On the day of the Lander Birthday show, we all awoke to find some surprising news. The Oregonian covered the Portland Songwriter Association Final and gave the Lander show a nice plug. Click here to read the full article.

With that said, the night was amazing. Though it was last minute, the birthday show proved to be successful. We sincerely appreciate everyone for coming out on such short notice and making the show such a great birthday gift. Thank you Crux Gallery for hosting such an amazing venue and db clay for allowing the after-math. The set was short and sweet but filled with bunches of new music. I was thrilled at the vibe in the room and the faces in the crowd- honored to play for the people who matter most.

The after-party was a great chance to thank everybody in person. It seemed to me that everone enjoyed themselves (some a little too much). Thank you Verbz for playing records and db clay for hosting the event… they did an amazing job making the lander birthday memorable.

Portland Songwriter Association Showcase Nov. 8 2006
I played at the Portland Songwriter Association’s Showcase last Wednesday at Mississippi Pizza. Great job to all of the other performers- a lot of great talent! It was a fun night because this was not a showcase of vocal or instrumental talent. Though those aspects were judged, the night was for the craft of songwriting itself. The showcase consisted of ten performers and their two songs. I chose to perform my two personal favorites- Babysitting the Cowboy and …Better Be Us All (below). Each performer was judged. Each person was unique with a whole different definition of music and songwriting as a craft and art. I was very impressed and inspired by the songwriter’s talent’s and therefore honored to find out that I was named a finalist for 2007. What does that mean?

Well, as I understand it, 30 performers are now 6 and the final Showcase is in February where the winner of the Portland Songwriter Association’s Songwriter of the Year is announced. I wouldn’t mind that title.

Each performer was allowed on accompaniment so a special thank you to Jeremy Seitz for his performance. I can honestly say that was one of my favorite performances ever and I owe a lot of it to Jeremy’s vocals and harmonica. Thanks man- great job!

Stay tuned, cross your fingers and sample the featured songs below. Jeremy and I will see you in February! Peace.

Babysitting the Cowboy
tyler stenson 2006

…Better Be Us All
tyler stenson 2006

An interesting man I know
Has the music in his bones.
He writes the songs
But he can’t stand rock n’ roll.
His name is on his right hand
As he hides behind a wall
-Somebody’s gonna make it (but you know it better be us all).

Older brother?
He’s the dreamer of some dreams so
He stretched out the gray and made it green.
I can see myself in him
(I’m just a little bit too small).
Somebody’s gonna make it (but you know it better be us all).

Little brother you are not the only one!
-Just don’t get burned in the Oklahoma sun.
You’re trying to get to heaven and
I’m just trying not to fall.
-Somebody’s gonna make it (but you know it better be us all).

I’m a music maker
Trying to make a dream
But getting there is as endless as it seems!
So, I’m gone to California
(Even if I have to crawl)
Because somebody’s gonna make it (but you know it better be us all).

So, when I get to California,
I’ll be giving you a call
Cause somebody’s gonna make it (but you know it better be us all).

Here is a clip of Lander at the Doug Fir Lounge PDX performing a rare Clarity 07.25.06. The song is about the Apocalypse and a dream I had (your seeing the ending). Sweet dreams.

As I sift through the Lander videos, I’m going to start posting as much film as possible. Since we use a tiny digital camera the quality of sound and image is usual suspect- but enjoy nonetheless. All videos will be played on youtube.com