Troubled Paradise/Transparent Blue Vinyl

Description

Tuk Smith is the kind of rock 'n' roll ambassador we thought no longer existed. A non-conformist punk from rural Georgia, frontman for the Biters, producer, and solo artist, he's experienced the best and worst of an ever-changing music industry. At various times critically acclaimed, stadium-ready, dropped, burnt out, back in the game, and adored by those for whom rock still means everything. Now based in Nashville with his own label, Gypsy Rose Records, he creates with a deeper realism than most. "I want to make something that means something to people," Tuk says, "because so much stuff is so disposable and plastic today. I don't connect with it. I'd like to make things that have a positive impact on people. We’re in a weird time, so writing songs that talk about hope, without being cheesy, is something we need in songwriting. That's the kind of music I want to hear." Again, he brings up this dichotomy. Rock 'n' roll is the illusion of not giving a damn, right? You know, Axl Rose was doing crunches and jumping rope, and Paul Stanley was on an elliptical machine, and they act like it just happens. The thing is, I'll sit at the piano for hours, working on this thing.