Tyrone Wells Interview

by John on February 20th, 2009

Washington’s own Tyrone Wells has seen his fame skyrocket over recent years. His second album delivered a record deal with Universal, his hit single has infiltrated popular television shows like Ghost Whisperer and One Tree Hill, and he is all but poised to top the Billboard charts. He just released a new album, Remain, and took the time out of his busy schedule to do a brief interview.

What are your plans for 2009?

Mostly touring. I just released a new CD, so now it’s all about playing the new songs all over this great nation.

What are your biggest influences as an artist?

Musically speaking – Stevie Wonder, Patty Griffin, Coldplay, Ray LaMontagne, Jon Foreman. The list is long.

Has recording an album for a major label like Universal Republic added additional pressure on you as an artist to deliver in terms of sales and quality?

Maybe. But I think I feel the pressure that I put on myself the most.

Musically, what did you try to do differently on the new record?

I did a lot more song writing collaboration on the new record. This made for a much different sounding record than my previous records. I just tried to make the best record I could make, I didn’t consciously set out to change anything.

As an artist who actually holds records for how rigorous your touring schedule is, what aspects do you enjoy about touring? Conversely, what do you dislike about touring?

I love seeing new places and introducing the music to new people. I love the team aspect of a band, management, and label working together to accomplish as much as you can. I dislike being away from my wife, dog, and my other family and friends in California.

You’re becoming a bit of a mainstay on TV right now (One Tree Hill, Numb3rs, Ghost Whisperer etc.) how does it feel to switch on your television to hear your music on such huge shows?

Awesome.

You worked with some huge names on the songwriting circuit for Remain, specifically Martin Terefe, Iain Archer, David Hodges and Tim Myers amongst others, how was that experience for you? Did working with these guys push you to be the absolute best you can be?

It was great to write with these guys. All of them are a breeze to work with and really great at what they do. I learned a lot and am grateful to work with such incredible talent.

Thanks to Tyrone Wells and to Brandon Chamberlain.