Tyler Stafford: Striving to stand out

Tyler Stafford’s ten song set at the Reno Music Project's most recent open mic night showcased the musical talent of this 23-year old singer-songwriter from Reno. His Friday night set included six original and four cover songs ranging from Dave Matthews to a partial rendition of Wyclef Jean’s “Sweetest Girl” — yes, the doller bill girl tune worked in lone guitar land. While Stafford, 23, has been playing the guitar for about 6 years, he just recently started playing the area's open mic music scene.

In a solid solo set, the earthy tone of his voice blended with a wood-topped Koa Martin acoustic guitar or a Fender Stratocaster. None of his original songs feel forced, and Stafford draws his inspiration from what he describes as, “life, surroundings and broken hearts.” Although unique in sound, the universal nature of his songs allow the audience members to connect wit the words. With no formal guitar training and an unorthodox Dave Matthews-esque playing style, Stafford said, “I play and sing what feels and sounds right.” Though I have seen him perform a handful of times, I still am surprised by the subtle nuances of his performances.

Stafford is supported by friends and family. He credits them with giving him the urgency and will to express hismself through song. Jeremy Groves in particular drives Stafford to be his best. Stafford and Groves, both independent artists, also play songs together at the Reno Music Project and complement each other’s musical styles well. The longtime friends utilize jam sessions to practice and bounce ideas off one another. They have penned a couple of songs together that have yet to be performed publicly. Another supporter is Todd South, host of the RMP open mic night, whose help has been vital to getting Stafford musical exposure and live performance experience.

While he's taking a break this semester, Stafford moved back to Reno from Phoenix with the interntion of finishing a business degree at the University of Nevada, Reno in the spring.

Stafford's influences cover a broad spectrum and include the Velvet Underground, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Jeff Buckley, Wilco, Neutral Milk Hotel and Daniel Johnston, just to name a few.

So if you get a chance, witness Stafford play first hand. A smooth voice, simple guitar licks and a down to earth feel give his music a special rawness. See him before some big label ruins it.

To hear Stafford’s music, visit his Myspace page at www.myspace.com/gilabend or catch him at an open mike night Wednesdays at Great Basin or Fridays at Maytan Music Center.

Set list from Sept. 5, 2008, at the Reno Music Project open mic at the Maytan Music Center hosted by Todd South:

1. Callin’ Me
2. Still the Same
3. Isn’t it Sad
4. Lime Tree (Trevor Hall cover)
5. Superstar
6. World Won’t Bring Me Down
7. Grave Digger (Dave Matthews cover)
8. Leavin’ Phoenix
9. Sweetest Girl (Wyclef Jean cover)
10. Fall at Your Feet (Crowded House cover)