The Daily O’Collegian

Jonathan Tyler and the

Northern Lights

Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights

When a band that has been around for less than a year is compared to musical acts such as Lenny Kravitz and Stevie Ray Vaughan, it gets people’s attention.

That is what Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights have done.

Since forming in January, the band has recorded an album titled “Hot Trottin’,” signed a recording contract with Atlantic records and garnered attention playing shows in its hometown of Dallas.

The band will play in Stillwater for a show with local band Taddy Porter at Dirty’s Tavern tonight at 8. Admission is $7.

The band’s front man, Jonathan Tyler, took some time to answer a few questions for the Daily O’Collegian.

O’Collegian: How did you get your start in music?

Jonathan Tyler: When I was 13 I got my first guitar. I was a little skateboarder at the time, but I gave that up and pretty much started playing music all the time after that.

OC: How would you describe your band’s sound?

JT: I would say that it’s a mixture of soul and rock music.

OC: Who are some of your biggest influences?

JT: A lot of old bands.

The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin — I think those bands were the most influential on us.

OC: Where did you come up with the name Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights?

JT: There wasn’t really much behind it.

We just thought it was nice … I don’t even know.

OC: How do feel about playing up here in Oklahoma?

JT: I’m from Texas and there’s always been this rivalry between the two states, but I really like playing in Oklahoma.

It’s a lot better than a lot of the other states that we go to.

We’re still just in the early stages of touring in Oklahoma and there will be more to come after this too.

And plus Taddy Porter is from there and they’re a great band to play with too.

OC: What do you enjoy about playing in Oklahoma?

JT: What I really love about Oklahoma is it really has a Southern feel to it, and I love the South, but in the cities there’s still a lot going on.

OC: What would you say to the OSU students who might come to your show?

JT: We aren’t boring, and we try to have fun. It’s going to be a good time.

If you don’t have anything to do, come on out.