With the release of my new album Another Gleam well under way, I’m proud to say that I was recently highlighted in my hometown paper The West Linn Tidings and across the way in The Lake Oswego Review. In all, both publications ran the exact same article but, because I’ve already highlight some Tidings tidbits in my blog before, for today’s purposes, here is the piece from The Lake Oswego Review.

CLICK HERE OR THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FULL ARTICLE!!

TEXT VERSION OF ARTICLE COMING SOON …until then, click on the image above!!

As I mentioned previously, there have been a couple little blurbs in the media supporting the release of my new album Another Gleam — below is the Willamette Week mention from 6/19/11 by Casey Jarman.

I have to say, when a music critic says “sooner or later, we’re guessing, Nashville will come to him…” those are kind words to fuel the fire. Thanks to Casey Jarman at Willamette Week for the love!!

READ THE FULL REVIEW BELOW OR ON THE WILLAMETTE WEEK WEBSITE

The Druthers, Tyler Stenson, Bryan Free
CASEY JARMAN

[SINGER-SONGWRITER] Last we checked in with Tyler Stenson, the Portland singer-songwriter had moved to Nashville to see about grabbing that big brass ring. While we fully supported the decorated local artist’s big move, it seemed a daunting proposition. Because while mainstream pop and country music tunes of the day are packed with kitschy false sentiment and inappropriate product placement, Stenson’s songs—especially the fine fare on new record Another Gleam, out tonight—remain able narratives untethered to time and place. Stenson’s music may be a bit safe-sounding for the local indie-rock masses, but the man certainly knows how to pen a tune. Sooner or later, we’re guessing, Nashville will come to him.

There have been a couple nice media bites in the last week in support of the release of my new album Another Gleam — below is the Up & Coming mention from The Portland Mercury on 6/17/11.

In all, when a critic at The Mercury says your record is utterly perfect, one cannot and will not complain. Thanks to EAC at The Portland Mercury for the love!!

READ THE FULL REVIEW BELOW OR ON THE PORTLAND MERCURY WEBSITE

THE DRUTHERS, TYLER STENSON, BRYAN FREE
(Someday Lounge, 125 NW 5th) Tyler Stenson bills his music as “elegant folk,” and who am I to disagree with that? The just-released Another Gleam is his re-recording of his 2008 album See That Gleam (he better complete the trifecta with a remix album entitled Gleaming the Cube), and it’s a perfectly passable recording of sensitive dude folk music, not far removed from the quivering Gap commercial that is Damian Rice, or a surfer brah Jack Johnson. The sensibility of re-recording your old record aside, there is nothing to dislike about Another Gleam—it’s utterly perfect in so many ways—yet it feels empty, like a pristine model home that lacks the charm of a more ramshackled, lived-in domicile. That’s not to say you won’t fall head over heels for Stenson (fans of Rice or Johnson certainly might), it’s just that music with a little risk has always sounded better to my ears. EAC

BUY ANOTHER GLEAM ON CD BABY

On Thursday, May 19, 2011, I was featured on the KINK.fm Local Music Spotlight with my song Great Man’s Funeral from my album Bittersweet Parade. Because I was playing the Wyoming tourism event in Pioneer Square the following day, KINK was gracious enough to invite me into the studio for a chat with Inessa and to play my humble song on the air.

In all, we talked about my roots in Wyoming and how I came to be invited to play such an event. We also chatted in depth about my song Great Man’s Funeral and the meaning behind it.

Thank you Inessa and KINK.fm for your hospitality and for giving a local boy the opportunity to be heard on the airwaves and to be featured as your Local Music Spotlight.

To hear the full interview with Inessa, visit here.

DIRECT CONTENT FROM KINK.FM

Turns out there’s a “wild west” piece to Tyler Stenson, I never knew about. Wyoming born, and totally Portland. But there’s an annual visit back to the wide open spaces. This w-end/ Wyoming comes to Portland.

TYLER STENSON
Tyler does go back home to family, like once a year, he told me. But through a chain of events, and a song, (Tyler wrote about that “last good piece of land”) it caught the attention of the office of Tourism. Now they are setting up in Pioneer Courthouse Square Friday through Sunday, May 20-22nd. Tyler will be doing the music side of things.

As an artist, one must always be presenting their most up-to-date happenings; however, keeping all of your promotional materials fully current can be a nightmare — it’s entirely too easy to be a step behind. Well, last night I dug deep and finally updated my artist one sheet for 2011. Although it’s mostly an informational piece for industry folks, feel free to pass it along!!

DOWNLOAD THE .PDF
DOWNLOAD THE .JPG

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