// ARTICLES
This Hilton, Heir to SongTyler Hilton
Meagan Clements, Staff Writer
At Genghis Cohen, a Chinese restaurant in Los Angeles that features live acoustic music, musician Tyler Hilton performed an amazing set list.Some of you may remember Hilton as the cocky musician from the WB's "One Tree Hill"; he also starred as Elvis Presley in the 2005 Johnny Cash biopic "Walk the Line," and is currently filming a new movie, "Charlie Bartlett" (set for release in mid-2006).
By 6:30 p.m. at Genghis Cohen, Hilton had attracted a respectable audience of both young and old. His wide variety of musical styles and charming personality kept everyone entertained. His charismatic stage presence is larger than life.
Hilton, the budding singer/songwriter and actor who frequents many L.A. nightclubs is an accomplished guitarist who writes and performs a mix of folk, acoustic, country, jazz and blues music. At $10 per ticket, seeing Hilton live was a bargain. Hilton proved his musical credibility through several songs. He performed "California," a country/folk tune set to a fast rhythm which showed his love for his hometown and "Hey Jesus," a prayer set to music, which allowed him to reflect on his life. This heartfelt and meaningful song left the audience awestruck and featured many inspirational lyrics such as "I know I'm ungrateful, I've got sunshine, plenty days full" and "I'll be all right, maybe I'll just be a man doomed to be the lucky guy I am."
Indie singer/songwriter Curtis Peoples said, "[the show] was great. ? Tyler's an old soul who grew up idolizing [musicians like] Robert Johnson."
Peoples, a close friend felt the intimate environment at Genghis Cohen made the show. "It allowed the timelessness of Tyler's music to shine," and that's what he wants.
Hilton began his musical career as an independent artist before getting signed to Maverick Records. No overnight success ? at 22 years old ? Hilton connects with the "college crowd" by making music that many college students are in search of.
Hilton also inspires college students to go after their dreams. He shows by example that if you try hard and put forth a lot of effort in life, you can be a winner.
Hilton's onstage humor is classic. He comes across as a very cool guy, but his music is what sets him apart from others in his genre. His music is creative and unique. Performing at Genghis Cohen, it was evident that he was not out to impress anyone. Instead, he let the energy of songs such as "Gloria" and "Faithful" soar. The former features many poetic lyrics such as "Late behind the battle wall, still as all the breath of ballerinas."
The sound of his music does not exhibit the same volume as that of a full band, but Hilton, who performed with his back-up guitarist, a talented violinist and an accordion player, was just as good and entertaining.
Seeing Hilton live was thoroughly enjoyable. Not only is he full of life on stage, but he is a great musician who has an incredible amount of talent. What makes Hilton so interesting as both a person and a musician is his ability to connect with his audience through heartfelt lyrics and eager, acoustic-driven rhythms.
