Rising Stars: Meet Tyler Alloy of Blanca, Co

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Alloy.

Hi Tyler, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my music with you. I am a singer songwriter from Southern Colorado working exclusively with the acoustic 4 string bass. Growing up from the age of 14, I was mentored by the studio bass legend Chuck Rainey in Arlington, TX. He molded a profound measure of love for me towards the technical side of bass playing. Most of my life I have worked with the electric and upright basses in all genres of music. But over the years I found myself becoming tired of the common bass sound. About 12 years ago I started working with the acoustic bass and composing music with the instrument. The challenges of performing and recording with a four string bass alone as a solo musician has been very rewarding for me. Last June I released my latest album “Collosi” and performing alone this year has been one of the most enjoyable times in my life playing music.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I worked with the acoustic bass very intently for over 12 years composing and creating techniques which allow the 4 string bass to feel that it has a full enough sound to be used as a solo instrument. It has taken much of my time and energy but this year has been the greatest yet. Sharing the sounds of the acoustic bass performing live has been amazing. As a bassist we do not usually get to work as solo musicians but the acceptance I have received has been overwhelming. I’m so grateful to those that enjoy the bass as much as I do. Then there is vocal performance, which I have become very fond of. I’ve struggled with singing for many years but finding my voice has been very uplifting.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At this point just returning from a Texas tour I have really fallen in love with sharing these acoustic sounds with others. That’s what I would like to be known for more than anything, sharing ideas. Chuck branded me with a love of the bass groove which is what I work off of when composing songs. It’s been so exciting to find new ways to create tones and techniques on the acoustic instrument that allow me to work as guitarists have always been able to. I am very proud of finding my own sound and style of playing to take the acoustic bass to a new level for myself. Everything is natural in my playing, I do not use sound effects on the instrument nor do I wish to at this point in my composing. There is also a lot of luthier work that goes into my basses since I generally tune much higher than traditional tunings which gives it a sound reminiscent of the guitar. I look for bass grooves when writing that are common for all ears no matter where we are from in the world. Sometimes they are more rhythmic and sometimes they are more based in harmony. The goal is to create a full enough sound to use the bass as a solo instrument.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I would like to see the acoustic bass used more. They are not often enough used outside of small jam sessions or the home porch setting. To me the sound of the acoustic bass is fuller and brighter than anything else I have heard in the realm of music. Through using chords and rhythm in tandem together I get to hear things that are new to my ears. Over the last year doing tour dates I have decided that it is possible for the acoustic bass at least in this aspect to be used as a solo instrument. The support and acknowledgement I have received has been so amazing. I am proud and honored to share with others what I believe to be my home in music. I will be working on a new album soon but for now I’m just focusing on writing and performing. I appreciate the opportunity to you all at Voyage Denver for allowing me to share my love of music and the bass in all forms with you and your readers. Thank you so much.

Contact Info:

• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tyleralloy
• Other: https://spotify.link/f2P36pW3vXb