Tim Easton - Biography
Tim Easton’s heady blend of Beatlesque pop and American folk, traditional country and bluegrass is rootsy and rural, but the one-time defies being pigeonholed into any particular genre. After getting his start in the band Kosher Spears while attending Ohio State University in Columbus, the Akron-native Easton moved to Europe to hone a folk-based aesthetic as a busker. Upon returning to his home state of Ohio, Easton was recruited as the vocalist/guitarist for Southern-style rock band The Haynes Boys. The group released one album in 1996, Guardian Angel (Slab Records), before breaking up. Easton decided to work as a solo artist, and two years later he released his debut full-length, Special 20 (1998 Heathen), an alt-country album with subtle folk leanings that he recorded in Nashville with pro session players.
Easton relocated to Los Angeles soon thereafter with the intention of scoring music for films and television shows. He also began performing at the renowned singer/songwriter venue Largo, and ushered the cult reverence that comes with it.
Featuring a who’s who of guest artists such as John Stirratt of Wilco, Victoria Williams, and former Jayhawk’s vocalist Mark Olson, Easton’s country roots driven The Truth About Us (2001 New West) garnered critical acclaim and delivered his music to a wider fanbase. Considered a breakthrough album to many, The Truth About Us subtly fused technology to the Easton’s traditional Americana sound, via use of such novelties as a Casiotone beatbox and synths.
He supported the release of his third LP, the Dylan-esque Break Your Mother’s Heart (2003 New West), by making his debut in-store appearance at Amoeba Hollywood in March of 2003.
Easton recorded the majority of his fourth album, Ammunition (2006 New West), on the road—six studios in six different states, with subsequent sessions taking place at his home of Joshua Tree, California. Featuring contributions from Gary Louis of The Jayhawks, Tift Merritt, and Lucinda Williams, Ammunition showcased Easton’s more mature and personal side.
In the autumn of 2007, Easton took part in the This Machine . . . the Art of Tim Easton and Chris Kro and in 2008 had his This Machine Kills Hipsters II, both art shows at The Red Arrow Gallery in Joshua Tree. A painter since his college days, Easton’s artwork is peculiar in that he exclusively paints abstract folk art portraits of guitars.
