Authenticity is the key for every artist, and these days it’s a rare treat. Blake Tinsley is a good exemption, someone who’s got real with himself and feels committed to his choices and acts. We had an interesting conversation following the release of his new EP. It’s a worthy read for any music lover and a must-read for musicians. And in the meantime, listen to his “Hush”, it’s a good one!
Music Authentic: Welcome to Music Authentic! How are you feeling these days?
Blake Tinsley: Life is life I mean I’m 47 days sober now and I like to share that because a lot of people in the industry pressured to drink or do anything or everything as prey to the predators of the industry swoop in, trust me been there done that and the creative freedom I have as an indie artist I don’t feel like going back.
Music Authentic: I’ve just listened “Hush” from your new album, Lovers At The Drive-in, and the chorus is quite an earworm. It does have a good sound and tempo.
Blake Tinsley: I’m not sure if “earworm” is good or bad but Hush seems to be a lot of my listeners favorite song from the latest EP. It’s dark I tend to write darker music as it comes from a place of trauma and hurt. To do so I make sure I have a therapist and safety net from bringing up so much of that pain. After it is written and released I can perform it easily but unless it is something I get an emotional callback that can’t be healed by any lyric or melody.
Music Authentic: It has just come out recently, not long after your previous, acclaimed “Est. 1991: Becoming” EP. Is it an inspired period in your life, or you have a vast back catalogue to release?
Blake Tinsley: I write daily. If I hear a word it could inspire me to go to notes or pen & paper as I don’t want to lose it. But I put this out shortly after cause I had things to say. As songwriters I feel it is a mental illness, we would love to go a day without hearing something triggering but we can’t. It may look like we are crazy pausing a whole family dinner and asking for silence but inside music can be healing or painful and a lot of it is painful for me but if I don’t do it I turn to drugs or alcohol which I won’t allow. Speaking of vast back catalogue there are over one hundred songs written and we are hard at work making them something special! 🙂
Music Authentic: Your songs are sensitive and quite often sensual. “Oh, well” on the other hand comes with a newer, much lighter tone, one I think really suits you. I know you went through a lot. Is the new direction in life manifested in the song?
Blake Tinsley: Yes I would say sobriety and learning I don’t have to swim in my trauma. I can certainly understand it more and process but other than that it took a moment just one moment to say
“This is no longer fun, this is no longer cute, this is killing me” and I checked in a Rapid detox in Michigan called Advanced Rapid Detox. They showed me I didn’t have to isolate because of feelings and could allow others in my life without fear. This new record(s) have elements of both but they come from a place of self awareness and control over my life as much as I can.
Music Authentic: How do you have the energy? Is there a secret, a yoga practice maybe, or a superfood that helps you juggle with all the hats you wear?
Blake Tinsley: I honestly do not have the energy. Sometimes I lay in bed in the morning thinking I should just stay here for the whole day but I can’t at the end of the day. My mind won’t let me is end up writing anyways so I do meditate, self care is huge. I do regular hydration infusions with vitamin. But there is really no secret you just have to want it and have that drive. Green juice does help but it’s an acquired taste. lol
Music Authentic: And when do you relax at all?
Blake Tinsley: I do ketamine Infusions weekly that calm my pain levels and help with the darker parts of my trauma as a child that I tap into. I recommend if you have chronic pain or anxiety or depression try it once and see if it can’t help but lift your spirits but only under guided medical super vision. But I don’t drink coffee, energy drinks, etc. I use the energy I have to work and when it’s gone I listen to my body and nap or full on sleep.
Music Authentic: Your single, “Freeway”, might become a radio and dance-list favorite soon. It has everything. How much is it you and how much of it is the artist in you?
Blake Tinsley: Freeway really came to me after a third date and driving in this old school Mercedes with the top down at night. That moment meant so much to me cause I was free from everything and everyone. It comes from huge part of me as a person and how I want my music to be. I’d love happier love songs or “BOPs” and we are working hard to make that happen.
Music Authentic: In this era of over-consumption when everything can so easily become a blur, how do you stay relevant? Do you fight for your audience, or do you let the universe guide them to you, knowing you’ve done your part?
Blake Tinsley: If a song I write reaches one person I’m good. Luckily it’s been more than that but I do not care or want fame. Fame can change and destroy you I just want art to speak for itself and help people along the way. If I can help that little boy who is struggling with his identity especially in today’s then I am fine. I’ve done my job.
Music Authentic: Where can we people see you? I know you have a podcast…
Blake Tinsley: Trauma & Blood w Blake Tinsley actually Premieres 11/12 on where you stream podcast.
Music Authentic: What is next for you?
Blake Tinsley: Working in Act 2 a 3 part album with 30+ songs. We are talking about a tour for 2026 which we will do the US and UK hopefully more. However March 15th 2025 I am having a 1 night only show for only 200 people which will be a spectacle. Tickets go on sale Nov 15 2024: Blake Tinsley Intimate Show Ticket Sale (click) Then singles, tour, new album, and some secrets.
Music Authentic: Keep us posted, and come back soon!
Blake Tinsley: Of course loved your research and interview. It was a breeze they aren’t always.
Follow and listen Blake Tinsley on his
Podcast: https://www.podbean.com/wlpi/pbblog-gnupu-12d3f66
Instagram: @BlakeFordMusic
Website: www.BlakeFordMusic.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/gEy85Y2X3qQ?si=mGRZ1sCsoggaHHZb