Ron Tippin and Zach Tippin
"In 2006, after my father passed away from cancer at the young age of 57, I decided to stop making excuses and put out the first Widetrack CD. Now, 13 years later, my 14 year-old son has joined the band and we continue this journey together." -Ron Tippin
Widetrack is the musical partnership of Ron Tippin and his 15 year-old son, Zach.
The band's "Alterna-Prog" sound strikes a balance between the moody-deep undertones of such progressive groups as Pink Floyd, Radiohead, A Perfect Circle, Porcupine Tree, The Mars Volta, etc., with a more flexible edginess of alternative/hard rock bands like Soundgarden, Queens Of The Stone Age, Tool, STP, etc.
Their discography thus far consists of: 2007's self-titled debut, 2009's Widetrack II, and Zach's 2018 debut as bassist, Widetrack III.
All three albums were co-produced by Andy Patalan, guitarist for popular '90s grunge-rock band, Sponge.
Beginning in January 2019, the father-son team wrote, recorded and released one new song each month, marking Zach's debut as a songwriter and recording engineer, as well as the first time Ron has written Widetrack music with another person.
The twelve songs comprise Widetrack's fourth album, The Unwakening, to be released on April 23rd, 2020 (Zach's 16th birthday).
The band will be playing select live dates throughout 2020, beginning with the official release party of their fourth album: an all-ages show on Sunday, April 26th at Motor City Guitar in their hometown of Waterford, Michigan.
More live dates to be announced.
Ron Tippin and Zach Tippin
REVIEWS
"If you are looking for the same old shallow material heard on corporate radio, look elsewhere. This band is for those who would challenge themselves to think deeper than the lowest common denominator. Reflective, emotive, without the usual excess of the "emo" label; this music is a must-have for the mature listener who is searching for solid musicianship combined with thought-provoking lyrics. Highly recommended." -Light and Heat Publications (Bryan, TX)
"I hope you check these guys out. They’re talented, to say the least, but they are a very different kind of band. Ron’s son, Zach, is the bassist. He is 14 years old and his presence in the band has changed them profoundly. There is a new rawness and depth to everything. How cool is it to play music with your son? It’s like hearing a dream come true. I find all of their music so easily relatable, and the band is so approachable and interactive. I think connecting with Widetrack’s music is like connecting with best friends you did not know you have." -Daina Agostina ('Our Beautiful Lies' blog)
"Widetrack is a band fueled by many contributing influences. These all coalesce into a sound that is both familiar and uniquely their own. The best songwriters in the world are those who, when crafting their music, are able to interlace differing moods within each song. This is what the Beatles and Rush and Pink Floyd did so well. It is refreshing to know that this skill is very much still in use." -Beem Weeks ('The Indie Spot' blog)
"The music of this trio is said to be a mix of the progressive tones of Pink Floyd, Tool and Porcupine Tree on one hand, and the more grungy sounds of Soundgarden and Queens Of The Stone Age on the other.The result is an album that listens away with a remarkable ease. Nowhere the band are trying to impress with technical ecstasy. But they impress with bringing songs that hold your attention from start to finish. From opener, 'Burning the Sun' to closer, 'Still Here', the 12 tracks show maturity in delivery and a clear focus of what the band wants to be. Call it alterna-prog, call it what you want. The culmination of said influences is an album that excites. Bravo gents!" -Peter ('Your Music Blog' blog)
"Mood-heavy lyrics, and a showcase of many talented friends adding to the power of certain tracks. This is not the standard rock -n- roll structure but an experimental expression of progressive instrumentation, an intensity towards melancholy, and emotional vocals that pique an interest in the listener. A simple, elegant statement of melodic framework that stands out among the radio-played masses. The songs ring true in the ears of the progressive rockers, but detach themselves from the typical musical genre. A very eclectic journey. Memories of detachment, and the coping of moments of dislocation. Elated feelings of re-connecting, and a pulling of the "Yin and Yang" to the music that keeps its cosmic balance. There is much to commend to the evolving musical windings that lead the listener into the songwriters perspective and craft!" -Doug Couture (Clarkston, MI)
"Widetrack’ delivers an enjoyable listening experience with a well-crafted musical composition. Ron Tippin’s voice glides from a soft and soothing whisper to an expressive, heart-tugging crooning, and then to a full-force, emotion-charged wailing. He conveys the essence of his well-written lyrics through his voice, and it magnetically draws in the listener. The experience is rich and satisfying like a cappuccino: strong without being too heavy, smooth without being too light." -Suzanne Stone (Farmington, MI)
Phone: 248-935-3269
Email: Ron@WidetrackMusic.com
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