Alumnus musician prepares to publish, re-releases album
Jessica Kneller
Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: News
In a world of music moguls who closely guard their music and a booming industry raking in millions, it is surprising to find an artist who sees fit to give his songs away.
But musician Tyler Blanski '06 believes giving away his music is the best way to get it out there.
The Hillsdale alumnus rereleased his album, "Out from the Darkness," on Sept. 16 for free download on his website www.tylerblanski.com.
"Very few people want to put time and money into art," he said. "Giving it away is the best way to share my art."
Blanski's talents extend beyond music. The Minneapolis based musician and writer has already published "Clay Eyes," an anthology of poetry. He attributes his love for writing to various aspects of his education both at Oxford and Hillsdale.
While studying in England, Blanski felt that the program suited his interests and goals, allowing him to explore writing and critical thinking.
"I decided to smoke my pipe and pretend to be C.S. Lewis," Blanski said.
Apparently, the role fit him perfectly.
"What started as a game ended up being a career," said Blanski. "I was sort of swallowed up."
During Blanski's time at Hillsdale, he majored in Christian Studies, feeling drawn naturally to classes in that area of study.
"It's such a dynamic degree," said Blanski, adding that he feels it is the true liberal arts major. "Christ is at the center, then you weave it all into one tapestry, one synthesis."
Blanski said he considers himself an author first and focuses mainly on his writing, viewing music as a side project. Though it has always been a part of his life, according to friend Javonne Padgett, Blanski claims that he began to take his music more seriously when faced with rejection from publishers, particularly while trying to get his next book printed.
Blanski's newest book, "Mud Love," is based loosely on his senior thesis, exploring concepts in Dante's "Divine Comedy."
"As I drafted, it became more and more conversational prose," he said.
But musician Tyler Blanski '06 believes giving away his music is the best way to get it out there.
The Hillsdale alumnus rereleased his album, "Out from the Darkness," on Sept. 16 for free download on his website www.tylerblanski.com.
"Very few people want to put time and money into art," he said. "Giving it away is the best way to share my art."
Blanski's talents extend beyond music. The Minneapolis based musician and writer has already published "Clay Eyes," an anthology of poetry. He attributes his love for writing to various aspects of his education both at Oxford and Hillsdale.
While studying in England, Blanski felt that the program suited his interests and goals, allowing him to explore writing and critical thinking.
"I decided to smoke my pipe and pretend to be C.S. Lewis," Blanski said.
Apparently, the role fit him perfectly.
"What started as a game ended up being a career," said Blanski. "I was sort of swallowed up."
During Blanski's time at Hillsdale, he majored in Christian Studies, feeling drawn naturally to classes in that area of study.
"It's such a dynamic degree," said Blanski, adding that he feels it is the true liberal arts major. "Christ is at the center, then you weave it all into one tapestry, one synthesis."
Blanski said he considers himself an author first and focuses mainly on his writing, viewing music as a side project. Though it has always been a part of his life, according to friend Javonne Padgett, Blanski claims that he began to take his music more seriously when faced with rejection from publishers, particularly while trying to get his next book printed.
Blanski's newest book, "Mud Love," is based loosely on his senior thesis, exploring concepts in Dante's "Divine Comedy."
"As I drafted, it became more and more conversational prose," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Grouchy Alumnus
posted 10/08/09 @ 8:53 PM EST
TWO WEEKS IN A ROW. A BLANSKI STORY.
TWO. WEEKS. IN A ROW.
Throw in last year's "Bench" tribute and I wouldn't be surprised if you guys start lobbying for a freekin' campus statue, complete with flowing locks and a sound system blaring BLANSKI'S FREE ALBUM. (Continued…)
RZA
posted 10/15/09 @ 4:29 PM EST
"In a world of music moguls who closely guard their music and a booming industry raking in millions, it is surprising to find an artist who sees fit to give his songs away. (Continued…)
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