so when James' time frees up, he can just show up and sing.
I'll also be bringing my pro camera rig. So if anyone wants to do a photo session or just get some tips on how to take better pics, I'm here for you.