Album Release | Justin Tipton

     Due to a long, well-documented history, artists have acquired a reputation for poor business acumen. We’ve all heard stories about artists crashing and burning because they couldn’t keep track of the business side of things. It’s extremely common for very talented musicians to give up on themselves because they never could attract the right audience or book the right shows. All that to say, you can’t make it in this business without a work ethic and being business savvy. Justin Tipton exemplifies both of those traits and it has taken him from playing dive bars to historic venues such as Sons of Herman Hall and theaters such as Toyota Music Factory. It’s Tipton’s dedication to his craft that took him from having no band at all to recording his debut self-titled album with Austin’s own, Band of Heathens.
     Teaming up with producer Gordy Quist and the Band of Heathens, Tipton has created a diverse album of catchy old school blues and rock tunes. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts such as The Band, The Rolling Stones, and Tom Petty, Tipton’s album doesn’t depend on modern effects; It’s straightforward, honest rock and roll.
     The album starts out with a track that Tipton’s dad wrote about bad luck with relationships. According to Tipton, “it was a simple blues, rock tune. Gordy threw in some flavor chords to spice it up and keep the listener invested. I think that changed everything.” The album takes an emotional shift with the next track as Tipton sings about a dreamy eyed navy veteran and the girl he’s in love with. Tasteful guitar solos and a tight rhythm section keep this tune moving forward while allowing the listener to engage with the story. Right in the middle of the album, Tipton plants a radio hit à la Tom Petty with “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven." With rhythmic guitar tracks and a chorus you can’t help but sing along to, I can nearly guarantee this one will be stuck in your head the rest of the day. The album concludes with the track “Train to Memphis” which jumps back and forth between a groove-focused blues slow jam to a driving country tune.
     Throughout the album, listeners can find a familiar pattern of the transition back and forth between hope and disappointment. On the standout track, “Better off Alone,” Tipton sings reflectively about how sometimes it’s just easier to stay at home and sip on whiskey than it is to fight for a broken relationship. The sparse instrumentation points all the focus towards the vocals and the lyrics which allow the listener to feel as if they’re in the room with Tipton drinking Buffalo Trace and listening to old vinyl on a record player. On “Cold Day in Hell”, Tipton writes about how there are times when the struggle is worth it and if you find the person you love, you should do anything you can to keep them by your side.
     In reference to his band and the songs, Tipton says “we just try to get better every day…. it’s corny but it’s true. We sit and critique ourselves more than anybody…because of that we’re a lot tighter than most bands…. it’s just about trying different things and seeing what works. There’s going to be that one thing for everyone that works. I’m trying these different methods…I’m not trained or educated in any of this. If this is what you want to do, you should be trying everything you can to do it.”
     "The whole process has been quite nostalgic for Tipton as he recalls “10 years ago almost to the day I saw my first band for the first time, and it was Band of Heathens. I had a weird moment last night realizing that," says Tipton. He plans on going back into the studio before the end of the year where he will work with Gordy Quist again, but this time Tipton’s band, The Troublemakers will be with him.

You can follow Justin Tipton & the Troublemakers at the links below to keep track of new music and upcoming shows. Their next show is tonight at the legendary Adair's Saloon in Deep Ellum at 7pm.

Album Justin Tipton
Artist: Justin Tipton
Release Date: 30 August 2019
Track Listing:

1. Burned
2. Stay
3. Gimme Back What's Mine
4. Better off Alone
5. Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven
6. Cold Day in Hell
7. Shake 'em in Hell
8. Train to Memphis

Will Latham is a musician from Dallas, Texas. He plays bass for Ottoman Turks in addition to his solo work, Billy Law. He enjoys sitting on porch couches, wearing pearl snap shirts, and talking about Twin Peaks. Will is the creative director of Wavelength Magazine.

You can connect with Will on: