Aaron Lee Tasjan

Having recently shed his former skin as a much sought after rock'n'roll guitarist with groups including The New York Dolls and Drivin N Cryin, Aaron Lee Tasjan (ALT) has transitioned into one of America's most acclaimed and insightful songwriters, as well as one of its most unique and entertaining live performers. Often getting on stage with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and a fuzz pedal, Tasjan weaves songs of eternal truth, half-true stories and epic guitar work into a one man show that Guitar World Magazine calls "…extraordinarily engaging." Texas songwriting legend Ray Wylie Hubbard recently told a newspaper reporter that ALT is "…a tough act to follow." Alternatively, Tasjan's full band endeavors prove to be just as electrifying. ALT's performances are without a doubt spirited and passionate, but they would remain just that were it not for the depth and quality of song craft which he expertly applies with a natural - and seemingly effortless - approach. These songs elevate him beyond being simply another talented performer on his way to bigger and better things. ASCAP honored his exceptional talent for songwriting at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, calling him "one of America's great songwriters of the next generation." ALT has also played NYC's Lincoln Center, toured as support with acts like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Alberta Cross and Everest, and his music has seen placement in TV shows including Fox Networks’ Archer and NBC’s The Voice, as well as feature films The Way, Way Back (Steve Carrell) and Serious Moonlight (Meg Ryan).

Praise

ALT's debut full length album, In The Blazes, was produced by Elijah Thomson (Delta Spirit, Father John Misty) and has already received nods from NPR's Ann Powers, who called the song E.N.S.A.A.T. (East Nashville Song About A Train) "an East Nashville anthem," while No Depression insists the debut set is "…vying for album of the year." As critics are taking well-deserved notice of ALT, so are other artists, with one of his biggest heroes, Todd Snider, recently telling KUNV 91.5 that Tasjan is "…the horse I'm betting on." While it may seem like there's a lot for this young man to live up to, ALT remains confident, even amidst the trials that go along with being, for lack of a better term, a modern day rock'n'roll folksinger. "For better or worse, part of my thing is messing up--I have to mess it up first to do it great," he says with a knowing grin.