Trick Up My Sleeve

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin Trick Up My Sleeve by Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown from their electrifying album Electrified! This track is a classic power-ballad that shows off the band’s softer, vulnerable side. In an interview with MNPR Magazine, Tyler Bryant shares the song’s underdog spirit with lyrics like, “Well I’m used to the world throwing punches/Don’t mind if you laugh in my face/It won’t bother me, I’ll get where I should be/Ain’t lost just a little out of place.” It’s a anthem for anyone who’s ever felt knocked down but keeps pushing forward. The band recorded this gem at their Nashville studio, The Lily Pad, using vintage tube gear to capture that raw, magical vibe, as noted on Experience Vinyl. The Zoo Crew loves how the song builds from a heartfelt croon to a rolling crescendo, perfect for those late-night drives under the stars.

Digging deeper, Trick Up My Sleeve showcases some cool production tricks. In a Guitar World interview, Tyler revealed that guitarist Graham Whitford’s part was recorded with a stereo pedalboard, creating “crazy swirls and echoes” by panning mics left and right. This gives the track its immersive, almost cinematic feel. The band’s process for Electrified was all about keeping it real—no overthinking, just jamming with buddies until the vibe was right. Tyler mentioned they avoided piling on extra layers, sticking to the core of guitars, bass, and drums to reflect their live energy. Zoo Freaks, you can feel that grassroots soul in every note, making it a perfect fit for our free-spirited airwaves!

Now, let’s talk about how Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown got their start. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Tyler Bryant was born in Honey Grove, Texas, and picked up the guitar at just six years old. By 11, he was jamming with grown-ups, soaking up blues from a local legend named Roosevelt Twitty in a Paris, Texas guitar shop, as shared in a Loudersound feature. At 15, he formed his first band, playing local gigs before moving to Nashville in 2008 to chase songwriting dreams. There, he met drummer Caleb Crosby and bassist Calvin Webster, forming the early Shakedown. They hustled hard, with Tyler pretending to be his own manager to book gigs, according to Wikipedia. The band’s big break came with their 2011 EP My Radio, followed by From the Sandcastle, which landed on iTunes’ “Rock on the Rise” section. Graham Whitford, son of Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford, joined after a chance meeting in New York, adding firepower to their sound.

The Shakedown’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. They faced setbacks, like Republic Records shelving an entire album in 2014 for lacking “commercial potential,” as Tyler recounted in Wikipedia. But they bounced back, signing with Snakefarm Records and later launching their own label, Rattle Shake Records, to connect directly with fans. Their raw, high-energy live shows have won over crowds opening for giants like Jeff Beck, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses. Today, the lineup includes Tyler on vocals and his signature pink Stratocaster, Graham on rhythm guitar, Caleb on drums, and bassist Diego Navaira, who joined in 2024 after Ryan Fitzgerald’s departure. Zoo Freaks, this band’s all about leaving it all on the stage, just like we leave it all on the airwaves!

Want to keep up with Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown? Check out their official website for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, where they’ve got over 85,000 fans vibing to their rock ‘n’ roll posts, and on Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots of their Nashville adventures. Their X account keeps it real with updates and fan shoutouts. For Zoo Freaks who want to join the tribe, there’s no official fan website, but you can connect with fellow fans in the Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown Facebook community or follow fan-driven posts on X. Spin this track loud, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep the rock ‘n’ roll revolution alive!