Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a musician and travel through the country on tour? Last Thursday, singer/songwriter Tyrone Wells sat and answered questions before his concert, elaborating on how he started his career in music, where he found his inspirations, and what it is like to be a well recognized musician.
The concert itself was held at Stage One, which made for an interactive atmosphere during the concert itself. The venue actually resembles our very own Black Box Theatre, as it provides an intimate setting for the events held there.
Tyrone Wells grew up in Spokane, Wash., where his passion for making music swelled. He loved music throughout his adolescence, having four sisters who were also active in music.
During his college years, Wells played in a band and began playing guitar and writing songs more professionally. He played live music at a local coffee shop each Thursday night in Orange County, Calif. This weekly gig lasted for years, and helped Wells better come to understand his true passion for making music, and his intense desire to share this creative process.
After a few years of small local gigging, Wells’ name became more and more recognizable, and started playing at bigger venues. Sooner than he knew, he was touring the nation. As he slowly became an up and coming musical hit, he remarked that he, all the while, had to “be able to humbly go about [his] business.”
Wells added that when he decided to make music not only his hobby, but also his career path, he faced some obstacles: “When I was in college, all my friends were in their careers, making way more money than I was, but I was still holding this dream together. You have to persevere and push through.” He also remarked, “Nothing takes the place of practice … lots of practice and hard work.”
Wells’ practicing and perseverance has seen him through, as his music has been featured in both television shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and movies such as “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.” He has also had top hits on iTunes charts, and is now travelling all over the United States on his own tour. Check out his latest album, “This Love.”
As for what Wells would consider to be the central message of his music, he said that each song truly has its own theme and message. Much like those of his inspirations, such as James Taylor, Patti Griffin and Stevie Wonder, Wells’ songs are byproducts of his own personal life experiences that he hopes will “strike a chord” with his audience.
He said, “I definitely hope that people leave inspired and encouraged. I hope they leave feeling that my music is a friend of theirs.”
This statement is quite profound, as the interplay between Wells and his audience was evident throughout the concert. Wells strives to keep the audience coming back for more … and he succeeds.
Wells said that the best part of performing live at a concert is “when I can lose myself in the music.” He continued, “There’s a connection that is formed between you and the crowd that I love. We are all experiencing something together, and I just happen to be the one who is helping to create the experience … and that’s really fun.”
During the concert itself, Wells played some of his original songs (such as the single, “Freedom”), as well as a mash-up of current radio hits, encouraging a sing-along.
He added that his Christian faith and religious upbringing has played a huge role in not only his music, but in all aspects of Wells’ life.
Although Wells is not categorized as a Christian artist per se, he maintains that his music undoubtedly exhibits “underpinnings of faith.”
Wells remarked, “When you believe in this person called Jesus … it really affects everything. I’m trying to make a difference and say something that makes people think. I’m trying to point peoples’ hearts to God.”
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