Stevie Wonder, Patty Griffin, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel, Damien Rice, Counting Crows, Snow Patrol, Ray Lamontagne, U2, Coldplay, the Swell Season
Tyrone Wells has delivered an epic pop/rock album with his second major label effort, Remain. Pursuing a more collaborative process and having added a more lush production to his singer- songwriter roots, the new album proves to be a great showcase for his powerful and emotional voice.
The Spokane, WA native's desire to ‘open up the process' found him traveling to London to work with a circle of songwriters/musicians who aligned with Wells' musical direction. “Half of the album was done in London and the other half completed here in the states,” says Wells. “I didn't know what kind of record I was going to make before I got to London, but something just seemed to click while I was there that really defined what I wanted to do with this album.” Invoking a cathartic creative process from the very beginning for Remain, the songwriter penned an astounding 60 songs for the record.
Tyrone worked with songwriter/producer Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall, James Morrison) and Iain Archer (UK indie artist and Snow Patrol co-writer) in the UK, and Tim Myers (formerly of OneRepublic), David Hodges (formerly of Evanescence) and Matt Scannell (Vertical Horizon) in the U.S. Creating a work that manages to be more guitar-edged than previous Wells' efforts - but still unabashedly soul-baring - he appreciated huddling with collaborators like Terefe, who - like Wells - is a big believer in trusting one's instincts. “We had great chemistry together.” “Losing Ground,” one of a handful of production/songwriting collaborations between Wells and Terefe, was written and demoed in less than 3 hours during their first writing session together.
Wells has found himself on a new musical path on his second Universal Republic effort, but he continues to display the same gritty determination and work ethic that has enabled him to chart his own course from the very beginning. Wells launched his career unveiling his first indie release with the take-me-as-I-am motif of 2003's Snapshot. An in-demand live offering followed in 2005: Close: Live at McClain's, (the coffeehouse where he established his raved-about live rep) capturing the singer's unique intimacy with an audience.
Soon, major labels came calling. “All of a sudden, after five years of doing everything on my own steam I had all these labels interested,” says Wells. His 2007 release, the soulful Hold On, was originally his third indie record. The album was picked up by Universal Republic and released untouched as his major label debut.
The buzz surrounding Wells' inspiring wealth of songs was also beginning to land him song placements in films and TV shows. To date Tyrone has had significant placements including “One Tree Hill,” “Everyone's Hero,” “Rescue Me,” “Ghost Whisperer,” “Numbers,” “Criminal Minds,” “Army Wives,” “What About Brian,” “The 50 Greatest Moments at Madison Square Garden” and the “Rails & Ties” trailer.
Wells is particularly proud that Remain has carried him into some undiscovered territories. His voice continues to set him apart and his passion is demonstrated on this new album. “With constant touring it's important to believe in what you're singing every night. I'm excited about this new material and believe in these songs. I like where I'm going."
Remain is available in stores everywhere now.
Remain was produced by Michael "Smidi" Smith, Martin Terefe and Matt Scannell and mixed by Mark Endert, Thomas Juth and Grant Mohrman.
I got tickets to your show in Eugen next tuesday. I love your music! It is very relaxing and stress relieving! hah. Cant wait to see you in concert!! :)
Heyy Tyrone!! could u pleassseee put up ur song Happy as the sun on ur playlist! ive been looking for it =/ but its not there im in love with it! id appreciate it greatly thankkss love =] Dani
i heard one of your songs on STARBUCKS SATELLITE radio at work today. congratulations. Starbucks is a great company to be associated, and im not just saying that because i work there ;)
Thanks for your friendship. I heard about you through a friend at church (Christ Church of the Valley) named Danny Larsh. I really enjoyed your music. I have three websites on MySpace. They are www.myspace.com/mikejkasper, www.myspace.com/mikejohnkasper, and www.myspace.com/michaeljkasper. The first two are electronic and the third is classical/folk. Thanks for your add!
Congrats on having your song on the new Starbucks mountain mix cd... ive been telling all the customers to buy it because of "More".... Hope to see you when you come to seattle!!!!
Just stopping in to say hello Tyrone, and it's always great listening to you. Have a great week. Please stop by and say hello. I'd love to hear from you.
Ciao,Tyrone Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot,Band, and stupendous voice. compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis, I feel great admiration for you, be really one whom is worth rather a lot! I hope to listen soon to you, in italy .. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal