Logic dictates that common interests coalesce. Come together. Not the Lynch brothers. They started in the middle of America and moved as far apart from each other as the continent would let them. "Being a bi-coastal band isn't the easiest thing in the world, but we make it work" laughs Trevor Lynch, one half of the acoustic rock-pop band AMERICAN ROYAL.
Raised four miles north of the Missouri river, the Lynch brothers started playing music around age ten. "I wish I had some deep philosophical muse that drew me to music, but the fact is, I watched a lot of MTV, and thought it would be cool to be a rock star, so I picked up a guitar and started banging on it" says Cameron Lynch.
Twenty years of "banging" has led them here. To their new release - Transcontinental produced and co-written by Cary Pierce (JACKOPIERCE, Graham Colton, Vertical Horizon, Guster and Jay Quinn Band) the new record tackles acoustic power pop with a wink in its eye. In Pierce, the Lynch brothers found more than a mentor. "I think it would be safe to call him our Jedi Master" says Tee. Pierce liked the picture, so he bought the puzzle, but then he decided to take it home and break it all down. Pierce worked tirelessly with the Lynch brothers to craft their sound, rewrite their songs and reform their style. The result wasn't the original picture on the box top, but a deeper and more dynamic finished product.
Pierce also coordinated a team of top musicians for collaboration on the record. Sean Hurley (Vertical Horizon) played bass and Craig Macintyre (Josh Groban) kept the beat on the drums. To emphasize their Midwestern sound, Pierce brought in David Grissom (The Dixie Chicks, John Mellencamp) to play lead guitar. Sprinkle in Tommy B (Prince, The BoDeans) on keyboard and the sound was nearly complete. Lastly, Pierce added himself and fellow JACKOPIERCE band mate Jack O'Neill, Nashville superstar Jack Ingram as well as emerging Dallas singer-songwriter Creede Williams on supporting vocals.
The result is 10 songs pleasing both ear and heart. "We are happy people" says Cameron, "We have a great family and good lives. We're not your run-of-the mill, angry songwriters; determined to tear everyone and everything down. We write about real life and, for the most part, the fantastic opportunities that life provides us."
Although the brothers technically share lead vocal responsibilities evenly on the record, their producer took a different approach in an effort to develop a more unique and complete melody. Pierce distilled Tee's trademark growl and rasp into a more moderate, smooth baritone and tweaked Cameron's low tenor to invoke a more complete sound. "What was important for me to do," Pierce explains "was to give 'Am Roy" one voice; and not have them rely on the two distinct voices they utilized in the past."
With Tee favoring a more pop-oriented writing style - reminiscent of Matchbox 20 and Counting Crows -and Cameron emphasizing his alt-country roots - ala Lyle Lovett, Whiskeytown and John Hiatt - Transcontinental showcases both of these influences equally. The album's opening tracks, Angelina and Nancy Jane defy the listener not to stomp their feet. While later tracks, Back to Me and Goodluck, Goodbye deftly interweave storytelling, wit and harmony.
Tee lives in Los Angeles and is an executive in the entertainment industry. Cameron lives in Washington, DC and is an attorney and a lobbyist.
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