Meagan Tubb & Shady People
Meagan Tubb & Shady People
Austin, TX
Rock / Southern Blues / Soul
| Status | Correction we are playing Antones at 9pm tonight opening for Drivin' and Cryin' |
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About
MEAGAN TUBB
(Austin, TX) As her original song describes, “Roses may be red and violets may be blue, but you can see those flowers any time you like; I’m only here once in a blue moon.” Meagan Tubb is a female artist with an enticing style that is all her own. In an industry where homogenized pop stars, hype and vacant lyrics tend to be the norm, this self-made and multifaceted musician tirelessly strives to convey messages of hope, belief, everyday observations of divinity and herself. Her fascination with nature allows her to experience life and love from unexpected vantage points, and it is reflected in her lyrics (her song “An Argument with the Moon” is written from the moon’s perspective). Infusing the blues with vintage and southern rock gives Meagan a full arsenal of musical artistry that she somehow molds into her own. As Meagan’s sound unfolds, you will hear traces of influential vocalists like Sheryl Crow and Fiona Apple. It is when these styles couple with the legendary sounds of guitarists like Shuggie Otis, Jimi Hendrix and the Allman Brothers that Meagan’s mastery of both her voice and her instrument is realized. When it comes to the process of composition, Meagan often finds herself bewildered as to exactly how her songs take shape. As she quotes Neil Young in saying, “You just have to provide a home for them and let them come”, we see that she is more interested in expressing herself through her music than in all the hype that can follow.
Meagan hails from the “Show-Me-state” (St. Louis, Missouri to be exact) and she attributes much of her musical journey to a creative upbringing there. By age 5 she was already taking piano lessons, and then she quickly moved on to guitar from there. With her knowledge of music and her guitar in hand, she remembers spending most of the time composing songs and writing lyrics. By age 17, Meagan was wholeheartedly drumming up acoustic performances at school and around town. In 2000 she formed her first band, a clever play on words called “Out of the Tubb”. It was there in Columbia, Missouri, where she got her first taste of playing local live shows at venues like The Music Café and Mojo’s. From then on, the seed was planted for Meagan to harness an artistic vision that was bound to take her places. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2003, Meagan was bound for the West coast where she spent the next two years in San Diego, California. While soaking up the sun in sunny Cally, she teamed with producer Rick Perez to record the signature “Color Outside the Lines” EP. While spending this time turning vision into reality in the studio, she also formed her second band “Sweet Dream”. The band played gigs at San Diego’s own Santee Outdoor Amphitheatre, L5, Brick by Brick, Twiggs and Lestat’s, among several others.
Then whoosh… she was off to the awe-inspiring, unique musical mix known as Austin, Texas. After a short visit to the Live Music Capital of the World, she was hooked and soon relocated to Austin where she is to this day. After carving her niche in the working world of Austin, she then formed the company she keeps today. Simply performing under her own name- Meagan Tubb, her Band consists of members from all types and backgrounds. Jason Nunnencamp, John Duran and Ric Ricker all play an integral part in the musical style that is unique to the Meagan Tubb Band. In the midst of furious weekly rehearsals and full-time jobs, Meagan and her bandmates are currently playing at venues in Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country. Most recently, Meagan Tubb and her band mates have played on “Loris Lowe’s Local Licks Live Show” and “The Dudley and Bob Show” both on KLBJ-FM (93.7) where she was able to play several new songs not included in her EP for a captive radio audience. Also, the meaningful “You Can’t Have it Both Ways” (from her “Color Outside the Lines EP) can be heard in the soundtrack for “2 AM”, a film that premiered at this year’s 2006 SXSW film festival. She has also picked up sponsorships from both Dean and Luna guitars as well as winning the first annual “Super Summer Talent Contest” at Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill from which her band won a recording contract in conjunction with Willie Nelson’s label, $1,000, 20 hrs of recording studio time, 2 opening slots for major touring acts at Poodie’s, and a spot opening for Willie Nelson at the 2nd annual Freedom Festival in Austin. Meagan has also appeared in the 2007 issue of “Austin’s She Rocks Calendar” as “Miss May”. In early 2007, Meagan and the band decided to change the name from just “Meagan Tubb” to “Meagan Tubb & Shady People” and went on to headline the first ever live taped METV emerging artists series at Antone’s. They also played the 2nd Annual Funk Fest at La Zona Rosa, Texas Rock Fest, Poodie Fest, and the Austin Freedom Festival at The Backyard. They also opened for such artists as Ray Wylie Hubbard, Billy Joe Shaver, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, and Willie Nelson. 2008 so far has been a great year for Meagan and the boys as they release their first full length record “Beautiful Noise” and open for Willie Nelson once again.
Aside from creating and delivering soulful music to the masses online, and the locals live, Meagan enjoys long-distance running as her favorite form of exercise. She has a knack for impersonating British rock stars and indiscreetly people-watching. When she is not performing for a crowd, she is busy fueling her creative vision with drawing, painting, writing and reading. She is also secretly addicted to MySpace. Her height and lofty stature, along with an affinity for platform heels, give Meagan a tendency to be clumsy at times. How funny it would be to relive the night when she laughingly fell off-stage at a live show, all while completely sober. After dusting herself off, you can bet that she kept on playing. As to what Meagan’s future holds, she and her bandmates are set to release their first full-length album entitled “Beautiful Noise” set to release in the winter of 2007 as well as make their first music video. For everything else, just stay tuned……
JASON NUNNENKAMP - www.jasonguitar.com / www.myspace.com/nunnenkamp
(DALLAS, TX) Every music lover remembers the one particular song or time in their life when music just seems to come alive. This stoic member of the Meagan Tubb Band picked up the guitar and had his musical "coming of age" during the popular culture craze of the early 80s. Soon after, Jason began to realize that the iconic MTV age of flashy makeup, big hair bands and rocking pink guitars wasn't quite what he should be looking to for musical inspiration. Jason thought long and hard about the direction he should take, and eventually joined and fronted a cover band with a play list ranging anywhere from deep jazz from the 60s to the big-hair hits from the 70s. Just as Jason was beginning to get comfortable revisiting a historic musical niche, he started craving the challenges found in other styles of music. He was recruited for a variety of other acts performing for R&B, Country, Pop, Jazz and Blues crowds. Hell, he even backed up a handful of different Elvis impersonators while playing in a catchy fifties novelty act. After a while, Jason found himself playing songs by artists he had never even heard of. Looking back on his musical beginnings, Jason feels that despite a rocky start in his artistic musical expression, it was a great way for him to develop his chops and to seek his own personal style on the guitar.
In 1998, Jason made the move to Austin. He continued his stint with a handful of original bands and, considers himself fortunate to have kept the momentum going as he played through several prestigious gigs across Austin’s live music scene. It was only recently, after discovering Meagan Tubb’s smooth yet commanding vocal style for himself, that Jason found the potential for a consistent project he truly believed in. In a town as music-savvy as Austin claims to be, Jason gave it a shot by placing ads in the local paper and online. Through the newfound phenomenon that is Craig’s List, Jason was finally able to connect with fellow musicians that performed with purpose and drive above all else. Then one day, as Jason was sitting at the bar on a beach in Florida minding his own vacationing business, his phone rings. Guess who? It was Meagan Tubb. Jason jumped at the chance to audition for the opening in the upcoming Meagan Tubb band, and soon after a few jam sessions with the musical fashionista, he was hooked on the artistry of their combined sound. Meagan went through several auditions with guitarists from all over town, but soon realized that letting a talent as deep as Jason’s get away would be a real shame.
Jason has worked with several artists throughout his musical lifespan to produce an impressive discography. His debut recording performance was with Panacea in 1988, where he contributed to the “Changes” EP as lead guitarist and vocalist. His next official recording was in 1994 with a band called Lunch with Emily. This 1994 album “Lunch with Emily” featured Jason on lead guitar. Shortly thereafter, Jason teamed with Sticks and Stones to produce “Seventeen Saturdays” in 1997 where he took a commanding lead as both the lead guitar and vocalist. Heck, he even through in the occasional bass solo for Sticks and Stones. In that same year, Jason decided to take on a side project to work with Red McFunk on his self-titled album “Red McFunk” as lead guitar and vocalist. He later teamed up with Red McFunk for a second go-round in 2003 on the album “The Reindeer Lodge”, contributing lead guitar, a little bit of bass and percussion. In the new millennium, Jason joined up with Spankin’ Grace for their self-titled album as he single handedly carried lead guitar along with adding in an occasional bass or percussion element. Finally, in 2004, The Derral Gleason Band released “Toxic Grasshopper” with Jason on bass. Shortly thereafter, Jason teamed up with The Meagan Tubb Band, once again carving out the musical niche he calls home to this day. There is talk of the group recording a long-anticipated album together later this year.
(DALLAS, TX) Every music lover remembers the one particular song or time in their life when music just seems to come alive. This stoic member of the Meagan Tubb Band picked up the guitar and had his musical "coming of age" during the popular culture craze of the early 80s. Soon after, Jason began to realize that the iconic MTV age of flashy makeup, big hair bands and rocking pink guitars wasn't quite what he should be looking to for musical inspiration. Jason thought long and hard about the direction he should take, and eventually joined and fronted a cover band with a play list ranging anywhere from deep jazz from the 60s to the big-hair hits from the 70s. Just as Jason was beginning to get comfortable revisiting a historic musical niche, he started craving the challenges found in other styles of music. He was recruited for a variety of other acts performing for R&B, Country, Pop, Jazz and Blues crowds. Hell, he even backed up a handful of different Elvis impersonators while playing in a catchy fifties novelty act. After a while, Jason found himself playing songs by artists he had never even heard of. Looking back on his musical beginnings, Jason feels that despite a rocky start in his artistic musical expression, it was a great way for him to develop his chops and to seek his own personal style on the guitar.
In 1998, Jason made the move to Austin. He continued his stint with a handful of original bands and, considers himself fortunate to have kept the momentum going as he played through several prestigious gigs across Austin’s live music scene. It was only recently, after discovering Meagan Tubb’s smooth yet commanding vocal style for himself, that Jason found the potential for a consistent project he truly believed in. In a town as music-savvy as Austin claims to be, Jason gave it a shot by placing ads in the local paper and online. Through the newfound phenomenon that is Craig’s List, Jason was finally able to connect with fellow musicians that performed with purpose and drive above all else. Then one day, as Jason was sitting at the bar on a beach in Florida minding his own vacationing business, his phone rings. Guess who? It was Meagan Tubb. Jason jumped at the chance to audition for the opening in the upcoming Meagan Tubb band, and soon after a few jam sessions with the musical fashionista, he was hooked on the artistry of their combined sound. Meagan went through several auditions with guitarists from all over town, but soon realized that letting a talent as deep as Jason’s get away would be a real shame.
Jason has worked with several artists throughout his musical lifespan to produce an impressive discography. His debut recording performance was with Panacea in 1988, where he contributed to the “Changes” EP as lead guitarist and vocalist. His next official recording was in 1994 with a band called Lunch with Emily. This 1994 album “Lunch with Emily” featured Jason on lead guitar. Shortly thereafter, Jason teamed with Sticks and Stones to produce “Seventeen Saturdays” in 1997 where he took a commanding lead as both the lead guitar and vocalist. Heck, he even through in the occasional bass solo for Sticks and Stones. In that same year, Jason decided to take on a side project to work with Red McFunk on his self-titled album “Red McFunk” as lead guitar and vocalist. He later teamed up with Red McFunk for a second go-round in 2003 on the album “The Reindeer Lodge”, contributing lead guitar, a little bit of bass and percussion. In the new millennium, Jason joined up with Spankin’ Grace for their self-titled album as he single handedly carried lead guitar along with adding in an occasional bass or percussion element. Finally, in 2004, The Derral Gleason Band released “Toxic Grasshopper” with Jason on bass. Shortly thereafter, Jason teamed up with The Meagan Tubb Band, once again carving out the musical niche he calls home to this day. There is talk of the group recording a long-anticipated album together later this year.
JOHN DURAN
(Aspen, CO) John, a.k.a. “Johnny D”, was born into a family of musicians in the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado. With such a musical background, it was only a matter of time before he started picking up sticks (or anything else he could find to drum with) and hitting things with them. At the age of 5, John remembers his Dad waking him up to play along with The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” at parties on his Mickey Mouse drum set. And so it began…….
John started playing in the clubs at the age of 12 with his singer/songwriter Dad, Randy, and his musically-inclined sister, Ingrid. In the 7th grade, John moved to Aspen, and was recruited to play in the high school pit orchestra for musicals like “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Grease”. Once in high school, John joined the Aspen MAD (Music & Dance) Company. The Company was like your everyday high school band, except they played tunes by the Beatles, Three Dog Night, The Doobie Brothers and Jimi Hendrix. The group toured every year in places like Florida, California and the Bahamas. They also had the pleasure to play shows with Jimmy Ibbotson of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and John Denver.
Later, John headed for Boston to study at The Berklee College of Music, where his sister Stacy had just graduated. While at Berklee, John was able to study with the likes of Rick Considine, Kenwood Dennard and Cassey Scheuerell, among numerous talented others. In addition to his full-time student status, John was part of a Jazz Funk-Fusion group called the Ball Squares. The group’s influences were eclectic, and they were playing everything from Frank Zappa and Steely Dan to The Funky Meters and Bob Marley. Next came collaboration on their own original pieces, and the next thing you know, the Ball Squares were sharing a bill with former James Brown sax man Maceo Parker and Medeski, Martin & Wood. As another side project, John somehow managed to find time to perform with fellow Berklee student Chris Opperman, a composer and keyboardist with a Zappa-esque style.
From Boston, Johnny D headed west to Los Angeles where he played in a band with both sisters, Stacy and Ingrid, along with brother-in-law Chris Golden on Bass. He also continued to play with Opperman, which eventually landed him a gig with ex-Zappa guitarist Mike Keneally. As if that weren’t enough, John still found the time and energy to tour nationally with jam band, The Global Funk Council. While in L.A., John played and recorded with several other groups. He most recently played with The Heat Merchants, featuring songwriting talents and friends Todd Soloman, Josh Phillips and Shane Smith.
John JUST moved to Austin in November of 2005, and somehow had the fortune to stumble across the amazing talents that were forming in the Meagan Tubb Band. Lucky for him this chapter has yet to be written…………
WILSON CARR
(Austin, TX). He started taking piano lessons at an early age when his great ear was first noticed by his teachers. In the seventh grade, spurred on by a neighborhood friend doing the same, he picked up his father's classical guitar and fell instantly in love with it. He learned (or tried to learn) every song on the radio, TV, on the air and in his head. Discovering his affinity for the bass in the process, he set his sights on acquiring one. Before he received one for his fifteenth birthday, he often practiced his slap and pop technique on a broom handle and Dr. Pepper cans influenced by the thumping of Primus, Fishbone and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Wilson pursued his passion for studying bass by learning every lick and line he could. He frequently woke up with the bass on himself after falling asleep whilst practicing. He took lessons at Austin Guitar School and joined his high school's jazz band, both of which exposed him to new bass players and broadened his musical horizons. Wilson would go early to school to practice his bass playing and at lunch he would go to the rehearsal room and jam with friends. There was a drum kit in the room and it didn't take long for him to start playing that also. He credits his sympathy/empathy with drummers to his desire to learn their craft. The summer before his senior year in high school Wilson traveled to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music's summer program where he learned a lot and met and spoke at great length with bass virtuoso Victor Wooten of Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, an experience that influenced him greatly. Wilson was also lucky to have several bassists as close friends in high school - believe it or not, he knew more bass players than guitarists then. This group egged each other on, shared insights into the instrument, and exposed each other to new songs and players. He had his first gig during his senior year with a band called Sunmaze at a place called Pato's Tacos in Austin. It was outside and twenty five degrees but many showed up and their enthusiasm got him hooked on performing.
Wilson attended the University of North Texas, where he took a few music classes. There he met many like-minded folks who he often jammed with. After two years he moved back to Austin where he took some night classes at UT, but didn't play much. A year later he packed up and moved to Silverthorne, CO to try life as a ski bum. He worked and skied at Keystone for two years and loved it, but almost never played his bass, which saddened him. Next Wilson moved to Durango, CO where he attended Fort Lewis College. He soon met some musicians and became obsessed with playing again. He played in a couple bands in Durango, one of which was a jam rock band that had gigs often and practiced a lot, giving him an opportunity to hone his craft and explore the musical landscape. The band improvised a lot, which honed Wilson’s improvisational skills. They recorded two albums that he is pretty sure only a handful of folks have. He also joined a cover band there where he learned all kinds of songs he probably never would have learned while at the same time making some money playing. This opened his eyes to the possibility of playing bass for a living. Next he joined a blues rock band by the name of the Jeff Strahan Band. Wilson immersed himself in the blues so he could better play with them. The band started playing a lot and making some money and soon they were touring around the southwest regularly. They played the International Blues Challenge in Memphis twice, which was a great learning experience. Wilson also recorded an album with the Jeff Strahan Band entitled Red Dirt Blues.
Soon Wilson grew tired of living in Durango, and he decided to scout out Nashville and L.A. He spent a week in Nashville where he met lots of nice folks and considered moving there. But first he decided to return to Austin to make some money for a trip to L.A. before deciding where to move. While in Austin he saw an ad wanting a bass player on Craig's List and tried out for Meagan Tubb and Shady People. He instantly recognized the band as the kind of people he wanted to work with: passionate, positive and very talented. Luckily for him they felt the same. Soon they were gigging, and not long after that the band asked Wilson to rerecord the album Beautiful Noise that they had done with a previous bassist, so he and his style and sound would be on it. And the rest is the future..... One more thing: call him Wilvis!
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