Black Tie Revolt: Amarillo’s Latest Rock Group
Black Tie Revolt is a modern rock band out of Texas, with a dirty blues influence. Black Tie Revolt may seem like a new band on the scene, but the members are all local talent from previous acts. The Members are Ian Diaz (Vocals), Tyler McElreath (Electric Guitar), Kody Tosh (Bass Guitar), and Reece Hill (Drums).
One of the previous acts worth noting is Rival Magnetics, a band that Ian, Reece, and Tyler were a part of previously. Tyler explained that they found Ian on a local Facebook group, and Reece was from word of mouth recommendation. A couple years later as they were putting the pieces together for Black Tie Revolt, they got their friend from Native Crowds, Kody Tosh on bass guitar.
BTR is inspired by several legendary rock groups including Rival Sons, Highly Suspect and Cleopatrick. They are bringing a fresh taste of Rock and Roll while also having their roots based in the classic styles.
Left to right: Ian Diaz, Tyler McElreath, Kody Tosh, and Reece Hill. Photo by Annabelle Reyes.
The Songwriting Process
Ian works to write the lyrics with insights from the band on both lyrics and the general style. He works on writing at practice and at home, and he focuses on expression through his songwriting. The lyrics always have their own countermelody to the music of the guitars, and this creates a great texture for the music.
“We all get in a room and we warmup with a jam for 5-6 minutes and get our fingers and brains moving. Sometimes it comes from a riff or idea someone has that is brought to rehearsal and made into the full picture.”
Live Shows
As mentioned above this is a newer band, but full of expertise. Loud and Heavy has had several shows with BTR that have had over 150 people. When asked for their favorite show so far, Tyler named their show at Skooterz with Stealing Handshakes and The Bastard Sons of David Hasslehoff.
Here is a clip of the Stealing Handshakes show featuring Black Tie Revolt and TBS ODH at Skooterz Bar & Grill
We asked what tips they had for others on having a good show turnout. Tyler explained a good process for us. Here are the takeaways:
Marketing and Promoting
Posting the flyer and sharing it to your friends on all of your social medias.
Follow a posting schedule and make adjustments.
Make several content ideas for each show.
“Promote the shows, not just the band. Don’t over play in an area.”
Stage Presence
You don’t need to be choreographed, but you need to move and feel the energy.
Encourage your bandmates to feel the music too.
Practice how you want to perform.
Black Tie Revolt performing at Amarillo’s Shark Beach Burgers. Photo by Brynn Diaz.
What do each of you bring to the band?
Tyler works actively on songwriting and pushing for progress and promotion. Tyler previously gained experience by performing with Oddfellas, Rival Magnetics, and Cade Holiday Band.
Kody brings excitement and eagerness to play, loves music, and has a great feel for a groove. Kody has gained experience from performing with Native Crowds, and Travis Roberts and The Willing Few.
Ian is very professional, meticulous, and a good lyricist and singer. He works hard to be knowledgeable with where the band wants to take a song. Ian has gotten live experience from Rival Magnetics, and his solo act!
Reece is a tight drummer, and as Tyler described, a ‘human metronome.’ Reece has gotten live experience by performing for Sleep For Dreaming, Blues Boy Willie, and Rival Magnetics.
“The way Reece drums allows me and Kody to add our sound and it isn’t too busy.”
Upcoming Live Shows:
You can catch Black Tie Revolt at 2 major shows this summer, opening for their friends The Toadies!
August 29th at Jake’s Backroom in Lubbock, TX.
August 31st at Starlight Ranch in Amarillo, TX.
What can we expect?
“Expect a few surprises with some newer songs.”
Do you have any upcoming music releases?
BTR expects a timeline of late summer and early fall for some new releases. Stay tuned by following them on all platforms!
“Everybody always remembers the rock but people forget the roll.”
Black Tie Revolt performing for the Uprise Entertainment SXSW barbershop show. Photo by Aaron the Man.
Get to know more about Black Tie Revolt by following them on social media. To book Black Tie Revolt for your next event, email Loud and Heavy Booking at grant.loudandheavybooking@gmail.com.
You can discover more about the Texas panhandle music scene and the amazing people behind the scenes via Loud and Heavy Booking.
