Tim Harakal

Artist Information

Biography

“Unbelievable this guy hasn’t caught on yet. I stumbled upon his myspace site a ways back and found a pure voice, beautifully melodic music, a refreshingly unassuming and patient manner… yet his lyrics and songs are compelling and powerful. We’d all benefit from being able to hear him in the mainstream” ~A Song Writers Resource

Tim Harakal’s self-taught hands are at one with the guitar strings, they have become an extension of his heart, soul, and spirit. Influenced by his favorite band Metallica, his music morphed into an acoustic art form with a pop-rock edge. He’s written and recorded 40+ songs during his college years, many times in lieu of going to class. He dropped out of his biology major with one semester to finish and began playing coffee shops, cafes, opera houses, pubs etc. in the greater Philadelphia area. Playing from a cache of 40+ original tunes with a nice balance of popular current and classic covers. He leaves his audiences feeling content, and is attracting an ever-expanding fan base. His easygoing demeanor shines through in his smooth verbal stylings as its calming properties evoke people to listen, think, and smile.

Percussionist/producer Julian Gavin or “Jules” is the live wire of the duo. The drums were the ideal musical outlet for his activity level since age 10. Jules’ high energy and passionate style couldn’t differ more from Tim’s modest attitude, but they collide on stage to create a compelling and enjoyable spectacle.

The fans always put it best; After their most recent beach tour on which they played at a boardwalk in Ocean City Maryland, one fan who bought their CD compared it to “…riding on a rainbow unicorn while drinking children's laughter from a goblet: Fantastic.”

Milestones/Tour History
- Featured as “Cream of the Crop” from Philly Rising(2008)
- Has been featured numerous times in local print, TV, and radio(2009-present)
- Claimed the titles of “Best Acoustic Act” and “Best Duo”(LVMA 2009, LVAC 2009)
- Awarded the titles of “Best Singer/Song Writer” and “Best Lyricist” (2010 LVMA)
- Formed Slap-a-Box Records to record and publish independent album(2011)
- Highlighted in an interview on Steel Stacks Live(Bethlehem, Pa.)
- Released independent album “Big Things” on iTunes, Amazon, and soon Pandora Radio(2011)
- Shot music video for single “Save Me” in NYC (final cut expected later this month)
- Opened for established touring acts George Wesley and Steve Forbert at the Jim Thorpe Opera House
- Successfully toured to Ocean City Maryland and New York City(June 2011/Sep 2011).
- Since their NYC tour, Tim and Jules have been booking regularly in New York City.
- Launched radio promotion campaign targeting college radio nationwide and have received great feedback and airplay (new stations added each week)
- Tim and Jules recently secured professional management. Two weeks later they are scheduled to tour as supporting act for renowned Singer/Songwriter Trevor Hall in 5 states over two weeks kicking off 11/17/2011.

***JUST IN*** Tim and Jules are now living in West Hollywood! Stay tuned!

Also check out the Tim Harakal Music YouTube channel for new videos!

www.youtube.com/timharakalmusic

Instrumentation

Jules - producer and Djembe

Discography

Big Things E.P.:
Save Me
Brave
Broken Compass
Love Song
Pretty Girl
Take the Lead
Gentlemen
Times
Fragile Man
Cleaning Lady
House of the Rising Sun
The Clock

Demo:
Sky Cries
Pretty Good Hat
Lovely
Save Me
Brave
Sleepy City
Gentleman
Take The Lead
Let It Breathe
Cleaning Lady
Times
Find The Beat
Easy
Man of the Moon

Official Website

http://www.TimHarakal.com

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

Audio

• 1. Save Me
  Listen  
• 2. Brave
  Listen  
• 3. Broken Compass
  Listen  
• 4. Love Song
  Listen  
• 11. House of the Rising Sun
  Listen  
• Call Me Maybe
  Listen  

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Featured Artist:Tim Is Alive [+ Show ]
  

  Tim Harakal a singer/songwriter from Whitehall Pennsylvania is making a name for himself, in the son...Tim Harakal a singer/songwriter from Whitehall Pennsylvania is making a name for himself, in the songwriting community, he is slowly gaining a popularity for his rich talent for communicating his soulful messages of love, and peace
  "Where silence is golden, and Jesus saves, right in the nick of time in this backwords place" --- Lyrics from the song "Save Me" By Tim is Alive
  His words are revolutionary, and they are a sign of the coming paradigm shift in the humanity of the younger generations. Yet again, another talented writer, and musician that was humble enough to answer questions for myself, and others who read this.
  
  So thanks again Tim for answering our questions, and sharing your music with the world. It is not going unnoticed.
  
  I encourage anyone to go and listen to some of his music at www.myspace.com/timisalive
  
  Thanks again Tim for answering our questions.
  
  
  Q&A with Tim Is Alive
  
  
  NG: What is your favorite kind of music?
  
  TIA: It's not necessarily a genre...I really enjoy uplifting and sincere music.
  
  NG: Who are your top 3 favorite artists?
  
  TIA: Jason Mraz, Metallica, and Billy Joel...but its changes
  
  NG: What are some of your influences when it comes to writing your own songs?
  
  TIA: Definitely Jason Mraz and Metallica. I have been listening to Metallica since I was about 12 and just recently started Listening to Mraz.
  
  NG: What are some things you would want to get better at, as far as developing your musical ability?
  
  TIA: I never really learned music theory...or to play guitar for that matter. My father taught me some basics and since then he shows me stuff here and there. I can pretty music credit him, myself, and the internet for tabs. Anyway, I would say theory is something I know would be beneficial.
  
  NG: If you decided to start your own blog on the subject of songwriting, what kind of information would you write about?
  
  TIA: First and foremost, I would write about feeling comfortable in your own shoes. Writing music that you can really play with passion is all about letting yourself get saturated in what your trying to accomplish...which is writing a solid piece of sound. There is no room for be embarrassed about your message. HAVE FUN
  
  NG: If you were surfing the web, and you decided to look up webpages on the topic of songwriting, what kind of information would you like to find?
  
  TIA: Maybe different ways to arrange your music.
  
  NG: Do you have anything to say about songwriting?
  
  TIA: Just be yourself, have the time or your life, play with all your heart and never worry what other people think. Its alright if somebody doesn't like your music...I mean, everybody has different tastes.
  “ASongwritersResource.com”
  
  
  

• Meet The Musician: Tim Harakal [+ Show ]
  

  Web site: myspace.com/timisalive Singer-songwriter Tim Harakal of Whitehall finds time to balance...Web site: myspace.com/timisalive
  
  Singer-songwriter Tim Harakal of Whitehall finds time to balance studying with music
  
  Influences: "The first band ever to influence me was Metallica, believe it or not. That was the No. 1 band that got me playing guitar. As far as playing acoustically would be Jason Mraz," Harakal says.
  
  Sounds like: "It definitely has a folk influence, maybe some funk and jazz, too," Harakal says.
  
  Set list: "I mostly do originals. I'll play a Jason Mraz cover here and there," Harakal says.
  
  Originals include the cuts "Find the Beat," "Man of the Moon," "Save Me," "Closing In" and "Take the Lead."
  
  Know his roots: "My dad always played guitar, as long as I can remember. I was just fascinated with it. He started teaching me some chords here and there. But I fell out of it for a while until I was about 16," Harakal says.
  
  Harakal says he was also inspired by his musician grandfather.
  
  Harakal says he began writing songs at 18 and hasn't looked back. Though a senior at Kutztown, Harakal has found time to perform in coffee houses and clubs stretching from Reading to Philadelphia.
  
  He recently advanced to the final round of the Lehigh Valley Acoustic Contest. Finals will be held Dec. 9 at the Blue Monkey restaurant in Catasauqua.
  
  Catch him if you can: Harakal will perform Dec. 7 at the Indiemade Craft Festival in Allentown.
  
  

Setlist

Includes 40+ original songs with some covers by Neil Young, Adele, Cat Stevens, Jason Mraz, Gavin Degraw, Dispatch, and also current hits such as Somebody that I used to know, We are Young, Call me Maybe, etc.

Basic Requirements

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