Music
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Imagine a performer who's equally capable of opening for country singer Ashton Shepherd and hip-hop star Ludacris.
Right -- the idea sounds more ludicrous than Ludacris himself. Except Erie native Tyson Bowman did it. He preceded Shepherd at the Wattsburg-Erie County Fair in September. The Ludacris show happened in 2006 at Tullio Arena when Bowman was part of a rap collective. "I found myself on one of the biggest stages I've ever performed on before more people than I ever performed in front of," recalled Bowman, 23. "I'm really trying to reach that point again, to fulfill that dream of what I was born to do." The dream involves country. Bowman moved to Nashville three years ago after earning a music degree at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Arizona. He landed a plum job, working with Embassy Music's Darwin Moody, a veteran writer and producer. "I was doing a lot of the business side, answering phones and doing some bookings," Bowman said. "One day, I sat down and showed him some of my songs. And he said, 'All right. You need to be writing songs, not doing this other stuff.'" Bowman dove in. He wrote with a fervor and played out, including regular gigs at the iconic club Tootsie's. He hired his mom, Vicki Bowman Clauson, as manager. He landed a deal with Guitar Shark Music. His first full-length CD arrives next spring. In the meantime, he's releasing a five-song EP with the soulful first single "Rain On My Soul," which he wrote in Arizona. "It was my first time being away from home and, as you know, it's the desert out there. So, I was kind of feeling dry, spiritually, mentally, physically," Bowman said. "It's just about basically finding in your life, whether it be love of family or God, something bigger than yourself."
He's influenced by traditional artists, especially Alan Jackson, the first country star he saw at Tullio Arena. But his musical past still influences him. "I do add some hip-hop drum fills and different things," Bowman said. "I just try to intermingle my style with the pop world and the rap world." Bowman plays acoustic shows with originals and covers (Skynyrd, Cash, Zac Brown Band) tonight at 9 at Conneaut Lake's Beach Club. and Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Chautauqua Mall in Lakeside, N.Y. Both are free. He's glad to come home. His dad and hunting buddy still lives in Findley Lake, N.Y. But Bowman won't be 100 percent happy until he's at Tullio Arena again -- singing not rapping. My goal is to get on that stage again as the headliner or opener," he said. "I want to be on that stage again, fulfilling the dream (of who) I'm really supposed to be." - Dave Richards-Erie Times News
"A rising country music star in Nashville"- Erie Times-News
"His song 'Rain On My Soul' is a hit on the country stations." - Erie Times-News - Erie Times-News
Discography
Tyson's "Rain On My Soul" original song is currently receiving radio airplay in Franklin, TN.
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Bio
Head over heels, gone a lil crazy, makin memories defines the real Tyson Bowman. A laid back, country singer with a heart of gold, Tyson is the real thing.
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Tyson grew up singing in the church choir and rapped and beat boxed while in a high school hip hop group. There he earned a basketball scholarship for Mercyhurst Northeast College. After realizing his love of music, he left to attend The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Phoenix, Arizona. On graduation day, nothing held him back. He drove for three days straight to where his heart was Music City, U.S.A.
Once in Nashville, Tennessee, he turned back to his country roots and worked with Renee Grant-Williams. She is the vocal coach to the stars and describes his voice as down right pretty. Always thinking of others, he founded The Grand New Opry, a take off of the traditional Grand Ole Opry, providing upcoming musicians live performance opportunities. He also regularly works with songwriters to hone his skills, and he is currently writing songs for a new album.
Tysons music combines traditional country music vocals with cutting edge instrumentation, rock n roll style. His original songs reflect on lost love, living life without regret and enjoying the journey, not just the destination. His humble approach endears him to live audiences, and his passion is clearly heard over the radio.
Tyson spends his free time long-distance running, hunting, snowmobiling, water skiing and spending time with family. He is the proud son of Vicki Bowman Clauson of Hendersonville, NC and Larry Bowman of Findley Lake, NY.
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