Trick Up My Sleeve

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Trick Up My Sleeve" by Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, and Zoo Freaks, this song is packed with raw energy! According to a 2024 interview with Loud Hailer Magazine, Tyler Bryant shared that the song draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, including The Band, which the band was listening to heavily while crafting their album Electrified. Bryant mentioned in a Loudersound feature that the riff for "Trick Up My Sleeve" had him double-checking with Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr to ensure it wasn’t unintentionally borrowed, showcasing his commitment to originality. The track’s gritty, rootsy vibe, as Bryant noted on Instagram, encapsulates the band’s signature blend of blues, rock, and soul, making it a perfect fit for our free-spirited airwaves.

Zoo Freaks, you might not know that "Trick Up My Sleeve" is part of Electrified, released on Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown’s own Rattle Shake Records. In a Facebook post, the band shared how their independent label allows them to release music directly to fans, fueled by their grassroots support. Bryant revealed in a Sonic Perspectives interview that the band’s decision to go independent was driven by a desire to tear down barriers between their music and their audience. The song’s infectious groove, highlighted in a X post, was designed to capture the band’s live energy, making it a staple for their high-octane performances that leave audiences buzzing.

Let’s dive into how Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown got their start, Zoo Freaks! Hailing from Paris, Texas, Tyler Bryant picked up his first guitar at age six, and by 11, he was jamming with blues legend Roosevelt Twitty, as detailed in his Wikipedia bio. Twitty mentored young Bryant, forming the Blues Buddies and playing gigs across Texas. At 15, Bryant was already leading his own band, but it was his bold move to Nashville at 17 that set the stage for greatness. There, he met drummer Caleb Crosby and bassist Calvin Webster, forming the initial lineup of Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, as noted in a Joe Bonamassa feature. Their early days were hustle-driven, with Bryant pretending to be his own manager to book gigs, a story he shared in a band Wikipedia entry.

The band’s lineup evolved, bringing in guitarist Graham Whitford, son of Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford, and later bassist Diego Navaira, cementing their current roster, per their official website. Their relentless touring with icons like Jeff Beck, Aerosmith, and AC/DC, as mentioned in a Loudersound article, built their reputation as a must-see live act. Bryant’s blues-rock roots, infused with influences from The Black Crowes and The Rolling Stones, shine through in their music, as highlighted in a RIDE Festival bio. Today, they’re a powerhouse, delivering soulful, high-voltage rock to fans worldwide.

Zoo Freaks, connect with Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown on their Facebook, where they boast over 85,000 likes and share tour updates, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes vibes. Catch their latest posts on X, where they engage with fans about new releases. For merch and tour dates, head to their official website. Join the fan community on the Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown Fan Group on Facebook, a lively spot for Zoo Freaks to share their love for the band. Keep rocking, and stay tuned for more from the Zoo Crew!