When I first came to the internet in search of new music, I never expected to find a sound so explosive that it would light sparks in my very soul just to hear a few minutes of it. But I did… I found the music of Lee Tyler Post. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to interview this amazingly gifted artist.
GOM: How long have you been performing for live audiences? about 10 years or so… i did’nt start singing or playing guitar until i was 22 yrs. old… i just turned 34 so i got a late start.
Lee Tyler Post: For about 10 years or so. I did’nt start singing or playing guitar until i was 22 yrs. old. I just turned 34 so i got a late start.
GOM: What inspires you to write a song?
Lee Tyler Post: I honestly have to say moods…I’ve never sat down to write a song, usually i fall into a mood and grab my guitar and a song falls out… almost always the song is pretty much done in a few hours. Very rarely do I have to go back and fix it. I never have a topic or subject… I write probably 5 songs a week… and they pretty much have their own life… meaning, they dictate to me how they will come out… I feel more or less like a translater then a songwriter. Many times it takes months to figure out what the song was about in the first place… it’s weird !
GOM: What was the name of the first song you ever wrote?
Lee Tyler Post: “I’m Fading Away”… I think. “New Day Rising” would be my second guess…
GOM: Which of your songs is the most important to you?
Lee Tyler Post: Probably “Kindred”… It’s not my favorite song I’ve wrote, or even in my top 10, but it was written at a very hard time, and life in general appeared bleek. And for some reason this song has become a sentimental favorite to my fans… I guess people relate to it more.
GOM: If you were given a $100,000 grant from the government right now to use in aiding you and your band in your music career, what would be the first thing on which you would spend it?
Lee Tyler Post: Take this band on the road… use all the money to finance the whole thing, and go find out what you’re made of. This really is what every artist/band dreams of… playing in different cities every night. You hear more that it’s for the money and fame… but you must take it on the road to either get there…or maintain it. So one way or another, you must take it on the road. But hey…that’s just me !!!
GOM: Which of your albums is your favorite?
Lee Tyler Post: That’s a tough one… “If Hope Had Reason” was written more less as a demo to take to Nashville. Alot of the songs intended for this record were tossed out because i could not put my heart into them. Songs like “Almost Over You” and “Salvation Manor” were literally written the day I recorded them. Plus, I was never an acoustic artist before this CD… so singing and playing alone under a microscope in the studio was new to me… “Under The Strained Umbrella” was put together… and rushed…in a band format. Only 7 tunes, was suppose to have 12 … but all the songs that are on this disc go together.. and that really is hard to do. The 5 that were left off I think in some ways were better than the 7 on it… but they did not go well together. Soooo… to answer your question finally, I think “Strained” is better…. but I like “Hope” more. It has a vibe that “Strained” doesn’t. Plus, it was the first time i truly felt that I might have a shot at songwriting.
GOM: Who are some of your major influences?
Lee Tyler Post: Van Morrison & Bob Dylan….period. I have found every kind of music that appeals to me, between the two. But I do listen to John Hiatt, Tom Waits, Don Henley, Bob Marley and John Lennon also.
GOM: Do you ever feel like throwing in the towel?
Lee Tyler Post: I used to… but not anymore. I don’t mean quitting though, I mean pursuing it as a career. ( I could never not play). As a songwriter/artist it’s very frustrating to see what they’re pawning off on us as music these days. You really have to put your ego in the trash and just focus on what you do as an artist and beat to your own drum. I can honestly say, I have not listened to the radio or watched cable TV in almost 4 years… I don’t see the point. You won’t find the real talent there… (just my opinion, I don’t want to anger anyone) In clubs and coffee houses across America there are some fantastic artist’s/Bands, and that’s where they will stay until someone changes the invitation to the party.
GOM: Where do you see yourself in the future?
Lee Tyler Post: Hopefully successful… I do not play or write for the sole intention of money or fame, or alter my approach to the latest trend that’s happening, But… I do have a family and things in which I would like to accomplish. I would like a ranch in Montana, and enough yearly income to expand the Marshall Saint Mission Foundation, which is to serve sexually abused children and child abuse in general, and also act as a halfway house for recovering addicts of all kinds. I’m not a needy kind of of person, my wife, guitar & shelter does me just fine. I’m very driven, but content as well… so maybe content & driven… with alot more money!
GOM: What inspires you to write a song?
Lee Tyler Post: I honestly have to say moods…I’ve never sat down to write a song, usually I fall into a mood and grab my guitar and a song falls out… almost always the song is pretty much done in a few hours. Very rarely do I have to go back and fix it. I never have a topic or subject… I write probably 5 songs a week… and they pretty much have their own life… meaning, they dictate to me how they will come out. I feel more or less like a translator than a songwriter. Many times it takes months to figure out what the song was about in the first place… it’s weird!
GOM: What advice would you give to artists who have only recently picked up an instrument and decided to pursue a career in the music business?
Lee Tyler Post: Go back… learn the history of music. Study the roots… it is here that will give you direction. And never, i mean never, let anyone pursuade you off your path… and when everyone is telling you you’re no good, or give it up you’ll never figure it out…dig deeper, and remember, music is a matter of taste – there is no right or wrong… some people like apples, some like oranges… just play and you’ll fall somewhere in between.
Intrigued?? You can listen to the music of Lee Tyler Post, (or buy his albums) at www.leetylerpost.com or at www.mp3.com/leetylerpost
