Tyler Childers is a Bow and His Songs are an Arrow Laced With Appalachian Soul Aimed Directly At You

Photo Credit: Lisa Sullivan

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If I had to describe the type of voice that gets me equally fired up and in deep emotional thought, it would be the one of a certain “Stark Ravin’ Hilljack” from the hills of Eastern Kentucky, by the name of Timothy Tyler Childers. Everyone’s favorite ginger whose voice seems to shake the walls of even the outdoor venues.

Being from Kentucky myself, I will dive wholeheartedly into almost anything that shines a light on the Bluegrass State, but when I stumbled onto Tyler’s Mountain Stage set a number of years back, I could tell right away that this was not going to be an acquired taste. The way Tyler’s voice and mannerisms ooze passion about his homeland and the people who inhabit the area is enough to draw you in, but the way he develops a genuine connection with his audience is what keeps his loyal fans hanging onto every word.

Think back to the first song you heard from him that really pulled you in, for me it was ‘Follow You to Virgie’. That song puts me in such a wonderful place of nostalgia, reflection, and memories of lost loved ones, to me it is what a funeral should be. You could name any of his songs here, even the light-hearted ones, and I could see where you were coming from because he strikes a chord with the details that are woven into each one.

Tyler’s growth from a boy with a guitar to a man with a guitar and one of the best bands out on the road is a testament to the coal country work ethic that he was surrounded by growing up. The Food Stamps have grownup on the road and their musical chops get plenty of shine throughout any show they accompany Mr. Childers on. Rodney Elkins (Drums), Craig Burletic (Bass), James Barker (Peddle Steel/Lead), and Jesse Wells (Fiddle/Lead) get better every time I see them and bring some of the hottest moments of the night with their extended jams that allow each of them to cut loose. While they‘re backing Tyler‘s vocals, their tight knit cohesion and occasional solos really bring the songs new life in a live setting.

Tyler’s songs, even the light hearted ones, have a way of resonating with every member of his audience. That’s why when you attend one of his shows, you’re not just going to hear Mr Childers sing his songs, you’re going to hear the whole crowd sing every song to the top of their lungs. We’re not just talking album cuts either, that song that only one person had a recording of from back in the day and Tyler decided to sing one more time? Yes, the crowd knows the words to that one as well. I wouldn’t say Tyler has a “Dead Head” following....yet, but it’s a very loyal and an even more diverse group of people. You have have the hippies, rednecks, frat boys/girls, politicians, sports figures, bluegrass/country purists, etc. all singing songs in unison and having the time of their lives.

Tyler’s setlists are full of longtime staples, covers, and the fan favorite story time before songs. His sense of humor is evident in the music and then you hear him tell the stories of how some of these songs came to be and don’t know if you can ever hear them the same. Like when he talks about making trips through Whitehouse, KY for deliveries with a coworker or buying a Country Squire camper from a good Christian man, it’s these little stories that bring a genuine connection at a live show. Songs like Charleston Girl, Deadman’s Curve, and I Swear to God bring some of the loudest moments of each night with these singalong jams and allow The Food Stamps to shine bright.

Follow You to Virgie, Lady May, & Nose on the Grindstone are songs that Tyler usually does during his acoustic portion of the show and, with the exception of Virgie (another popular singalong), bring some of the quietest crowd moments as they listen to Tyler sing to the love of his life, Senora May (an amazing singer songwriter in her own right) and as he heeds the advice of his father. Nose on the Grindstone is Tyler’s crown jewel. The one that says I’m from Eastern Kentucky, Appalachian coal country, and I’m going to take this advice and pass it along for the world to hear. The one that will send chills tingling down your spine the first time you hear those words, the same as he sings in the song. This is Tyler Childers lacing a flint arrowhead with Appalachian Soul, drawing back his bow, and aiming it directly towards everyone of our hearts.