On The Verge

Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights

Dallas, Texas
Real, Loud and Rowdy
www.jonathantylermusic.com

The members of Jonathan Tyler and The Northern Lights met through the Dallas music scene and quickly bonded over a set of shared influences that range from gospel to blues to country—a few members had Pentecostal upbringings and Tyler’s grandmother played the organ. Eventually, the band shifted gears and settled in on a rawer rock and roll sound. “I think it was one of those things where as we got older with more attitude and more experiences in life, we grew into liking loud, rowdy music,” says the singer. Signed to Atlantic, who released his latest Pardon Me, Tyler has opened for big time rockers such as Deep Purple, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and AC/DC. “When I was learning to play guitar I learned [AC/DC’s] ‘Back in Black,’” he laughs. “It was one of the first songs I ever learned. A lot of guitar players would probably say that. They’re one of the biggest bands for guitar players ever so it was a surreal experience. I’ll never forget it.”