Five Albums That Changed My Life: Tyler ‘Telle’ Smith of The Word Alive
Founded in 2008, The Word Alive has become one of the more popular metalcore bands going today. The Arizona-based sextet released their debut record, 'Deceiver,' last year, and its mix of explosive dynamics and euphoric choruses helped it crack the Billboard album charts upon its release. A deluxe version of the album was released earlier this year and includes their cover of Ozzy Osbourne's 'Over the Mountain.' The Word Alive is currently out on the Fearless Friends Tour along with blessthefall, Motionless in White, Tonight Alive and Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! Vocalist Tyler "Telle" Smith took time out before one their shows to join in Noisecreep's 'Five Albums That Changed My Life' series.
'Full Collapse,' Thursday (2001)
"Geoff Rickly is the reason I'm a frontman. In 2005 (not all that long ago, actually) I attended the Curiosa Festival Tour while living in Ohio still. I had just started playing in music about a year before. I was standing in the crowd, singing along, when Geoff crawled out over the crowd and stopped right above me. He was screaming in my face, and I loved every second. I really haven't stopped listening to this album since."
'Around the Fur,' Deftones (1997)
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"Admittedly, I love every Deftones record they have ever released. Chino is one of my biggest influences and one of the best live performers I've ever seen. This is the first record I heard of theirs. I hadn't really ever heard anything quite like it. And to this day, I can still say the same. I've always been a fan of mixing experimental music with heavy melodic music. Nobody does it better than the Deftones!"
'Deja Entendu,' Brand New (2003)
"This album was the ultimate summer-sing-along CD for me going through my high school years and into my touring days. I've often listened to it, and what I love most, aside from just how good it is as a whole, is the way the lyrics are so unique, even when they are covering generic topics. That itself has pushed me to try to push myself further when writing lyrics. They have such a balance of melody and mystery mixed. I love it."
'Son, I Loved You at Your Darkest,' As Cities Burn (2005)
"I think ACB was one of the first bands I listened to where it influenced me both musically as well as vocally. I think Cody is one of my favorite vocalists as well as guitarist/songwriters. I think because he does both, he really has a grasp on when to accent each. This record is the one I have listened to more than almost any other when having rough times in my life, because it was dark yet hopeful at the same time."
'( ),' Sigur Rós (2002)
"It's weird how a mostly instrumental band, who for most of their albums created a language, could have such an impact on me. I think what this record, and the band as a whole, taught me the most about music was that you don't always have to know what the person is saying to have an emotional connection. The tone of the singer, the way Jonsi sings, and how perfectly it fits with the music is just as important as WHAT you say. I've always tried to keep that in mind when writing. I want to tell the story of the song through the tone of my voice."
Check out The Word Alive on the Fearless Friends Tour along with blessthefall, Motionless in White, Tonight Alive and Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! dates:
Nov 11 – San Diego, CA @ Soma (Main Room) (Donations going to Feeding America San Diego)
Nov 12 – Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse
Nov 13 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
Nov 14 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
Nov 15 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Nov 16 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
Nov 18 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Club Sound
Nov 19 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre (Donations going to Food Bank of the Rockies)
Nov 20 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theatre
Nov 21 – Minneapolis, MN @ Station Four
Nov 22 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
Nov 23 – Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick
Nov 24 – Toronto, ON @ Opera House
Nov 25 – Montreal, QC @ La Tulipe
Nov 26 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theatre (Donations going to Food Bank for New York City)
Nov 27 – Worcester, MA @ Palladium Upstairs
Nov 29 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls
Nov 30 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabodys
Dec 01 – Towson, MD @ Recher Theatre
Dec 02 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
Dec 03 – Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
Dec 04 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southerland
Dec 05 – Orlando, FL @ Club Firestone
Dec 06 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
Dec 08 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
Dec 09 – Nashville, TN @ Rocketown
Dec 10 – St. Louis, MO @ Pop's
Dec 11 – Tulsa, OK @ The Marquee
Dec 12 – Dallas, TX @ The Door
Dec 13 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Dec 14 – San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
Dec 15 – El Paso, TX @ Open Gate Church
Dec 16 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre (Donations going to Tempe Community Action Agency)
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