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06/24/2020

The New Normal: Quarantine Can’t Stop Tyrone Hendrix

By RACHEL GOOD // Drummer/composer Tyrone Hendrix has been busy during the pandemic. Here's proof.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have shut down music venues across the world, but it certainly hasn’t shut down Tyrone Hendrix. Hendrix, a beloved Portland composer-percussionist and Soul Tracks Magazine’s Best New Artist of 2019, has embraced the current concert environment. “Front porch and backyard shows are the new normal,” he says. “It’s kind of cool -- you have to get a little creative!”

 That’s why, with a new album scheduled for early August, Hendrix is staying busy. “Rhythm on Life Vol. 2.5” will be one of the first full-length releases on Farnell Newton’s recently launched Lofijazzsoul label. The lead single, Off the Top (feat. Dom Phenom),” is available for streaming and purchase now. It can also be found on Lofijazzsoul’s upcoming “Summer Soulstice 2020” compilation. “Take A Ride,” is on deck for official release next week. “Thank God that music is so essential right now,” says Hendrix. “Sometimes I start playing in my garage and people just stop. It’s all pure experience right now and people aren’t going to forget it.”

Hendrix will be celebrating the “new normal” this Friday, June 26, with a 5-7 p.m. live porch set in St. John’s that will be streamed on Facebook and Instagram Live. He’ll be joined by keyboard player Galen Clark, guitarist Peter Knudsen, and singer Davi Schmidt. Hendrix will also rally his trio for a birthday livestream on July 11 alongside Dom Phenom, Swatkins, and DJ O.G.One.

These COVID-19 performing conditions can feel strange, but for Hendrix, it’s oddly familiar. “We were social distancing before social distancing was cool,” he laughs. “It takes us back to the old-school days and how we were living. Sometimes you just have to hit the reset button.”

Off the Top (feat. Dom Phenom),” is available for streaming and purchase now. It can also be found on Lofijazzsoul’s upcoming “Summer Soulstice 2020” compilation

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