Tyler Lance Walker Gills debut album is filled with self-proclaimed drinking songs, throwbacks to the upbeat, golden-age honky-tonk of country icons such as George Jones part rowdy, part humorous, part reflective. But theres one song that stands out, and thats So Called Christian Politicians, which attacks the lies and hatred of right-wing populists.
Theres so much hypocrisy coming from certain Republican politicians that claim to be Christians, yet their actions are completely un-Christ-like, Gill said. I grew up in Bullitt County and went to a Christian school until my freshman year. Im not a religious person, because I saw how that sausage was made for 10 years, and I dont think its delicious [laughs]. But, when you see so many people claiming Christianity and doing the exact opposite, its like, fuck that guy.
Even though Gills first studio album was released Feb. 14, with a belated release party at Kaiju this weekend, an early version of So Called Christian Politicians first appeared on the 2016 compilation We Have A Bevin Problem, the local music communitys reaction to the former governors anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. After seeing the call for entries for Bevin Problem, Gill was riding his bike around town, thinking about what he could contribute. He wrote the song quickly after and recorded a demo, which appeared on the compilation. Around that time, Gill was working on the skeletons of a few other songs, some of which would make their way onto his debut. The recording process was broken into several iterations. First, Gill and a few players built the foundations of the songs. Then, he called in local country music multi-instrumentalists including Aaron Bibelhauser (pedal steel, banjo) and Michael Cleveland (fiddle, mandolin) to help add layers. After all the parts were down, La La Land Studio Producer Anne Gauthier and Gill sat down and mixed and engineered everything together.
It was a hard way to make a record, Gill said. I wouldnt ever want to do it again, but we were on such a time crunch that I knew all of those guys would have tons of takes of great stuff because theyre all such good musicians.
Gill grew up going to a country music jamboree on the weekends. His aunt helped operate the Mount Washington Opry, which a few members of his family, including his aunt and mother, also sang at. Back then, Gill wasnt really into country music. It was just part of his upbringing but not a passion, although it definitely helped shape his future sound as a musician. I think it just seeped in a little bit, Gill said.
In an age when country music seems to be polarized into radio pop and barrier-pushing alt-country, Gills album has more of a traditionalist backbone. Strangely, its sort of refreshing for a new album to sound like it materialized from the 50s. Like the classics, Gills songs also have quite a bit of range for falling neatly into a certain sound. Back To Jail and Mighty Good at Sinnin lean toward the questionable-decision-making outlaw corner of the genre. The Ghost and Under The Table capture countrys innate sadness. Wolfman sonically explores a little bit. And, of course, So Called Christian Politicians adds social commentary. But, theres also a connective thread.
I want it to be witty and fun and upbeat, and you can have serious moments, thats awesome, but overall I want the vibe to be, Lets get fucking rowdy, Gill said.
With Willie Nelson-style braids, an affinity for eccentric outfits and plenty of songs about being on a barstool, its not really a surprise that Gill owns a Busch Beer guitar, which he found at a local music shop after it posted a picture of it online.
I was like, I got to fucking have that, so I ran over there and traded a Fender Twin that I wasnt using and could not sell, because no one wants a Fender Twin ever again, except for the people who love them, which is like, I know two people who really love a Fender Twin its so heavy, Gill said.
He rarely plays it out live, because its obviously not a high-end machine, but its a perfect collection piece for someone with his style.
It doesnt sound great, its fine, but it was the most ridiculous guitar that I ever saw, Gill said.
Tyler Lance Walker Gill (Album Release)
With Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters Saturday, Feb. 29
Kaiju
kaijubar.com 1004 E. Oak St.
$10-$12 | 9 p.m.
This article appears in February 26, 2020.
