August 8th, 2008
Its been a long while since I have sat down here and had a chance to write a few words. I'm in Chicago at the moment spending some time in a coffee shop waiting for the show tonight. The weather here is more than beautiful and I couldn't ask for anything different. As hard as it is to imagine at this time of year, it reminds me of the time between fall and winter. The night temperatures actually have an enjoyable chill to them. Last night I took a seat on a wooden balcony with a book and a drink just to enjoy the clouds move through the sky. Time alone for me seems to be time to think.. and with weather like this I couldn't ask for anything better. It surely clears my mind and puts me at ease.
I have only been on the road for almost two weeks but it really has been a good time. The shows in Kansas were better than I could even begin to ask for. Thank you so much for everyone that came out to support those three nights. I enjoyed myself, and I surely hope that you did as well. Also, a big thank you to the bands that I was able to share the stage with. You all have made each night very enjoyable. Every show after that has been wonderful as well! Once again, thank you to all who came out and thank you very much to the bands. I have made some good friends on this journey and have only run into good people.. I have nothing to complain about.
I miss home and I miss my friends, but its good to feel lost every now and then. Tonight is the last official show of this tour, but I am going to continue traveling through the month of August. From here I'll be off to explore Iowa City and the surrounding states. In some short time I will be making my way up to New York as well.. so that will be very enjoyable. Never taken foot on a plane and never been to a city of that size... so its going to be an experience in itself. If anyone in the city would like to spend some time together.. contact me, I would really enjoy that.
Anyways,
I am going to explore this city like I have been doing since I got here.. there is always more to see and more faces to meet.
I hope everyone is doing more than well..
take good care and go explore something new!
-tyler
June 17th, 2008
Just wanted to let you know that I will be playing in these cities in the next month or so. Some of the shows will be solo, some will be with a band.
-Fri June 20th: @ Downtown Manhattan 11am (Manhattan Kansas)
-Tues Jul 1st: @ The Bottleneck (Lawrence Kansas)
-Wed Jul 9th: @ Harbour Lights (Lawrence Kansas)
-Thur Jul 17th: @ The Gaslight Tavern (Lawrence Kansas)
-Sat Jul 26th: @ The Vertical Violet (backyard party)
-Mon Jul 28th: @ Jackpot Saloon (Lawrence Kansas)
Also,
I will be leaving on tour on the first of August...
I have started to book some of these shows. If you live in the area and have any ideas on places to play, let me know! I'd love to hear from you.
August
1st: Manhattan KS
2nd: Manhattan KS
3rd: Kansas City MO
4th: St.Louis MO
5th: Champaign IL
6th: Chicago IL
7th: Chicago IL
8th: Chicago IL
9th: Iowa City IA
10th: Iowa City IA
11th: Omaha NE
12th: Lawrence KS
After this tour I will be in New York for a while to play. If you live in the area, let me know! I would love to spend some time together..
Anyways,
I hope the day is treating you well.
The weather is beautiful here!
Go outside and meet someone new!
take good care
-tyler
May 28th, 2008
Its been a long while since I have sat in this chair with the intention to write some words. A lot has been happening lately, almost so much to simply keep up on. The weather has changed, people have left this town, and the true colors in my surroundings come out. I really enjoy this time of the year because everything starts to come out. The trees have become more dense, the fields are just beautiful on my long drives, and as far as this town goes.. it all seems to have come alive.
I have been playing and writing lately but mainly just focusing on getting ready for the next couple of months. There will be some shows around Kansas in June and July that I am very excited about, however, in August a lot is going to be happening. I will be leaving for a small tour at the start of the month. I will be booking as of today but If anyone lives in any of these towns and has any ideas for places to play or simply would like to spend time together, let me know...
August
1-Manhattan KS
2-Manhatan KS
3-Kansas City KS
4-St. Louis MO
5-Champaign IL
6-Chicago IL
7-Chicago IL
8-Chicago IL
9-Iowa City IA
10-Iowa City
11-Omaha NE
12-Lawrence KS
I'm very excited about this trip and cannot wait to visit these cities. Getting out of town is a good feeling that I need to experience every time I get a chance. Nobody can see anything new by sitting in one place...
I will be getting home from this short round on the 12th and the following day I will be on a plane towards New York. I have not been on a plane before or explored New York, so I am very excited for both of these. I'm not sure how long I will be staying there, but it could be a couple of months if not more.. I'll just play it out to see if I am enjoying myself. If the gigs go well and I've got good people by my side all should be a wonderful experience.
As odd as it may sound to some, these next few months are going to be very life changing for me.
Anyways, I haven't really spoke of too much besides what is going to be happening in the near future. Either way, I hope all is going well with everyone and you are enjoying your days. If the weather is as nice in your area as it is here, go outside and enjoy the day. Grab a knife and carve some wood, start a fire, go to the water.. its always a good feeling creating something and doing something new.
Until next time
-tyler
March 25th, 2008
I am here in Wichita getting ready to fall asleep in this basement that the Barnharts so graciously allow musicians to sleep in. The white pillar next to me is filled with artists names drawn in marker that have come through in the past to play shows here. To my right there is a wonderful collection of records cased on the floor as well as a piano above them. The air mattress I am laying on is quite comfortable to be honest, but I feel as if I am used to it now... it is somewhat like home to me.
The show I played tonight (upstairs) was very enjoyable and intimate... just as I always love. Everyone gathered around in the living room to hear music by each of us artists. Sitting in couches, chairs, or even on the floor, I really felt home in my heart playing to everyone. It got me thinking about the whole gathering of people in a setting such as tonight. Honestly, isn't it wonderful that people can be in tune with an artist playing for so long? I can't imagine its the fact that they have long attention spans. I truly believe that the artists are loving what they are portraying to the crowd.. and the crowd is truly taking in every word, gathering every strum of the banjo, listening to the complete story of the song, and loving it just as much as the artist. I must be completely honest though, it doesn’t happen every gig and it can be a very rare thing. But when something like this does happen I feel true warmth in my heart and play every song as if it was the first time I am playing it. A night like tonight surrounds my soul with such happiness and love that I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. So I want to say thank you to everyone once again for the unconditional love and support. It really means a lot to me when someone says such kind words like what I heard tonight.
To back track to the last couple of weeks… they have been wonderful. I have been playing more lately than I have in my life. Without going on an official tour I really feel as if I am traveling around and living my life to the fullest. I have had many gigs in Manhattan that were great. The night I opened up for “Possessed by Paul James” was simply a night to remember. I felt as if I was opening up for a legend. When I was able to open for “The Pack A.D.” I was blown away at the sound that those two can pull out of their pocket. I could go on and on about all of the shows and the good times I had each and every night, but I just want to say thank you to everyone who has came to a show lately. I feel as if I am growing very much from this all…
I have the urge to go on tour here soon, however, there are two things that are holding me back from this. I would love to see more of Kansas and play more venues around this state. I think I can be far away from home and see a lot of new land but still be in Kansas. There is just so much around me that I think can be soaked in before I go to distant places. I also need to save up more for a new car. Possibly that’s what it simply boils down to haha.
Anyways,
My head is getting more weary with every typed word so I believe I am going to try and get some rest. I will be heading home in the morning. It will be nice to see my cat, my room, and see my girl soon.
Goodnight all…
Take care
-tyler
ps. Thank you for the letters, It fills my heart with joy to hear from you all
March 18th, 2008
I am feeling as if I am losing more and more of a connection with you all everyday. I don't mean this in just a world made believe on the internet, I feel it in a number of different ways.
Maybe many people like to keep connections over the internet, maybe you enjoy sending hand written letters through the mail, maybe you love to grab a cup of coffee together and strike up a nice conversation. Either way, I would love to open a new slate with all the people around me and get to know you all on a more personal basis other than short terms over the internet.
I think we all have thoughts inside of us that remain there for so long. When it comes to striking a conversation with another person, I feel like everything is so narrowed down these days. Conversations are short, not too personal, and straight to the point. I want to have a conversation with you on a more broad scale than that. I would love to be able to discuss, care, and share. I would love to hear your stories, listen to how your day went, listen to a song you wrote, or read a poem of yours. We all create something in this world and I want to be able to share that creation between each other.
I have been preaching the idea of sending letters but I enjoy it so much, I will surely continue (hopefully it will spread). If you want to send letters back and forth.. I would love this. Send me a picture that you drew, an idea that you wrote, a poem that you came up with, a song that you recorded. I would surely love to take a peek into what you have created. I will send back what I am creating as well and we will continue this on hopefully for many more days...
my address is:
Tyler Gregory
1406 Tennessee
Lawrence KS, 66044
I have just received some in the mail the other day. Since I have been outside of home for a short while.. I finally got a chance to read them and will send back some mail.
I simply just want to connect with people more and more everyday. So if you would like to as well, I would love to hear from you.
Anyways,
I hope you enjoyed the day today. I am going to bring the night to a close.
take good care
-tyler
March 1st, 2008
I'm sorry I couldn't make it tonight to your show tonight fellas. You all are great friends of mine and influence my life so much... you are going to show something new to Manhattan tonight.
-tyler
February 29th, 2008
I wish that I had more of a connection with everyone other than just the internet.
So if you are interested, continue sending me letters! I love more than anything to hear from all of you. I try to use the internet as least as possible when it comes to talking with those around me. I just don't feel as it is too personal or very heart felt.
So I am hoping to continue writing back and forth to all of you.
Those of you who have been writing me so far:
I have enjoyed reading your kind words, looking at the art you created, and going through the stories you wanted to share. Thank you very much for all of those, I will keep the letters very close to me..
Like I said, I would love to continue writing back and forth to share some good conversations through handwriting. It brings me happiness to know that a small part of this world can survive on basic communication... hopefully even more down the road.
Here is my address:
Tyler Gregory
1406 Tennessee
Lawrence, KS 66044
Can't wait to hear from you
I hope everyone enjoys their day today. It is very early and I still have yet to sleep. Take good care,
Wave to a stranger
-tyler
February 18th, 2008
Winter is carrying on a little too far for my taste. I'd like to get out near the river and play my guitar but its far too cold at the moment. Not only for me, but for my guitar as well.
I am back in Lawrence now from my recent trip to Chicago and I must say that the trip was well worth it for inspiration and life lessons.
I first got into town and had a radio interview at Naperville's local WONC station. I met many great people at the studio and had a wonderful time playing and doing the interview. You all were great people to me and I couldn't have asked for more. After the interview I had a gig at The Boilerhouse and the people that gathered in that room just blew me away. I am so thankful for everyone's support that night, I haven't felt that outstanding after playing in a long while. Thank you everyone from Naperville, I can't wait to come back and visit you all once again.
The other shows through the week were wonderful as well. I am remembering back to all the kind people that I met and the great times that I had. Thank you everyone at the House of Grey Noise for your lovely support. It means a lot to me that people can open there house for a place to play and those who show up are very attentive and into the moment. I had a great time playing there.
I also played at a place in Chicago called Uncommon Ground which was a great place filled with good people. The other two musicians that I played with just blew me away. Andrew Pelletier was one of the most captivating songwriters that I have seen live in a long while and Dietrich Gosser was very smooth and had some very good lyrics.
To say the least, my last show was a night to remember. Thank you to all the locals at the Montrose Saloon for some good friendship and good times. I never throught I would connect with people 20 years older than me so well... It was a great night to end on.
Thank you to Jasmine, Nate, and Phil for being good people and opening the house for me to rest my head in. You guys are kind souls...
It was a good trip all in all and I was glad to come back to sing alongs in my room.
Like I said, I am back in Lawrence now getting back in the swing of things and I already have the itch to get out once again on the road. I am going to take some time though to spend writing new material. Many ideas are floating around I just need to lay them out on some paper.
The album is still for sell. I am saying this because I am starting to run out of copies and they are limited. If you are interested in purchasing it you can either do that here online or send me some mail.. I would love that.
There is a bundle of shows coming up in March. If you're in the Kansas area, I may be coming near you.
Take good care everyone,
-tyler
ps. Happy Birthday Tanner
January 3rd, 2008
Well it is the begining of a new year and possibly a small change of pace for some. The winter season is still here and Kansas is just as beautiful as ever. I have spent a lot of time in this room writing new material and pacing around with thoughts of playing music. With this new record (If I even could call it that right now), I would like to put a lot of passion into the stories that I tell. Fiction or Non, I want to feel these songs run through my blood as if they are truly a part of me. I have explained this already in previous postings, however, I am really stressing on this idea. I suppose it shouldn't be any other way though, right? Either way, it will be some time before I realease anything new, I am just simply writing new material right now and really putting time into it.
I want to say thank you very much to those who are sending me letters, and relying on the beauty of actual mail to purchase the album. It really means a lot to me that you take the time out of your day to do that. So thank you very much... you will recieve something here shortly.
I am awaiting my travels to Chicago on the bus. It is going to be a rather interesting experience and a great place to play some gigs. A lot of shows are lined up, so if you are interested just take a look at the tour page. Come say hello, share a hug, enjoy a conversation...
At this moment, Doc (my little boy cat) is laying on my bed and I am sitting at this desk writing nonsense entries through a digital world. I would like to start writing these in an actual journal.. I don't why I am not doing that at this moment. I suppose I will be starting on that...
-tyler
p.s. keep in contact, keep the letters coming.. I enjoy it
December 20th, 2007
The winter season is here and the cheer is around the corner. Here in Lawrence the weather is changing rapidly, but I enjoy the changes. I have got my cups of coffee ready, my space heater together, and my mind is set for writing some music and playing shows.
Everything is starting to come together day by day and it is really an exciting thing. I have been more busy with my music now than I have ever been. To explain, a lot of shows are falling into place and my trips are planning out just perfectly. I will be taking a trip to Chicago next year in February for about a week and there I will play shows, do some radio perfomances, and enjoy a little moment of the city life. I am especially excited to meet new friends and spend time with some old ones that I haven't seen in some time. If you are in the Chicago area and see that I am playing close to you, come out to a show to listen to some music and have a drink. I would love your company.
I have plenty of gigs planned out around Kansas next year as well. Take a look at my shows to see where I will be.
I will also be playing at Johnson County Community College in March. This is a big event for me that I am looking forward to very much. If you happen to go to that school, come say hello!
The album is selling more and more everyday, even in the UK. Like I have said before, if you are interested in purchasing a cd you can simply go to the store section of the website and buy one there. Or if you like to personal (I know I do) you can simply send $10 to my home address here in Lawrence and I will send you back the tunes.
Another thing that I would like to say is that I really enjoy letters. When I first started playing music (the time of my first two albums) I recieved a lot of letters from people and I enjoyed writing everyone back. This was my main route of communication at the time and I really do believe that it is a great thing. So if you are interested in writing back and forth, just drop me a line at
Tyler Gregory
1406 Tennessee
Lawrence KS 66044
I will love talking with you. I really will.
Another thing that I have been busy with lately is writing new music. I am focusing on taking the time to really draw out the pictures of the songs in my head. I want a story to tell to everyone when I sing these lyrics. I want to paint a moment in time and capture it all in a four minute song. Most importantly I want to write about what feels right, not what I am trying to force. I am going to let this next record come from my heart and soul. I want my passion placed into each track on the album.
I have just been trying to focus on writing honest music... I will see where this leads me.
I have also been paying more attention to my 4 string banjo now than I ever have. A lot of these new songs will be played on her... Abigail.
I hope everyone has a wonderful winter season and enjoys the weather outside.
Take good care and have a marvelous evening. Enjoy your new year.
-tyler
November 22nd, 2007
First of all, a very happy Thanksgiving to all.
Second, I have a great story about tonight. I was working through the day enjoying my job and the bass player from Spitalfield came in. We had a chat, and he apparently works at the same place that I do (just in Chicago). Since they are on their farewell tour they were playing here tonight. So he gave me his number, and I got into the show tonight for free. We had a good talk, and to say the least it will be one more person to hang out with when I go to Chicago to play gigs. So I am rather excited about this since its always good to meet a very talented musician and hear their story.
Anyways, things have been really well around here lately and I believe I have myself settled into this new environment. Lawrence is great (I still love Manhattan) and it is just where I should be in my life right now. I am sitting in a position where everything is falling into place and I am grasping a good concept at this moment.
As far as the music goes, its going pretty great as well. As I said before, the last week was rather busy with the release of the album and I couldn't be more than pleased with that. Some great things have come out of the work on the album and I believe more and more chances are arising everyday. For example, I am being aired on TV in Manhattan at this moment. If you would like to take a look at what this is all about I put a new video up (Remember what you had forgot live) for your viewing. Hopefully there will be some more down the road. But to say the least, I am very excited to hear from people saying they are looking at the television seeing a live performance.
Since the move, things have been rather slow with shows. I am hoping to start picking it all up again so I can play some here in Lawrence.
Right now I have the urge to be on the road playing music. Whenever I talk about it or think too deep about it, I get a little excited to hit the road. I believe I am going to start booking a tour for next year for when the weather is nice. For now I'll settle with some bus rides to cities for gigs.
Other than that, I really don't have too much. I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a good life from here on out.
take care
-tyler
November 16th, 2007
This has really been an incredible week for me. Things have picked up like never before and I am seeing myself more busy everyday with this sort of thing. It is nothing less than phenomenal right now. To explain in more detail, I had the album release two days ago back near the hometown and it was everything that I had hoped it to be. The vibe was so special, intimate, and powerful at the same time. I had a chance to see a lot of people I grew up with, was able to catch up with some old friends, and also met some new friendly faces. I want to say thank you and great job to Doby Watson and MV&EE for playing and sharing their stories.
I packed my suitcase that night with many cds but when it was all said and done I left with very little. I am happy and so very thankful for this. To say the least, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for coming out and supporting me.
I almost forgot to mention...
I did have three gigs all in one day so for those of you who listened at the College Union, I thank you very much. And for everyone who spent time into the late night listening at the Kathouse, thank you.
As I said, it has been a rather busy week (in a good way). I still have a few other things planned out to end it off. Tonight (Friday) at 9:00 I will be playing at the Kathouse Lounge in Manhattan. Come down if you are free and we will be sure to have a good time. I will be having a few cds left to sell so if you are interested they will be available.
I would like to apologize to all of you who turned on your radio the other day thinking I would be on air. Some things got a little bit mixed up, however they are back in line now. Before the show tonight (Friday) I will live on the radio at 5:00 on 91.9 to promote the new album as well as do a live performance. Tune in if you've got the signals.
It is very late and I am very sick so I shall get some rest. I will leave you with this.
Take good are everyone...
-tyler
November 7th, 2007
Hello everyone once again,
I have relocated myself a little more east on the Kansas line to Lawrence. I believe this is a wonderful place for me at this time in my life. I haven't explored too much on what this town has to offer but it seems to hold more than I thought, so it shall be an exciting run. There are wonderful venues here that hold great live music. I will more than likely see more live music now than I ever have. The people here are full of beauty and life. Not to say that they aren't everywhere.. moving just brings that thought to your head. I do miss my friends and family though. I will find great possibilities here I believe. Plus, how can you go bad when you've got a house cat sleeping on half of your computer? Oh, and John Denver playing in the background..
At this time I am actually burning 200 CD's with this computer.. one by one. Surely I will be here for days, but with windows to see outside and good music it shall be a good time. To say the least, I am doing the final steps in completing my album. Yesterday I had the covers complete and got the jewel cases together, today I will be placing everything as one. The album will be on sale November 14th through this website and live shows. Take a look at the store section of this website on anything other information regarding that. If you would like to preview some songs, there are many on the player from the new album.
I have added some new shows mainly held in Manhattan if any of you back home are interested in taking a look. It includes a radio interview on 91.9 as well.
Now that I've changed houses, my address has changed also. Go take a look on the contacts page and send me a letter, I would love to send one back to you. I really would.
The cat I mentioned earlier is now using my wallet as a pillow. on my desk. if only I had a camera.
Nevermind, I actually do have a camera..
Now isn't that wonderful.
I will leave you with that.
-tyler
October 25th, 2007
Hello again,
Last nights show in Manhattan was fantastic. Thank you to all who came out and supported us as well as Lucia Drive. The room was filled was some good vibes and it was by far the best show in a long time. So I thank you from my heart..
In fact, now that I think about it.. I played two shows in Manhattan last night. My mind is rather filled, and since it was a last minute gig I simply forgot to mention. But thank you everyone who came out to the coffee shop in the evening and listened. It was a good time as well, and I really enjoy that atmosphere and the people a part of it.
As of now, everything is starting to come together little by little. I have been working on the album for months now and tomorrow is the final steps of the process. I am very excited to release something that I have worked hard on. The release date is set to November 14th and the show will be held at the Dusty Bookshelf in Manhattan, KS. If you are free I suggest you make your way down because there are other amazing musicians playing that will be worth your time.
I am going to miss Manhattan and the good people here. In less than a week I will be moving to Lawrence for a new start in my life. I tried school here in Manhattan but it just wasn't working out for me. Try doing something completely against your will and your passion.. it just doesn't work, at least not for long. So until I find out what I want to go to school for, I will be focusing on love, life, and music. I am very very excited for this. I wouldn't rather be focusing on anything else. Its simple, and everything I want to be part of. As I said though, I will miss Manhattan and the people here so very much. The music scene has been growing rapidly lately and its really becoming a known thing. The people here have been nothing but nice and its just simply a good place. I will miss you.
I suppose this is all for now. I shall have more to write after everything falls into place.
take good care everyone and have a marvelous day
-tyler
September 7th, 2007
Well things in this world are rather scrambled at the moment but I can't be more excited to throw it all together for a good conclusion. With this I mean that there is a lot going on and things in working process right now. First of all, a lot of my time is being placed onto recording my new album, "Where the vines meet the trees". I am working very hard on this and am hoping for it to be complete by winter. Right now I have instruments almost complete. Some of these songs will be "band" arrangments and some will be simply me and the guitar.. possibly a few live tracks too? Hand claps, foot stomping, group yelling, and friends conversations are one thing I am really looking forward to recording and I believe you'll be excited to hear.
I'll have more details about the whole package when it comes closer for the release date. As of now, the album will hold 7 songs that I have been focusing on in the last year or so...
Loose Change
Remember what you had forgot
Love of mine
Willow Tree
Travelin Car
Roots below
Where the vines meet the trees
Oh, also.. I am very excited about the cd release. I'm thinking about getting other friendly musicians to play the show with. I'll be playing with banjo, mandolin, upright bass, drums, uke, and possibly some other instruments. Sounds like a grand time eh? You tell me..
If you check the photo section of the website, you'll find some new photos that my darling took in an old town here in Kansas. I am very excited for these, so take a look if you are interested. Also, there are quite a bit of Kansas shows around this time if you go to that section of the website.
I did say that there is a lot in the process right now as far as my music goes so I should probably go into explaining all of that. On another note, I think I shall wait to explain until it all takes its own place haha.. its much more exciting that way.
As far as any other exciting new goes... This will be a musical life changer for me and a very big inspiration. Devandra Banhart, Paleo, William Elliott Whitmore, Rocky Votolato, and Ali Harter, all within a weeks time frame. Talk about moments to live for..
I'll leave you with, Have a nice day
-tyler
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