Meet Tyler Browne | Tyler Browne/Singer ofThe LA Cult

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyler Browne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyler, why did you pursue a creative career?
I always had so many feelings and I needed a way to express them. I acted them out with imitation, danced when my body couldn’t hold them in or write them down as they poured out of me. Whichever way I did it, it was always accompanied by music, whether in my head or coming from somewhere more tangible like a record.

I also loved to entertain people. I could see by even making the simplest joke it could change one’s mood, even if for a brief moment. I of coursed appreciated that humor was an escape from the weariness and sometime cruel occupations of the world. Being an entertainer, especially as a small child, it was initially a bit of mixed bag in that it often brought ridicule from peers. Later it proved to be more of a welcoming to places with people to whom I may not have been welcome otherwise. I saw that entertainment was never something anyone strategized over or needed to problem solve. It was a just a space to take a time out and enjoy. I wanted to be people’s “time out”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am blessed to be able to host and sing for Live Band Karaoke LA., which feels like a party filled with group participation whether it be dancing or singing. I am also proud to front one of the most incredible recreations of the hard rock band The Cult, in The L.A. Cult. As mentioned prior, Ian Astbury was an enormous influence on me as was Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Steven Tyler, and Chris Cornell, I have only ever identified with male singers and the music they created just always happened to be my favorite to listen to as well as sing. It was always a challenge auditioning for bands, as they either wanted an actual male singer or a female singer who could sing songs sung by other female artists. Therefore, I had to create, front and write for my own original bands. I only had ever gotten two auditions for bands in my life. One when I was 19 years old as the lead singer for the funk band Cargo Cult who was actually looking for a male singer, and The LA Cult, who was thankfully only looking for their Ian Astbury.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being an L.A. Native, it makes it incredibly difficult to say, as many of my favorite places have transformed or no longer exist. That being said, I love art and all things cultural, so I do continue to explore all of the things that represent those aspects. The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena comes to mind and may just be my favorite museum. It is home to some of the greatest artists of all time and the beautiful grounds that make you feel like you are in another time and place. It is also a bit more intimate than two of my other favorites, The Getty and Getty Villa. For restaurants, I think Mrs Fish in DTLA has some of my favorite sushi, cocktails and vibe in one place. As you come down the grand staircase, you are immediately immersed in art and a huge suspended aquarium all set in a mid century modern decor.

As far as music venues, everyone should check out the Whiskey and Roxy of course as they have been home to everyone from the Doors to Guns N Roses and iconic punk bands including The Clash (yes, I saw them at The Roxy). Also, everyone should take in the history of The Rainbow Bar and Grill, for which a short time proudly displayed my Alice To The Moon/Sonic Shaman band photo on its wall, dedicated by the legendary Mario Maglieri himself. My favorite however, has to be the Troubador. I am a huge fan of the Indie Psyche scene and I had gone there recently to see an incredible band Levitation Room, from East L.A.. Coincidentally, the doorman, Michael was working there that night, someone I had known since I first started playing there. It was an incredible joy to see him again and be at one of the few clubs that hasn’t lost its lore. I also love going to see bands at the The Lodge Room in Huntington Park and Zebulon in Frogtown is great even to just hang out. The intimacy and spaces they have there are both pretty unique. When it comes to larger national acts, for me it can only be The Greek Theater in Los Feliz or The Hollywood Bowl. As they are outdoor amphitheaters, it makes musical experiences sonically gorgeous and visually ethereal. Closer to home is my favorite pub The Fox and Hound, Studio City for which I’ll be hosting Live Band Karaoke LA every last Saturday of the month through the fall. Also, a cool spot to support local artists is Universal Bar and Grill where The L.A. Cult just performed and will be back again in the fall.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would first and foremost like to thank my L.A. Cult bandmates Matt Gruber, Chris Decker, Tim Rosetti and John Roxx. Additionally, I host and sing for Live Band Karaoke LA for whom the guitar player, Mark Groveman gave me the opportunity to do after being without a band for 15 years. He was also the guitar player for my first real band, Slyder playing the club scene at only18 years old (Shout out to bassist Barry Messina and drummer Chris Wahl) My other mates in LBK band include Fish Olmos and Dante Pacifici.

A few years prior, I was able to perform as a drag performer/solo artist as Fish Cornell (a tribute to Chris Cornell). This was made possible by my friend Maebe A Girl, host, drag queen and local Silverlake council person. I’ve also had the opportunity to write and record on projects for other artists, such as Chris Eschborn and Paul Houston

Someone who continually has supported me since a very young age is my friend singer/guitarist/songwriter Ray Wolffe. He was one of the first real musicians that I had ever met along with Phil Solem, who was also an inspiration to my style and in taking my writing more seriously. Having personal experiences had a much different impact on me than the magazines, books and documentaries I studied on a daily basis. I was fortunate enough to be around quite a few punk and glam bands of the time, many of whom you’d find recognizable. Being in their midst was always an amazing source of discovery as well as encouragement.

I would additionally like to thank my friend and former guitar player Dominick “Dino” Saraceno, who has never let me forget my contribution to his band Flank Drive. Probably one of the biggest thank yous would be to my first “Billy Duffy” Todd Skaggs for whom I could have never been “Ian Astbury” without. Our band Alice To The Moon later Sonic Shaman, was influenced by pre War album U2 and The Cult. With this band, I would have my first experiences at all of the major Sunset Strip clubs, touring experience that included SXSW and a stint on the East Coast. I also have had the privilege of being able to record at Devonshire Studios and A&M Records.

Last but not least, my immense gratitude for the ongoing support of my daughters Winston Browne and Wallace Browne who are artists in their own right, as vocalist/songwriter/recording artist and mixed medium abstract painter respectively. I am also grateful to their father, drummer Bill Browne. Together we not only created two of my favorite people, but my favorite original band R.O.C.and its acoustic sister White Elephant. These bands not only provided me with the opportunity to contribute to the Los Angeles music scene, but also to the community itself. I am blessed to be able to have support from all of my family and friends who are always cheering me along. Above all, thanks be to God for giving me my abilities and all of the people and opportunities in my life

Instagram: @thelacult @livebandkaraoke.la

Twitter: @tylerbrownetm

Facebook: @thelacult @livebandkaroakela

Other: Tiktok @thelacult

Image Credits
Michael Pool Photography (The LA Cult photos)