In 1989, I went through a ‘Roy Orbison’ Phase
“It’s the end of the year, so, forgive me if I get a little introspective.” - Tyler Christensen
Rewind, Play, Then Fast Ever-Forward…
January of 2008 brought about the launch of SuperNormal Records. A local independent record label founded by Tyler Christensen, SuperNormal Records is fast making a mark on the local Arizona music scene as well as reaching out to other communities to provide and promote independent music, art, and culture. Originally concieved as a means to “promote artists organically”, SuperNormalRecords.com has held fast to its’ mission while taking bold steps and leaving small footprints.
The trail can be traced back to October of 2006 when Tyler Christensen and his brother (Ryan Christensen) conceived and breathed life into SuperNormal Records over a brief chat. The evolving music industry presented many unforeseen opportunities for the independent musician. Recording and editing software became readily available and well suited to the task of making a run on the big record companies of the day. But, vast differences lay between what the traditional record label was, and what SuperNormal Records was concieved to be.
A Dream Defined…
SuperNormal Records’ mission was to focus on independent artists, starting with Tyler Christensen (SuperNormal Tyler). From modest beginnings, and merely a twice monthly blog about the happenings of Tyler’s forays in the music industry to a full-fledged promotion and production house (complete with video editing capabilities), to mounting and managing local and regional tours and events.
One such event was SuperNormal Records’ first official tour. Mounted in May of 2008, “The SuperNormal Records Public Transit Tour: An Exercise in Sustainability” was a one-week jaunt to the city of Portland, Oregon. The tour was a huge success and opened up the Northwest Market to the offerings provided by this little label. Knowledge gained on the road served Tyler well back at home in Phoenix, Arizona. Local LIVE performances were stripped down to their barest elements and made easy to mount in a heartbeat, and the pulse of the Portland experience beats fervently in the live events and the observed exhibitions of SuperNormal Records.
Tyler at PDX Airport on the last day of the Public Transit Tour 2008
Though the primary focus is music, it is not only music that piques the interest of SuperNormal Records. Art Exhibitions, and other general cultural interests catch SuperNormal’s eye and the site’s blog has grown to focus on local/regional events of note. From highlighting the maturation of Phoenix Arizona’s arts community, to advocacy for use and growth of Public Transit systems, to musings on the mundane; SuperNormal Records.com is a living document sinuous in it’s methodical approach to production and promotion.
365 days in the life of…
So, at the end of a full Gregorian calendar year, on the last Friday in 2008, SuperNormal Records is putting together its’ final show of the year. To be held at Mama Java’s Coffeehouse, “Goodbye Beginning” will take place on Friday December 26th, 2008 from 8p.m. to 9:30p.m. A symbolic homage to the beginnings of Tyler Christensen’s professional music career, the artist will play a one and a half-hour show in the quaint, intimate setting of a locally owned coffee shop. As a teenager, Tyler’s first gigs were in coffeeshops and this show will not only take place in a place similar to where it all began, but highlight how it all began.
“On Friday December 26th, I’ll take to the stage for an hour and a half of selections from my original music. Modelling the show on the singer/songwriter/storyteller model will lend more time to expressing the intentions behind the songs, plans for the future of the label, and general thank-you’s to those who have helped me along the way.” -Tyler Christensen
One of the key plans to be unveiled is Tyler’s upcoming record. Slated for a Early 2009 release, Tyler will take time off from performing to hit the studio and track the new record. This upcoming CD will be the first official release by SuperNormal Records. In so being, you can expect an unorthodox method to be employed in the production and promotion of this recording.
Through SuperNormalRecords.com Tyler will interact with fans and involve participants in the song selection and sequencing (order of the songs) on the record. Fans will visit SuperNormalRecords.com and vote on what songs they want on the record, and even decide the order in which they will be placed on the CD, and in the iTunes Library.
Be a part of the SuperNormalRecords.com experience and join us Friday December 26th, 2008 at “Goodbye Beginning” @ Mama Java’s Coffeehouse, 3619 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018 PHONE: (602)-840-5282. View Mama Java’s Website [MAP IT] Free event (donations graciously accepted). 8p.m. - 9:30p.m.
DECEMBER 26th 8pm-9:30pm
“Goodbye Beginning”
An Evening of Acoustic Music with Tyler Christensen
Mama Java’s Coffee House [MAP IT]
3619 East Indian School Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
