Interview by Robert Cavuoto
Today was Yesterday is a band created from the ground up and features drummer, percussionist, and programmer Ty Dennis and lead vocalist, primary songwriter, bassist, guitarist, pianist, and programmer Angelo Barbera. Together, they will release their debut self-titled album on February 23rd via Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group.
It is a collection of ten modern rock/progressive rock songs that features guest appearances by two legendary guitarists, Alex Lifeson of Rush and Robby Krieger of The Doors. The songs from this powerhouse duo flourish with melody, passion, and incredible storytelling filled with shades of light and dark.
I had an in-depth conversation with Ty and Angelo about how their band was formed, what went into making this album, and how they don’t want to be pigeonholed into one musical genre and a friendship with Alex Lifeson led to having him play guitar on six songs! Check out the full interview, and please make sure to follow My Global Mind on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
The duo is on a mission to create timeless music that transcends genres and generations. The debut is an imaginative, 10-song collection of prime modern classic rock. “We come from the days when pop musicians weren’t afraid to be good players,” says LA-based Ty Dennis. “Ty and I’ve played together as sidemen for 25 years, and we’ve always wanted to work together on original music. Today Was Yesterday is a dream come true for us,” shares Chicago-based Angelo Barbera.
Angelo and Ty first met in 1997. They are longtime veterans of the rock n’ roll scene with a telepathic musical connection. Angelo has worked with The Motels featuring Martha Davis, Red Square Black, Lita Ford, and, most notably, The Robby Krieger Band and The Doors of the 21st Century. Ty previously played in The Motels featuring Martha Davis, where he met Angelo, and he later replaced the Police’s Stewart Copeland in The Doors of the 21st Century.
Prior to his successful hired gun career, Angelo was a band guy, and he has remained an active songwriter even as his bass playing earned him world-class gigs. Angelo’s song sketches became the basis of Today Was Yesterday’s debut album, though they evolved considerably when Ty added his musicianship and artistic vision.
Initially, Today Was Yesterday was going to have a more conventional lineup presentation. “I tried out lead singers, but, at times, it was comical, like a SNL skit—the LSD, lead singer’s disease, was too much for me,” Angelo says laughing. The pair decided to create as a self-contained unit, self-producing and playing all the instruments with Angelo handling all the lead vocals.
The band is joined on this debut by some very special guests. Over the years, Ty had been in house bands for all-star concerts in which Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson was a part of. In 2022, Ty gave Alex a lift back to his hotel after a rehearsal, and he played him some early versions of a couple Today Was Yesterday songs. Alex was a fan of what he heard and said he would love to play on some of the tracks. “We’re honored to have Alex joining us on 6 of the album’s 10 songs.”
Robby Krieger joins the party for the bluesy, “If I Fall (Silly Games),” which features his one-of-a-kind slide guitar playing. “Jim Morrison freaked out when he heard Robby play slide, and wanted him to play it all the time, and I can see why. His slide playing is so emotional—it makes my hair stand up,” Ty says.
Today Was Yesterday has been a deeply satisfying creative adventure for Ty and Angelo. As they gear up to perform live in the summer of 2024, the guys look back on their career and the road ahead with thoughtfulness and gratitude. “I’m normally helping someone else achieve their goals—which I’m always happy to do—but this band gives me a chance to play exactly what I want to play, and I love that,” Ty says. Angelo adds: “This music is one hundred percent pure and honest. It doesn’t sound like anything contemporary. It is truly Today Was Yesterday.”
The complete track listing includes “Grace” (featuring Alex Lifeson), “A Louder Silence” (featuring Alex Lifeson), “On My Own” (featuring Alex Lifeson), “I Take All” (featuring Ed Roth), “My Dog Is My God” (featuring Alex Lifeson), “Faceless Faraway Song” (featuring Alex Lifeson), “If I Fall” (featuring Robby Krieger), “Rukus,” “Borrowed,” and “My New Low” (featuring Alex Lifeson).
https://www.todaywasyesterday.com/
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