Formula Indie Sessions _ Tele & The Ghost of Our Lord
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My family didn’t have the means to travel much when I was growing up but we always had backdoor connections to amusement parks here in Orlando where I’m from. Family friends, distant relatives – there was always a way in. So even though we were broke, we still got to have our own little fantasy excursions semi-regularly. One of my earliest musical memories is from a camping trip at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. I remember standing on the beach at night watching the Electrical Water Pageant light up the lagoon, mesmerized by the lights and synthesizers. Anyone who has seen this show could tell you how much of a trip it is. Looking back, it makes perfect sense that I’m blending frontier-style country with ‘70s synth textures now.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
There was never really a point where I didn’t have a passion for creating music. As far back as I can recall I have memories of walking into a room singing a tune or being instantly stopped in my tracks by a song playing over speakers somewhere. I’ve noticed some people get the stubborn music maker gene and some don’t. That’s just God’s plan haha. I don’t make the rules.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
T&TGOOL is a bit of a soul-searching endeavor for me. It’s simultaneously an alter-ego and my true self. Sonically it’s a way to make sense of my influences – trying my best to pay respects to the masters who came before but also to experiment with how I can evolve these ideas and still maintain my own authentic voice. From a lyrical perspective, it’s not too different from most songwriters, I imagine – trying to make sense of an insane world while laughing at it… or is it cry about it? I’m still figuring that out song by song.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
The most recent release “The Jukebox Has Gone Sentient” is a modern take on frontier-style country with hints of 70’s psychedelia. The record has some wild-cards as well exploring territories like exotica, synth-punk and Brit-pop. I’ve also released an experimental house/ambient synth EP and have also explored some garage-rock so even I never really know what I’ll be cooking up.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
One thing I’ve learned that completely changed the way I make music is that I’m not in control of the process. The music that lives inside of you somehow has its own plans and if you allow it, it will become magic. The more I try to impose my own will, the worse off it is. My father wasn’t always a fountain of advice but one of the most important things he ever said to me was “listen to the song, it will tell you what to do.”
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
The best tool is a great song but if that’s not available, a guitar or piano will do. 🙂
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Chris Cohen’s 2024 album Paint A Room has been on repeat for me since it came out. The orchestral arrangements are kin to 70’s television theme songs with wonderfully psychedelic detours. It’s a masterfully crafted collection.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
In every way imaginable. Songwriting – and the recording process especially – is a mirror. It shows you yourself and demands you pour it all in. It feeds off of reflection and can start to look funny if you stare at it for too long.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
That’s one of the beautiful things about creating music – it’s completely open to interpretation and is unique to the person experiencing it. Generally, I would hope my music makes people happy and maybe takes them on their own little budget fantasy trip.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
100% to trust my guts! I swear sometimes I’ll be trying to force a square peg in a round hole when the answer was to just relax and let a situation breathe for a damn minute. The answer tends come to you, right when you need it and especially when you stop looking for it.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Easy! Red Rocks and Madison Square Garden. Two diametrically opposite temples celebrating the same spirit.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’ve wanted to collaborate with Beck since I began making music. His ability to morph fluidly from one style to the next is a big inspiration to me and something I strive to be able to accomplish.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
All you have to do is say our name three times and it’ll start playing. 😉 In all seriousness though here are some links:
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbUjcGzOYGOpPMULPUZeo
Bandcamp – https://teleandtheghostofourlord.bandcamp.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/teleandtheghostofourlord/
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
The dream for the next chapter is simply to continue making great records and hopefully have our sound find its people.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope listeners discover that the music is less about answers and more about staying with uncertainty – letting things feel unresolved, haunted or half-lit and finding meaning there.
