I have been writing about Dayton musicians and bands during the past year. I have seen some of the best music that is played in any town across the United States. One musician that continues to have people feels the same way that I feel is Charlie Tipton. Charlie Tipton is a lot like most of the musicians that play in Dayton. He has the desire and dedication that one needs to continue making the music scene so amazing. He is always out and about, supporting his peers that are performing nightly. After he is done playing his set, he comes and floats around, personally thanking everyone for coming. He is genuine and grateful for all that comes to him.
(Photo Courtesy-Jennifer Taylor Clarke)
Charlie Tipton’s voyage into music began at an early age. At 8 years old, he would be at his grandmother’s house and notice a vintage, rustic guitar. He was captivated of the charm and beauty that the guitar came with. So, he picked it up and started to play it. “I would ask my family to watch me play what I thought were chords”, Tipton mentions to me. “I just loved that guitar. It really inspired me to learn how the actually chords.” Tipton got his own guitar at the age of 11, and started to learn how to play songs that were popular at the time. Songs from Nirvana, Soundgarden, and other alternative rock bands flowed off the strings of his instrument. He always knew at this point that playing music live in front of crowds would be in his blood forever.
Until recently, Tipton played solo. He would take his guitar and would play songs that were full of sentiment. The words coming out of his mouth were nothing more but raw soul and energy. He credits Ryan Adams and Ray LaMontagne for being influences, which are clearly obvious when he plays. The rich sound of folk that two artists mentioned are a large reason that Tipton continues to deliver. These days, however, Tipton won’t be really being seen without his band, named The Charlie Tipton Band. One unique thing about the band is Tipton’s cousin is the guitarist of the band. “We have had some issues with keeping a drummer because of schedules and other small things. However, one thing won’t change is the fact my cousin will be there right by my side, playing music with me”, Tipton says about the band. The band likes to keep things airy and fast when playing live. Their sound is what Tipton calls ‘alternative country’-the blend of the two genres that produces an airy sense to their songs. Almost as if they are taking you to the open road, windows rolled down, and the tunes turned all the way up. The band currently is working on an album which they hope to have it released in August. “There are a lot of different elements to it. We are still trying to get that perfect sound”, explains Tipton about the album. “We will continue to keep playing and working on finding it.”
One of the remarkable characteristics about Tipton is what he does away from the mic. Tipton is a social worker in the area, helping young and old who have lost their way find themselves and get back onto the road to being better. Tipton aids people to get them off drugs, and assistances others to help them fight and win against addiction. Tipton told the story of him going to a small town recently and worked on helping folks with getting clean. “It’s an amazing feeling to help others. It’s always been something I have always to do. Addiction is serious. I just want to help people get past their demons.”
Charlie Tipton is one of the many reasons why the music in town is, and will continue to be for many years to come, a notch above the rest. This weekend will no doubt be more proof of that. Tonight, see The Charlie Tipton Band will be sharing the stage with Tim Pritchard and the Boxcar Suite, and Trey Stone Band. The show will be at J-Alans, located at 121 North Ludlow Street in downtown Dayton. Show time starts at 9pm. On Saturday night, Tipton will be performing at Brixx Ice Company, located across from Fifth Third Field on East First Street for the event Dayton Decides, a first-ever mayoral primary election event being hosted by UpDayton. The candidates, which include incumbent Gary Leitzell, and the challengers A.J. Wagner and Nan Whaley, will be sharing what they will bring if elected into office. Also, the evening will feature testimonials from business owners and neighborhood activists about is needed from the mayor to help them thrive. Also performing on the stage will be Good English and The Devil You Know. For more info on this event, click here.
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