Tyler Dickerson photo courtesy of Lyric Street Records.
It’s no secret that the current version of mainstream country music leans heavily toward pop. Acts such as Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts and Love And Theft have borrowed quite willfully from ‘80s and ‘90s versions of pop and rock, and Keith Urban’s “Kiss A Girl” doesn’t sound all that different in texture from the latest release by pop singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat.
There’s nothing wrong with that. Acts such as Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and Waylon Jennings — all now considered traditional country — liberally took sounds and approaches from outside of country.
But there’s a growing frustration among some hardcore country fans that they’re being left behind in the current marketplace. A few diehard traditional acts such as George Strait, Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols and Alan Jackson are still adhering to a honky-tonk center, but there aren’t a lot of new artists who fall into that category.
Which makes last Friday’s showcase by Lyric Street’s new artist, Tyler Dickerson, such a breath of fresh air. Just 16 years old, he delivered an acoustic set for media types at John Rich’s private club, the Spot, a second-floor venue across the street from Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a legendary bar at which Tyler has been honing his craft. Between the cowboy hat and the skinny frame, Tyler cut a Hank Williams visage, and he backed it with a sly, authentic voice and a clear taste for music with Southern roots — a little Southern-rock boogie, a little country and even little hints of western swing. And he delivered a cover of “Always On My Mind,” running down a list of the artists who delivered the best-known versions — Willie, Elvis Presley, Brenda Lee and the Pet Shop Boys — all of whom had their runs with the song prior to Tyler’s 1993 birth.
Seemingly unfazed by the exclusive audience, he addressed the reporters with an engaging sarcasm that’s evolved well beyond that of the typical teen.
After the show, he briefly chatted with journalists, and when I was introduced to him as a historically astute reporter, he quickly asked if I was familiar with Wanda Jackson. Oddly enough, considering that I’m the pro and he’s the newcomer, I felt like I passed a test when I was able to answer with enough insight to prove that I indeed knew the subject matter. The fact that a 16-year-old artist knows and appreciates the rockabilly queen should be a surprising and heartening development to fans who fear that the core of country music is being diluted. They should also be encouraged that a record company was willing to sign him.
Tyler may not prove to be the anti-pop antidote that traditionalists long for. But he’s proof that the folks on Music Row haven’t given up on them. He gets his first chance when his debut single comes out in January. A full album is expected later in 2010. And there’s a quality about him that suggests he’ll have plenty more chances after that.
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I just saw Tyler opening up for Brooks and Dunn in St. Paul Minnesota. I could not believe what I heard when he started to sing, It was phenomenal! Not only will he make it big, but he will sound great doing it! Keep up the good work and I hope to hear a lot more from him!
I am not surprised at Tyler’s success at this point. We too witnessed the sure possibilities at our Martin County stages in Florida! Keep up the great work Tyler!
tyler you are allsome
Hey Tyler
Saw you in Nashville three years ago and you are great. My friend and I adopted you as your grandmother and aunt. Just got tickets to see you June 26 in Massachusetts. Can't wait.
Two ladies from Massachusetts
Tyler did an awesome job at Seaworld in Orlando FL…. we were amazed by his stage presence and voice, I cant wait for the album to come out!
There's now an official website for Tyler. More details at http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disney-news/music/di...
I first heard you at Tootsie's when you were 13 and just knew that you were going to make it big! Am excited for your new album coming out. Can't wait to get to Nashville again to see you! Best wishes!!!
Dori, Midland, MI
I knew it when I first stepped in Tootsies and heard your voice! Congrats Tyler!!
Some one that can sing our good old Country Music I be buying anything he puts out.
I can wait for the new cd.
Tyler, I think it is amazing that you are living your dream! I am so looking forward to your album! I wish you much luck and happiness in your career.
Never had a doubt, knew you could do it Tyler and we will be here supporting you all the way! Can't wait for the CD!
Good on you Tyler, you deserve it and we knew you could do it…can't wait for the cd
Debbie
I got to hear him a little on gone country he sounded good,I hope he does well,I just hope he doesnt act like John Rich,He has been hanging around with him.
I have had the oppurtunity of hearing Tyler sing when he was first starting out and his sound will never be forgotten. Wish him all the best..Can't wait to buy his album