INTERVIEW: Tanner

We caught up with solo artist Tanner to see how his self titled EP is doing, and to learn a thing or two about it.

How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn't listened to you before? What makes your sound stand out?

Thanks for the question. I try to have bass driven music. Bass is my favorite instrument. I am heavily influenced by the blues, and 50’s and 60’s music. I think my sound stands out today for two reasons. One being that I focus on the vocal melody, and the story behind the song. I’m not wanting a “vibe” or a 20 minute jam. My songs are short, simple, and I speak to events in my life hoping people will relate. Secondly, I try to keep a positive spin on things. I write a lot about heartbreak or bad times, but there is a way to do that with a positive spin. I don’t want to depress people with sound, or drag them down to dark places I’ve been. There’s a lot of melodramatic music being put out there, but I want my listeners to be in a better mood after hearing me.  

You currently just released your self-titled EP, can you tell us a little more about it?

This EP was all about heartache, loss, and finding myself again. I recorded the EP after leaving treatment, ending a serious relationship, and after a major move to New York City. The EP is about where I was at the time and what I was going through. It’s written and recorded in a very real time way, what I was feeling and thinking in that moment. For me, writing a story and recording it is my way of putting it behind me and moving on. 

What is your favorite song off the record and why?

I really enjoy the song Satellite. Its about being in the moment, in good company, and zoning the rest out. It’s about a drive I used to make a lot from Manhattan to upstate New York. Zoning everything out, radio playing, cell phones off. That’s what it’s all about. 

What is your writing/recording process like?

It really varies. First, I live something or experience something I want to talk about. Normally the vocal melody will come to me first, and I’ll work around that. Sometimes, I’ll sit down and play something that fits my mood at the time, and work out the melody. The melody is always the focus. The story always comes first, and the lyrics come last. I normally record a rough demo or something of the music, and when I’m in the headspace that relates to what I plan on discussing, I’ll grab some headphones, put the music on, and head out for a walk while I write the lyrics. Melodies get drilled in my head, and I can’t think about anything else, so I try not to have too many songs going on at the same time. That always seems to be the case  Sometimes I finish a song in 20 minutes, sometimes it takes months to figure out exactly what I want to say. Sometimes I have to come at it from the viewpoint of reflection rather than real time, although this EP is very much real time.  

Any tours in the future?

We are working on some plans now actually that I am very excited about. Playing shows and getting lost in the music is my passion. 

Anything else you would like to add? Thanks Tanner!

Thank you for asking me questions and being interested in my music. I write from my heart, and talk about what I’ve lived, so its always cool when people enjoy it. Thank you.