I’m proud to say that my song That Moon was featured on Kink.fm yesterday for the Local Music Spotlight!! It was a very cool experience because I got to do a 10 minute phone interview with Inessa that she has included in full on the Kink web page — it really gave me the chance to talk about my career, my song and my goals for 2011. Thanks Inessa!!

To listen to the entire phone interview, go the the Kink.fm here or to download my song That Moon, visit CD Baby here.

Thanks Kink for supporting local artists and thanks for playing my song That Moon from my newest record Long Before the Wheel.

I woke up this morning to find that the newspaper in my hometown, the West Linn Tidings, had written a very kind article about me being named the “Best Male Artist” at the 2011 Portland Music Awards. It’s an honor that the city I grew up in still follows my path and recognizes my achievements as they happen.

Thank you Nicole DeCosta for writing this piece and for spreading the word about my accomplishments in the bigger city that lays just 20 miles up the road.

Read the full article by clicking on the image below or visiting this link: http://bit.ly/h5uIYD

Tyler Stenson is Best Male Artist
by Nicole DeCosta

The West Linn Tidings, Feb 3, 2011

Tyler Stenson, a West Linn High School graduate, received the award for “Best Male Artist” during Friday’s Portland Music Awards at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. Stenson’s latest album, “Long Before the Wheel,” is available for purchase online.

Tyler Stenson, 29, called the city of Portland “the great incubator” during his acceptance speech on Friday after winning the award for “Best Male Artist” at the 2011 Portland Music Awards (PMAs) Jan. 28.

Although traveling between Nashville, Tenn., and Portland over the past year and a half, the West Linn High School graduate turned singer-songwriter said Portland’s music scene is one of a kind — and this win “puts a smile” on his heart.

“Considering the talent that surrounded me on the ballot, I was simply honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as the other phenomenal talents, let alone (be) set apart and selected as the ‘Best Male Artist’ in Portland,” Stenson said after the show. Also nominated in the category this year were Jacob Merlin, Chris Margolin, Will Coca and Jordan Harris.

Stenson — known for his uncomplicated yet sophisticated stage presence, which includes himself, a stool, a guitar and a large screen displaying his song lyrics — said he’s “worked hard each and every day for the last decade to be the best artist I can be.”

“This is pure validation that I’m on the right path and building something that’s being noticed,” he said. “It’s a great moment of pride and accomplishment for me.”

Noting similarities between Nashville and Portland, Stenson said he has “increasing pride” for his hometown.

“Nashville is considered ‘The Music City’ and while the scene is definitely robust, it’s not that much more impressive than Portland. Both cities have great talent hiding in every crack,” Stenson said.

He continued, “While most of my colleagues are disgusted with their hometown music scene … I brag endlessly about Portland and give the music scene full credit for my successes in Nashville.”

Founded in 2008 by Craig Marquardo, the PMAs were designed to bring attention and appreciation to the artists who make up the Portland music scene. This year’s show was hosted by PDX-TV On-Air Host and Promotions Coordinator with Chloe Houser and “Top Gun” actor Tom Skerritt and with appearances by actor Daniel Baldwin and comedian Gallagher.

“To be able to produce a show that honors such excellent musicians like Tyler Stenson is what makes the enormous effort and sacrifice worth it,” Marquardo said. “The art and the community are equally worthwhile.”

For more information about Tyler Stenson, visit his website at www.tylerstenson.com.

Read the full article by clicking on the image below or visiting this link: http://bit.ly/h5uIYD

I just received word that my name has been put on the ballot for The Deli Magazine’s Favorite Emerging Portland Artist voting contest. I’m not sure who or what nominated me for one of the top spots but I’m honored to be considered nonetheless.

Vote here: http://portland.thedelimagazine.com/

Although I’ve used most of my promotional power to gain the Best Male Artist votes for the Portland Music Awards, if you have any energy left in you, please go to The Deli Magazine website and cast a vote in my direction.

May the best Emerging Artist in Portland win.

Hot off the press!! This press release just went live today on PRWeb.com … please pass it around, write about me and/or enjoy.

2011 PROMISES A BRIGHT ROAD AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ONE UP AND COMING SINGER-SONGWRITER IN NASHVILLE

Based in Nashville by way of Portland, OR, singer/songwriter Tyler Stenson has started off 2011 with a bang, complete with a nomination for Portland’s “Best Male Artist” at the Portland Music Awards, a TV theme song, a new album, a featured article in Music Connection Magazine and a showcase at Nashville’s premiere venue, the Bluebird Café on February 1st.

Nashville, TN (Vocus/PRWEB) — Amidst the waves of aspiring artists, there is one very unique singer/songwriter in Nashville that is breaking bigger than the rest. Tyler Stenson (29), is a standout singer/songwriter in Portland that recently relocated to the Music City and has turned heads in just a few short months. While the stakes get higher each year for Stenson, 2011 is off to a booming start and brimming with projects and promising opportunities for this up and coming artist.

Though he is currently located in Nashville, the great Northwest remembers Stenson as an award winning singer/songwriter and local celebrity. As a result, this regional clout has etched his name as a nominee for “Best Male Artist” in the 2011 Portland Music Awards. Votes have been collected and on January 28th, the most notable members of the Portland music community will join at the historic Crystal Ballroom where Stenson aims to be recognized as the top of his category.

In addition to this prestigious honor, Stenson was recently commissioned to write the theme song for Good Samaritans, an exciting new television series that is presently in pilot phase and being aired nationally on major networks such as ABC in Los Angeles and New York, DISH Network, DIRECTV and many more notable
avenues.

While these exciting opportunities are unfolding, Stenson is not standing by with idol hands. In fact, he is currently in the recording studio co-producing a complete re-recording of his 2008 LP See That Gleam. With a few more years under his belt and Nashville’s finest musicians as contributors, this re-invention of his former record boasts two never-before-heard bonus tracks and an infectious facet that eluded Stenson on the 2008 release.

“I’ve always felt that the songs from See That Gleam were amongst my best writing, however, I feel like the production did them little justice. I have learned so much since that ‘08 recording session and grown in ways I couldn’t begin to explain. I have every intention of producing an album that glorifies these songs to the fullest and showcases my newfound confidence as both an artist and a producer.”

All of this excitement surrounding Stenson and his music has not gone unnoticed. In fact, Music Connection Magazine, an industry authority on rising stars, recently featured a beaming article on Stenson and his captivating live performance at Hotel Café in Los Angeles.

“Holding an audience largely unfamiliar with you or your material is tough, but Stenson did an admirable job. The use of the dynamics is critical in an acoustic setting, and Stenson showed he’s a master of contrasting quiet, intimate verse whispers with gripping, soaring choruses,” says writer Dean Moore from Music Connection Magazine.

All of these exhilarating opportunities, coupled with his upcoming performance at the widely revered Bluebird Café in Nashville, TN on February 1st are proof that 2011 is a very promising year for this up and coming artist.

Tyler Stenson is a unique singer/songwriter in Nashville by way of Portland, OR. Known for his intelligent yet relatable lyrics and elegant folk styling, he has been twice-named Portland’s Performing Songwriter of the Year (2007 and 2008), nominated for the Wyoming Governor’s Art Award for his song about Wyoming and has released eight albums including Bittersweet Parade and Long Before the Wheel – both released in 2010.

I woke this morning to find that Music Connection Magazine had published a lovely piece about me and my show at Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles. It’s short and sweet but, as the first bit of press in 2011, I’m honored to receive the attention and the kind words.

You can read the entire piece by clicking on the image below — it will expand to reveal a larger version of the article. Enjoy the write-up and spread the word.

Thank you all.

Tyler Stenson in Music Connection Magazine - 01/01/2011

TYLER STENSON
Hotel Café
Los Angeles, CA

By Dean Moore

MATERIAL:
Nashville by way of Portland singer-songwriter Tyler Stenson describes his music as “elegant folk,” and that’s accurate. He’s a storyteller first and foremost, wrangling poetic lyrics that highlight his continuing understanding of the world around him both past and present. His Western roots still provide a pervading theme, as he comes to grips with his migration east (“Leave Oregon”) and asks the folks he left behind to support the changes he was compelled to make in his life (“We Grow”). There are a few times when the literate delivery of the message feels a bit labored (Stenson cites Cormac McCarthy as an influence), but the message is always sincere, and the Americana style of the music is just right.

MUSICIANSHIP:
Stenson seamlessly moves from guitar, to piano, to guitar and harmonica together. He looks particularly at home on the guitar, as one song calls for some dexterous fingerpicking, another utilizes pickless strumming, and a later tune has him intensely but tastefully bending strings to punctuate the dramatic effect of the lyrics. Vocally, Stenson’s voice still has a modern rock accent, but overall he’s left any Daughtry-esque leanings behind for a more graceful approach that reminds much more of folk royalty like Taylor and Browne. Stenson also proves that his harmonica is not a prop when he tears into songs like “Best Laid Plans” with some ferocious, adept harp blowing.

PERFORMANCE:
Stenson’s touring experience has obviously served him well. Especially when it’s a one-man show, holding an audience largely unfamiliar with you or your material is tough, but Stenson did an admirable job. The use of the dynamics is critical in an acoustic setting, and Stenson showed he’s a master of contrasting quiet, intimate verse whispers with gripping, soaring choruses. His stage presence was witty and conversational: he said he wrote one up-tempo song because “I don’t have a ton of upbeat songs in my repertoire, and the ones that are are about death.” A pot dropped in the kitchen at the end of a slower tune, and Stenson praised the timing of the “cymbal player” in the back. In the middle of another song, he told us that “My brother hates this next verse.”

SUMMARY:
The audience appeared to have walked away from Stenson’s set having warmly bought into the depth and classic feel of his sincerely told story-songs. They also appreciated his easy manner on stage, and the conviction and boldness with which he plays and sings is engaging as well. Not every single lyric resonates on first listen, but the ones that do – lines like “Can’t help thinking if you believe in God, why can’t you believe in me?” – do in a big, big way.

Dean Moore
Music Connection Magazine
January 2011 Edition
Page 55

Earlier this week, I issued a press release in support of my new album Long Before the Wheel (now available on CD Baby and iTunes). It was distributed far and wide and highlights my album release and my D.I.Y. national tour with Shelly Fraley.

You can find the press release in full by linking to it below or simply scrolling down. Enjoy the read and spread the word!

READ THE FULL PR HERE: http://bit.ly/bYJj6A

——

National D.I.Y. Tour Supports Fan-funded Acoustic Music Album by Portland’s Songwriter of the Year Tyler Stenson

In the wake of a successful fan-based fundraiser through Kickstarter.com, Tyler Stenson, Portland’s Songwriter of the Year, has completed his new acoustic-based album “Long Before the Wheel” and will be introducing his creation live to audiences across the country on his grass roots national tour this fall.

Nashville, TN — October 19, 2010

A few short months ago burgeoning acoustic artist Tyler Stenson, initiated a fan-based fundraiser through Kickstarter.com with the intentions of funding a new album. As of August he far exceeded his fundraising goal and leaped into the process of recording. Now, just two months later, Stenson has completed his new elegant folk music EP Long Before the Wheel and will be releasing it in style during a national tour this fall.

Though he has yet to secure any sort of record label backing, prominent promotional firm or lucrative distribution deal, Stenson is undaunted. In fact, the ability to shape his own destiny simply adds fuel to the independent’s fire.

“These are exciting times if you ask me. Record labels are crumbling and we’ve returned to the Wild West. The industry hasn’t changed – it’s changing – therefore I feel my odds are better than ever if I just remain elastic, continue with tenacity, pick my battles, persevere and enjoy each step of the journey.”

Strategically partnering with a fellow Nashville-based pop artist, Shelly Fraley, Stenson’s upcoming self-organized tour will take him to the four corners of the United States and everywhere in between, including a stop in Los Angeles to perform at the prestigious Hotel Cafe. Because both Stenson and Fraley are promoting new albums, the two solo artists are combining forces in a grass roots fashion to make their lasting musical mark – in their own unique way.

Long Before the Wheel is Stenson’s eighth studio album in just ten years of writing and performing. Rather than simply maintaining par, his fans and critics unanimously agree, his work just keeps getting better. Based on the steady improvement of his craft, the ever-growing train of loyal followers behind him and the impressive do-it-yourself campaign that he has spearheaded, this new album and national tour are certainly not Stenson’s last waltz.

# # #

Tyler Stenson is an award winning singer-songwriter from Portland, OR that is currently based in Nashville, TN. As the pioneer of his genre “elegant folk,” Stenson’s lyrical acoustic music is catching on internationally and attracting a train of followers that find a piece of themselves in the sincerity of his words. His new album Long Before the Wheel is now available on CD Baby and iTunes.

Press Contact

Monique Roy
310-569-9401
mroy at regimeentertainment dot com

As you know, my Kickstarter.com fundraiser for my new album Long Before the Wheel was a complete success — 90 fans banded together to help me raise enough to record and release my newest creation. Thank you.

That said, I’m proud to say that the story is getting some media attention in the wake of a press release issued just a couple days ago.

This fundraiser was not an easy task in the least so I hope you’ll read this piece about the process and how I used it to fund my passion for songwriting and recording. Read the full article below or by clicking here.

Tyler Stenson on MusicBizCenter.com

THE ARTICLE IN ITS ENTIRETY:

Tyler Stenson – A Fan Funded Success Story
Ever get that feeling that you are the only person in the world who actually
believes in your music? Sometimes, when you get in that pinch at the end of the
month when you skipped work to go on tour or had to buy a new amp and your CD’s
aren’t selling, it seems like the music business may have been a bad career
decision. It’s okay. You can admit it. We all have those days.

While it may seem like giving up is the only option, there are always
alternatives and the success story I am about to share with you demonstrates
just how much the fans care about our music and why you need to keep pushing
long after you feel like giving up.

A few weeks back, I wrote a blog piece about Kickstarter.com, a website for
creative individuals like musicians to find funding for their projects. Since
that time, I’ve been watching the buzz around the Internet and the music world
for examples to show you of the site in action. This morning when I was checking
my email, I found just such a story and I want to share it with you now.

The story involves Tyler Stenson, a very prolific independent folk
singer/songwriter from Portland, Oregon who, like the rest of us, faced those
sharp moments where the cash flow wasn’t matching the time he needed in the
recording studio. He had a slew of great songs he wanted to record and deliver
to his fans but the money was hard to find. So he gave up?…. NO, I’m just
kidding. He didn’t give up. He got creative.

Tyler had heard of Kickstarter.com and their unique funding platform so he
got on board and created a project. Then he used social media and other online
networking techniques to help him advertise his project. His original goal for
the project was simple: Earn $3,500 in pledges in 60 days to fund the recording
and production of his eighth album, Long Before The Wheel.

Sixty days later, a group of 90 fans had signed on and pledged their support
to the project. What is even greater is the fact that these 90 fans exceeded the
goal of $3,500 and Tyler actually made almost $4,000 to fund the creation of his
album with the final count being $3,924. That means, on average, his fans
donated over $43 each.

How many fans do you have? Most bands have at least fifty fans. How far would
an extra $2,000 go towards helping your band be successful in releasing an
album? The amazing thing is five of Tyler Stenson’s fans donated at least $250
to the project. Does your music have that kind of effect on people? Does it
create such a powerful response that they believe in your music career enough to
put $250 of their own money down as an investment in your career? If not, why
not?

So, here’s what I want you to do. Take a look at Tyler Stenson’s “Long Before
the Wheel: Recording Tyler Stenson’s Next Folk Album” project on Kickstarter.com
(I included the link at the end of this post) and see how he set it up and the
awesome rewards he offered to his backers. Look at what worked well for him and
what things you could imitate. Then, decide if this is something you could do.

I believe that each and every one of the people reading this post, including
you, have the potential for this kind of success. I want to see how much you
believe in yourselves and how many of you are willing to put in the work to be a
success. Please leave your comments here and make sure to include the links to
your own Kickstarter.com projects so we can follow your success as well.

See the project here: http://kck.st/clPNkY

Fans Fund Recording Through Internet for Independent Folk Artist Tyler Stenson’s 8th Studio Album

Studio costs are expensive, so Tyler Stenson, an award winning singer/songwriter from Portland, OR utilized the Internet to raise funds for the recording of his eighth studio album. Through Kickstarter.com and promotion on social networks, Stenson has managed to create a fully fan-funded recording experience for “Long Before the Wheel” – a sparkling follow up to his internationally acclaimed “Bittersweet Parade” LP.

Nashville, TN – Writing songs and creating music is only half the battle of the independent artist; the other half is the financial war of funding the recordings and distributing the art. Tyler Stenson, a prolific folk singer/songwriter from Portland, OR knows the struggle all too well. Rather than wait to finance his next album through his concert proceeds, he utilized some new Internet tools to reach out to his fans. He set up a donation page through Kickstarter.com, promoted it through his social network pages and met his fundraising goal of $3,500, green lighting his 8th studio album Long Before the Wheel long before he thought would be possible through self-funding.

“As a starving artist, I have always been more prolific than my pocket book. The recording process is just as much a passion of mine as crafting the songs themselves but, when it comes to producing content, I’m often limited by finances,” Stenson says.

The fundraising goal of $3,500 was established and made public through Kickstarter.com on June 1, 2010, and just 60 days later, roughly 90 friends and fans banded together to help Stenson breach his goal to make the new recording a reality. Stenson used other Internet resources to get the word out about the fundraiser through his website and social networks on FaceBook, Twitter, etc. In the end, approximately $4,000 was raised for the project, allowing Stenson a little extra for promotion of the new album as well.

Stenson was grateful to his fans and a little overwhelmed by their response to his call.

“I’ve always felt a warm support from my fans but watching them rise to this occasion in such a tangible manner – knowing that my friends and fans have enough faith in me to blindly fund my creations – that is the most inspiring piece of the plot.”

Slated for release on October 2, 2010, Stenson’s Long Before the Wheel EP is well under way and already a special creation because of the shining efforts to make it possible – a true labor of love by the artist and the fans alike.

###

Tyler Stenson is an award winning singer-songwriter from Portland, OR that is currently based in Nashville, TN. As the pioneer of his genre “elegant folk,” Stenson’s lyrical music is catching on internationally and attracting a train of followers that find a piece of themselves in the sincerity of his words.

Press Contact

Monique Roy
310-569-9401
mroy@regimeentertainment.com

This January during my Bittersweet Parade album release tour, I had the opportunity to sit down with the fellas at Acoustic Conversations and chat about my move to Nashville — I even got to play a couple songs! Curt and Peter are good guys and I always enjoy our little talks. I hope you do to.

LISTEN TO THE CONVERSATION: HERE
SEE MORE PHOTOS: HERE
RE-VISIT THE FIRST CONVERSATION: HERE

photo by pete wright

GO TO iTUNES TO DOWNLOAD THESE EXCLUSIVE LIVE TRACKS:

1. Welcome the Change
2. Leave Oregon
3. Blush
4. That Moon
5. Roderigo (Cover, Seven Mary Three)

My record Bittersweet Parade was recently featured on The Music Critic UK as the August 2010 Album of the Month! These are some of the kindest words I’ve ever heard toward my music and much needed at this time. Please read the review below and feel free to leave your own here.

Tyler Stenson: Bittersweet Parade – Album of the Month – August 2010

Every so often you get an album through to review that kinda takes you by surprise. In Tyler Stensons case the surprise is that he is not a bigger name than he is. The singer songwriter from Portland is a well known face on the cities local music scene but Stenson comes equipped for bigger things. The music is simple yet mesmerisingly beautiful and the voice distinctive, full of warmth, expression and with an aching sorrow in it at times. I’ve never heard of Stenson before this album but he has been a productive boy with a clutch of albums and ep’s before this release with some glowing reviews to boot.

The music is primarily acoustic and flirts with folk, Americana and bluegrass but it is none of these. Instead it takes on a pop element without being poppy. Confusing I know but suffice to say that the songwriting is of a quality that the like of Ryan Adams and Jackson Browne would struggle to match. This is beautiful, heartfelt and honest music that is performed with a conviction and passion that is simply irresistible.

Straight from the start you are in no doubt that you are listening to something very special. Opener Welcome The Change introduces a confident voice comfortable with intelligent lyrics that draw the listener in rather than patronising them and all set to a deceptively simple melody that is underpinned by driving acoustic guitar and flashes of mandolin. The Road is no less of a masterpiece, in fact there is nothing on this album for anyone to remotely dislike. The production is equally as impressive as the music, enveloping the whole album in a warm glow with space to allow the instrumentation to breath.

On an album of this quality it is hard to pick out individual tracks for praise but if pushed I would have to say that As The Crow Flies is a particular favourite. In fact I am struggling to think of when I have ever heard such a beautiful and mesmerising piece of music as this. It is a remarkable song and quite breathtaking.

This is by far one of the most accomplished and beautiful albums that I have ever heard and Tyler Stenson has produced something that he should be justifiably proud of. I seriously can’t believe that this man is not a star as he has proved with this album that he is in every sense of the word. I can’t recommend this album enough. Seriously…. buy it.

Read more: http://www.themusiccritic.co.uk/2010/07/tyler-stenson-bittersweet-parade-album.html#ixzz0upVEVE91