TJ Walker
TJ Walker is a Country/Americana singer, guitarist, and songwriter living on a river delta in the deep south of……the UK, AKA, Shoreham by Sea! He released his debut album “The Long Game” back in 2019, which has been played on many radio stations across the UK, Europe, Australia, and the US, as well as achieving over 100K streams on Spotify.
Even if you don’t think you’ve heard his music yet, you probably have already heard something he’s written and played as he’s written music which includes the Radio 1 Live Lounge and music for BBC6 Music, Heart, Smooth, Virgin Radio. He also had a piece of music used in a film starring Gary Oldman and Jessica Alba and in 2019 wrote and arranged pieces for Trinity College London’s new acoustic guitar syllabus.
During lockdown as well as building his own Youtube channel he wrote and recorded the music for his next album which will be called “Halfway to Somewhere”. Small Town Bar is the 3rd song to be released from the album.
TJ’s debut album was a solo album, he played all the instruments, wrote and sung all the songs, as well as recording, and mastering the album! This time his live band is on the recordings, they are called “The Long Game” and comprise Mike Drinkwater on keyboards and vocals, and Ralph ‘Ginger ‘Millington on drums and vocals.
TJ Walker and the Long Game all sing and the 3-part harmony vocals have become a big part of their live sound. You may have noticed they don’t have a bass player……that’s because, as well as playing piano, organ, synth, and singing backing vocals ….Mike Drinkwater also plays bass with his left hand!!
Quote about the song: “Small Town Bar started life as a song that I wrote to make my friend and fellow musician, Matt Mitchell laugh! We did several gigs together in some bars and pubs that weren’t very salubrious. Matt called the venues “Star Wars Bars” after the bar full of criminals and misfits where Luke meets Han Solo in the film! The original lyrics were “Wish I weren’t playing in the Star Wars Bar.” I then reworked the lyrics so it would relate to more people than just Matt!”
Music influences: Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Little Feat, Steely Dan.
Where are they all based?
TJ Walker – Shoreham by Sea
Mike Drinkwater – Chislehurst
Ralph “Ginger” Millington – Withyham
Band members and instruments played
TJ Walker – Lead vocals, guitars, bass
Mike Drinkwater – Keyboards and Backing vocals
Ralph “Ginger” Millington – Drums and Backing vocals
