Music - July 2011
Soft Rock/Blues
The Other Side of Nowhere
Tyler K. Thompson
www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TylerKThompson
Play "2,000 Miles"
from The Other Side of Nowhere
Story by Emily Drabanski
Making a living as a musician has always been a challenge, but Tyler K. Thompson is determined to do just that. The Las Cruces multi-instrumentalist recorded The Other Side of Nowhere when he was just 18. He turned 19 in April, and has worked hard to make his dream to join Up with People, an international musical touring company, a reality. He passed the audition, received a scholarship, and has raised enough money to participate this summer.
In a recent interview, Thompson spoke passionately about his music. Blind since birth, he says he has faced challenges, but he’s not easily discouraged. For the past year, Thompson has performed twice a week at both the Las Cruces Farmers’ and Crafts Market and the Mesilla Plaza Market, as well as every Friday night at Nopalito Restaurant, in Las Cruces. He also gives lessons in guitar and piano. His own keyboard style is reminiscent of that of one of his idols: Ray Charles.
Tyler Thompson is a third-generation musician—as a youngster, he was part of a country/rock band with his parents and grandfather. “It was a lot like being in the Partridge Family.” His debut CD reflects Thompson’s ability to write songs with melodic hooks and engaging lyrics. He plays piano, guitar, bass guitar, and drums on the album. While he enjoys the variety, he hopes to find some bandmates while touring with Up with People. The vocal quality on the album varies, but Thompson is committed to polishing those skills.
While his songs lean toward rock and pop, they strongly indicate Thompson’s keen interest in jazz and blues. In fact, the closing track, “2,000 Miles,” was a finalist for Best Blues Song in this year’s New Mexico Music Awards. The song has all the requisite blues hooks, and the lyrics reflect on a long-distance romance that led to heartbreak.
Another standout is “Do We Listen,” inspired by conversations Thompson has overheard at the Las Cruces Farmers’ and Crafts Market. “I don’t think people really take time to listen to their children or the elders,” he says.
One thing is certain—people will want to listen to this CD, and to future recordings by this promising young musician.
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