“Autonomous Spheres” is Nashville indie artist, Wen Tilley’s, third solo record. So many influences abound in Tilley’s compositions that it’s hard to define what genre they belong. From the ironic jazzy complexity of “It’s Not Complicated”, to the rock laden apocalyptic manifesto of “Johnny Countdown”, there’s truly something for everyone in this eclectic 13 song collection.
Wen Tilley sings and plays most of the instruments on his records. Guest appearances on his latest record, “Autonomous Spheres”, include New Orleans monster drummer, Terence Higgins, (Ani Defranco, Warren Haynes, Don Was), Dan Dugmore on pedal steel, (Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor), Mickey Raphael on harmonica, (Willie Nelson, U2), and Marc Broussard keyboardist, Andy Bourgeois.
This will be Wen Tilley’s third solo record. Tilley’s music falls into the Alternative/Roots genre. His influences are varied not hard to hear: As an exceptional guitarist, one hears Hendrix, Pat Metheny, along with rock guitarists like Jimmy Page and Clapton. But his songwriting verges into artists like Elvis Costello, Squeeze, and folk artists like John Prine. With avid music lovers as parents, Tilley admits he grew up listening to all kinds of music. It would not be unusual for his parents to have Bach on one minute, then Led Zeppelin on next. Tilley feels his own compositions are a reflection of all those many influences, trying to glean the most loved aspects of those artists into his own amalgamation.
Though originally from south Louisiana – and yes, one hears the sound of New Orleans in a few of his tunes – Tilley now resides in Nashville, working as an independent producer there. He began playing guitar at age 11 and was playing professionally by age 13. He graduated from the Baton Rouge High Magnet School program winning All-State Jazz Guitarist two years in a row his junior and senior year. Later, he formed the rock group, Func Haus, who were picked up by Chrysalis Records. He then began a career in music production opening a studio in Baton Rouge, La., Kingfish Recordings Inc., where he produced and mixed hundreds of artist recordings and composed and produced three film scores. Moving to Nashville in 2001, Tilley has been mostly a “gun for hire” as a producer/mixer/guitarist for various artists. “Autonomous Spheres” is the artist’s third solo record.
“It’s an album of personal reflection. Many areas are covered – death, marriage, children, politics, and heartbreak to name a few.” As an artist, Tilley’s only hope for the record is that there will be those who take something away from it. Maybe gather a perspective they hadn’t seen before. Experience an epiphany or two. But, peace to everyone is the overall message.
Tilley plans to tour wherever possible in support of the record. Tour dates can be found at his website: www.wentilley.com
- Learn more at Wen Tilley’s Official Site
Wen Tilley on CDBaby
Wen Tilley on iTunes
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