Ohio Americana Rock Artist Tyler Nichols releases New Single “Honky Tonkin’”
[Photo Credit: Jacob McKaig]
Hailing from Montgomery County, Ohio, Nichols grew up on a steady diet of classic rock, cutting his teeth performing in a hometown youth cover band that played across the state.
That formative experience, combined with a later exploration into Americana and country roots, has helped the emerging artist captivate audiences alongside legendary acts like Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Earle, and The Dead South. Following the independent release of his debut EP, Nichols continued to gain acclaim on the live circuit, performing on prestigious stages including The Anthem in Washington D.C., Center for the Arts in Jackson, WY, and the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, CO. With a renewed focus on sharing his music far and wide, his latest single brings positive attention to his rise to prominence:
"Honky Tonkin’ is a song of remembrance for me. It’s an ode to the rock-and-roll lifestyle I once lived—my backroad anthem. It’s also a tribute to the music that blared out of my truck windows as I tore through the Tennessee hills in my early 20s: ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, Tyler Childers. I hope you can taste the whiskey and feel the mud beneath your feet as you listen. This song is for everyone, the suburban born and the holler baptized alike. This is your invitation to come honky tonkin’ with me.”
Set against a backdrop of “whiskey-soaked nights and backroad adventures”, “Honky Tonkin’” seeks to encapsulate Nichols’ dynamic sound, which fans of contemporary alternative country, Southern rock, and timeless Americana should relish. The single is our first introduction to the solo artist - and it leaves a very strong impression. Having explored his catalogue a little further to get a more meaningful spoonful of his style, “Honky Tonkin’” is a highly secure showcase of the artist’s vocal tone, influences and energy. Much like one of his core influences, Tyler Childers, we have a personal preference for works that feature a full band backing, and Nichols too reaches another level with this foundation underneath him. A special nod to his backing vocalists and keys player, who add so much to the already fabulous dish of textures in the song.
All the right decisions were made for “Honky Tonkin’”. It gets straight to business, immediately perking the ear with a delicious, gritty, blues-fueled riff and vocals from Nichols that personally, pop out above his past releases. Even we can feel that this artist has entered a new chapter, without really knowing him at all.
Growing to be known for his blend of new-grass, traditional country and Southern rock styles into a nostalgic but fresh soundscape, Nichols’ artistry shines bright in this gritty and heartfelt track.
