Untitled Page

King Cone, A young University of Texas grad hailing from the North Texas are, is no stranger to the Texas music scene. From sharing the stage with the likes of Alabama, Jerry Jeff Walker, Randy Rogers and Willie Nelson, among others, his four-piece alt-country band has been performing high energy shows all over the South for a while now. King and his band, named the Tailgate Philharmonic, call their music "Johnny Cash and Aerosmith wrapped in a tortilla" - meshing outlaw country with classic rock under well-written lyrics with the soul of rhythm and blues. If you like Texas-hell, even if ha don't-you'll like King.

---------------------------------------------

BUZZ:

---------------------------------------------

MASTERFULLY MIXED (03/02/07)
Drawing from an eclectic mix of inspiration King Cone creates a sound all his own - Trisha Klement

Musicians from across the nation flock to Austin, Texas, to take a stab at the thriving music scene on Sixth Street. Aspiring singer/songwriters play for stage time against other starving artists, hoping to be the next to break into the alternative country music scene.

As a student at the University of Texas, and a regular on Sixth Street, you would think King Cone would have done the same thing. Instead, he focused on his education (what a novel idea) and turned to his music after graduation.

Putting on a cowboy hat and picking up a guitar doesn’t instantly qualify you to be a country singer. There are a few steps between putting on the hat and getting on stage that the average listener sometimes forgets.You can bet Cone has worn his boots out, whether it’s working cattle on the family ranch or playing guitar for hours on end to get the chord just right.

A native of Decatur, Texas, Cone was raised as an only child on a farm outside of the North Texas town. His fi rst job was building barbed wire fence, and he’s kept in tune with the melodic style of life on the farm ever since, especially after graduating from UT in December 2004.

Along with the art of fence building, Cone’s dad taught him how to play guitar at an early age. With some of his teammates from peewee football, Cone hit the road.

His tour continued until college, when it was postponed for a few years. After graduation, Cone chose smoky bars, odd hours and no guarantee of a paycheck over the 8-5 business life.

Why? Simple. He loves the music.

It shows too. On his first full CD release, aptly titled “Gallery,” each song shows painstaking attention to detail, and a sound that shows influences by a variety of genres. “I’m a big fan of Dire Straits, Johnny Cash and Delbert McClinton,” Cone said. “You’ll also hear a bit from Journey, the Rolling Stones and Otis Day and the Nights.”

“Gallery” features a collection of Cone’s originals, with 10 of the 11 tunes penned by the manhimself. The CD as a whole is easy to listen to, and the songs blend easily together but with enough variety to make you take notice of each song.

Cone considers his music to be a integral part of his life. “For me it’s like breathing...you don’t really give it too much thought, but if you stop...well...you’ll die,” he said.

Cone is joined onstage by the Tailgate Philharmonic. The band consists of Dwayne Bollmeyer on guitar, Chris Gipson on bass guitar and John Livingston at the drums.

The band travels extensively throughout Texas, and is making its way into Oklahoma as well. A significant date on their calendar is a fund raiser, in collaboration with St. Jude’s Hospital. This event holds special meaning to Cone, due to his mother’s battle with cancer. She is a survivor, as is Cone’s high school wrestling coach.

Cone also spends a lot of time volunteering his time and musical talent to benefi t a variety of causes. He developed material, performed and produced a four-song CD for the Making Memories Foundation’s Brides Against Breast Cancer program.

Cone has also performed for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas and played several benefi ts to help other Texasartists recoup the cost of stolen equipment.

To check out when King Cone and Tailgate Philharmonic will be near you or to get your own copy of “Gallery” and other merchandise, check out www.kingcone.com. The band is
also on MySpace, at www.myspace.com/ kingconeampthetailgatephilharmonic.

About King

In his CD player:

Stoney Larue “Live At Billy Bob’s”
Bob Schneider “Lonelyland”
Elliot Smith “Figure 8”
John Mayer Trio “Try (live)”
Wilco “A.M.”

Favorite location (besides on stage):

Home with his dog Smokey

Current single:

“Go With Me”

CD to check out:

“Gallery”

---------------------------------------------

BEST IN TEXAS:

---------------------------------------------

RISIG STAR (02/01/07)

King Cone - Angela-Marie Lampton

Before you start to wonder, let us just clarify up front; “King” is his real name. Named after his grandfather and father despite protests from his mother, the name “King” seems appropriate for a guy who commits himself to excellence. However, unlike the name might imply, King is a humble man who would never be the first to tell you that he devotes a great deal of his time to helping others, whether it be through his work with elementary school kids or his commitment to helping fight cancer. All in all, King is a regular guy who just happens to have a big dream and a relentless focus for seeing it through.

The son of a former Dallas blues player, the Decatur, Texas native got his start in music as a pre-teen, urging his father to let him move from the drums to guitar.

“My father wouldn’t teach me how to play guitar unless I took singing lessons,” says Cone. “After a year of lessons, he convinced me that a good way to make money instead of sacking groceries would be to form a band and play music. At 13, I thought that was the best idea I had ever heard!”

Formed from the kids that his father coached on his Wise County Pee Football team, the band, cleverly named “King Cone and the Wise Guys,” made a handsome $300 for playing their first gig. The Wise Guys were rich.

“I never really looked at this as a career choice during those years. I always looked at it as something I enjoyed doing; something that could make me a little extra money,” says King.

The gigs continued until college when King committed himself to being a full-fledged college student in every sense of the word. While studying economics at the University of Texas, King not only minored in the activities of 6th Street, he was the president of his fraternity and of the Texas Cowboys, UT’s service organization.

It wasn’t until his senior year that he got serious about contemplating the next step. His heart kept turning him back to his music. After graduation he returned home and spent six months doing nothing but song write. When he emerged, he had an armful of songs, a new band, The Tailgate Philharmonic, and all the fire that big dreams are made of.

“When I started this two years ago, it was something I wanted to do, but now it’s like breathing. If I didn’t do it I think I might die. I’m not being metaphorical – this is what keeps me alive and makes me tick,” says Cone.

In between playing 200 shows last year, King released his latest CD titled “Gallery.” Influenced by the sounds of Delbert McClinton and Dwight Yoakum, King’s sound has a mix of traditional country, a bit of 80s flavor, and according to him, “a little spice and a little funk,” which is evidenced by his wild stage show.

“Our live show is like on circus on steroids. I have a guitar player and bass player that have minds of their own. Couple that with me in the mix and the music we play and there is no telling what will happen,” says King.

King is quick to tell you however that his music is constantly evolving. “It’s a living organism. What I sound like right now will not be what I sound like a year from now and it will definitely not be what I sound like 10 years from now. The more you get into the music the more different it becomes. You experience things that you haven’t experienced, realize things you haven’t learned, and work at your trade and develop your skills. You open your ears to other music you haven’t heard before. When it’s all said and done you piece everything together. The outcome is always different. But what my music always will be is honest.”

In the process of chasing his own dreams, King has found a calling inspiring others to do the same. Speaking to elementary school classes, his message is always the same, “If you have a dream, chase it. Fight for it with every inch you got. You have to look at yourself in the mirror everyday you wake up and make sure you are doing everything you can to achieve that,” says Cone.

In addition to his speaking engagements, King dedicates his time to helping raise money to fight cancer, a cause that is near and dear to his heart, having affected his own mother. In addition to the many benefit concerts he performs, King donates a dollar off of each CD sale to the American Cancer Society.

“I explained to them (the American Cancer Society) that this would probably not be any substantial contribution, but it will be a contribution of sorts. I can’t do a lot, but I am helping in my own way.”

Does he have any regret after two years of navigating the often tough and financially draining road to musical success? Hardly.

“When I look back on it, there is not one day that I wake up I regret, because I am making something that I believe in. I’m building something from the ground up.”

King adds with conviction, “I want to do this on a worldwide basis. I won’t stop until that happens. I will make it happen.”

---------------------------------------------

TURTLE CREEK NEWS:

---------------------------------------------

Q & A (1/26/07)

King Cone - Sally Blanton

He is only 24, and a recent University of Texas grad, but he is already getting lots of notice and rave reviews in the music world. His band, cleverly named the Tailgate Philharmonic, played 200 gigs last year and recorded a cool CD, "Gallery". A critic described it as roadhouse country blended with soulful rock and said that King, who is named for his dad and grandfather, doesn't emulate others but has found his own voice.

King is the "real deal"; ie. an authentic cowboy. He grew up working cattle and stringing barb wire. He has strong family ties and speaks highly of his parents. His mother is a breast cancer survivor, which prompted King to support the American Cancer Society. Every CD sold will contribute a portion to the organization.

Predictions are that he will make it; he sure has the looks and talent. His sense of humor shines through in the Q & A answers. We can expect great things from this "maker and merchant" of fine songs. Tonight finds him at Poor David's Pub. A stepping stone?

---------------------------------------------

DALLAS OBSERVER:

---------------------------------------------

CRITICS PICKS (12/21/06)

King Cone - Darryl Smyers

Dallas' own Thomas King Cone IV distills the sounds of such disparate acts as Dwight Yoakam and Dire Straits into radio-friendly retro-country that should be his ticket to a larger audience. Cone's looks may actually serve as a distraction from his quality songwriting as his growing (mostly female) fan base looks more for style than substance. Gallery, Cone's sophomore effort, is about as good as pop country/rock can get, featuring clichéd titles ("Here Comes Your Heartache," "Go With Me," "Through Your Door") that in fact move beyond the rote to reveal a surprising level of introspection. Add in a large, top-notch backing band, and Cone ends up sounding like a clean, preppy version of Steve Earle. At only 24, Cone is capable of subverting the formula and making music that, while definitely slick, can move beyond the frivolities of the likes of Garth Brooks and into places where art and commerce can coexist with integrity coming out (slightly) ahead.

---------------------------------------------

NORTH TEXAS DAILY:

---------------------------------------------

ARTS (11/16/06)

Life on tour - Hard work, long haul - Jim Alford

King Cone and the Tailgate Phil Harmonic got up at 6 a.m. in Dallas to travel more than 12 hours around Texas talking to promoters. They stopped for the night in Houston and wrote new material. This is how the band begins its week on tour.

Days of preparation and travel for a few hours on stage is the norm for an up-and-coming new band. Their story is embodiment of life on road, hard work and a long haul.

The band is called King Cone and the Tailgate Phil Harmonic. The group is based in the Metroplex, but the members live in several different parts, including Fort Worth, Dallas and Arlington. They are currently looking for their big break and have released their first album Gallery.

Lead singer King Cone talked about life as a musician and life on the road.
"I don't know what caused me to do this," Cone said. "We've made a lot of progress, but there is a hell of a long way to go. I'm coming to find out what it means to be paying your dues.
"You think 'I'm going to have so many memories.' When you do it every week, when you're always gone, when your always on the road it evolves into one long road.

"It's almost like I have been on the road for an entire day but the day is 20 years long. It's a constant barrage of driving down the road."
Cone is a 24-year-old graduate from the University of Texas, currently living with his parents in Dallas.

"I live at home because I'm starving to death," Cone said. "Every time I step on stage ... a lot of those times I lose money. But I have to do it." Cone went on to mention several ways to get a record deal. A band could get an investor and spend a lot of money to get a really polished album cut and go sell itself to some major label. Some musicians spend time writing music for other bands and even singing in the streets, trying to get exposure, Cone said. The average wait of a musician trying to get a deal is about 10 to 12 years, Cone said. Cone said his band has adopted a method of touring that many bands in Texas have.

"You do what you do. You keep the integrity of the music," Cone said. "You work your ass off and build a following. Once you've created a big enough stir and are selling enough CDs, there's going to be knocking on your door." Cone said Denton is one of the toughest venues on his schedule. "Denton is a real weird cat. Weird in a good way," Cone said. "Denton, more than any other city in Texas, has advance listeners. The people in Denton, when they listen to music, they are mature listeners and they are not impressed easily. If you can build a following in Denton, if you can conquer Denton, you can conquer any other city in Texas. "You can't bring your average sh*t here because they know just as much about music as you do."

Cone said his father inspired him to become a musician. Cone grew up in Decatur and Dallas where his father helped him start his first band when he was 12 years old. Cone's first band was composed of his teammates from his pee wee football team. "My dad told me that you have to learn to sing because there is no money in guitar playing."

Cone's first band would go on to play gigs in front of hundreds of people and sometimes in front of other bands including Alabama. The band was more of a novelty than a great band because it consisted of children, Cone said. Cone went on playing in that band until he went to the University of Texas, where he got a degree in economics.

Chris Gipson, bassist, is originally from Fort Worth. Gipson has been on tour with several musicians like Charlie Musslewhite, Point Blank and played some shows with Taj MaHal. Gipson is 6 feet 5 inches tall and is described as "Mr. Clean" by fellow band members. Gipson is married and has four boys. He explained his take of life on tour.

"It's all about soured milk and beef jerky, hangover food." Gipson said. "It's usually pretty fun. We just go and bang, bang, bang out a couple of gigs, come back and do it again."

When asked how the band would classify its music on its album Gallery, the members responded, "We play Texas music."

---------------------------------------------

MUSIC ROW MAGAZINE:

---------------------------------------------

SPIN ZONE (11/03/06)

- John Freeman

"Hot new music here is ’Go With Me’ by King Cone from the album Gallery,” says Lynn Thomas of KMCO. “He's a new artist. Blake Shelton’s new one ‘Don't Make Me’ is a great record. Tim Murphy’s ‘Crazy’ is still turning some heads as well.”

---------------------------------------------

TEXASGIGS.COM:

---------------------------------------------

FEATURES (11/02/06)

Welcome to King Cone's Gallery - Blair Lovern

Couple cool things stand out immediately from King Cone's first CD, Gallery.

Thing That Stands Out #1: The artwork and photos of Gallery. When I first saw the CD I thought, this is cool - who the hell helped out? It was the hell Kip Lott, is who. Who's that? In general, he's a fantastic photographer. Specifically, he's the guy who did some Dwight Yoakam covers - This Time, for example - that left indelible marks on my brain. Cone's former bass player knows Lott and introduced the two.

Thing That Stands Out #2: King Cone (real name, yes) doesn't sing like everyone else. There's a lot of music in this state and some of it is superb. A lot sounds the same, though, which is too bad. But I still have faith that original voices will continue to break through because this is Texas, and dang-it, the best country music is made here. The difference in Cone's voice compared to others' is subtle. Weird, but every now and then I hear bits and pieces of Cat Stevens in there. It's hard to pin down exactly how Cone stands out. It's not the strongest voice, it's not the twangiest. But I'm not complaining at all, you know why? It also doesn't sound like his vocal chords have been taking a bath in liquor and cigarette smoke since 1984. He's not trying to be everyone else. I'm looking forward to more from this guy.

Not too long ago, when Cone wasn't doing original material, he said he would pick up on a troublesome quirk in his sound.

"When I sang a cover tune, I would be emulating the person originally singing the song. So I said I've got to find my own voice, and I think I'm still doing that. It may sound silly but one thing I think of now is that you have to remember to sing like you talk. It has to come out naturally. You have to give the message and come across in the right pitch or correct format or whatever, but I think it has to come out kind of like you talk. Some people it doesn't work this way. Tracy Byrd is the perfect example. You ever heard him talk? He doesn't sound anything like he sings. But that works for him.

"You need to stay true to the way you sound, don't try to twist your voice into something it isn't. I found that after I did this CD and I listened to it I was worried that I don't fit into that typical Texas music sound that seems to be the movement down here now. But the more that I thought about it, the more I was OK with it."

It's good to hear this from musicians, because not all of them have similar integrity. A few years ago, when Cone first started taking music seriously, he said he was worried the music business would steer him into sounding like the latest fad band selling records.

"There's such a strong music movement down here, it's something that's unique to Texas. Now with the availability of so many indie labels and recording studios, anyone can get into music. As long as that continues, I think you will still have originality in Texas music."

Cone grew up with music. He's 24 now and has been writing songs since he was about 15. But not until he was about to leave the U. of Texas in Austin did he start to take music seriously, and never until the first half of 2005 did he take songwriting as seriously. He worked a little for his dad then and a lot for himself.

"From January to July I wrote songs all day every day. And boy did I write some terrible songs. But I was happy with some of the ones that came out, and we released some EPs as we continued to work on them. Eventually we got 11 for this new record."

Check out King Cone and his band, The Tailgate Philharmonic this Friday and Saturday night. They'll be recording both shows for their next project. On Cone's site it says: "Come have a beer with us, be obnoxiously loud, and immortalize yourself on a live recording so that your friends can laugh at you for years to come."

---------------------------------------------

NORTH TEXAS DAILY:

---------------------------------------------

ARTS (10/03/06)

King Cone blends country with rock - Yesenia Hernandez

In King Cone's latest release Gallery, love and leaving seem to be the recurring themes.

The album was released on Sept. 12 by the C-1 Group Limited record label featuring 11 songs, all of which were written or co-written by Cone.
The emphasis tracks on the album are "Go With Me," "Through Your Door" and "Here Comes Your Heartache."

The album begins with "Here Comes Your Heartache" which speaks of a man who tells a woman she has it coming for what he did to her; she is about to get her heart broken in return. The tune is catchy and upbeat with the help of Cone's sultry voice and smart lyrics.

The first single "Go With Me" was released to radio on Sept. 1.

According to a press release, "Go With Me" features a mixture of "spunky and funky lead guitar and snappy percussion along with a lyric that echoes the question a woman wants to hear a man ask."

"Through Your Door" offers a more solemn sound and has equally solemn lyrics that speak of encouragement in a hard situation.
With lines like "There's so much pain, darkening up your eyes," it's definitely the most melancholy song in the album.

Cone has a unique sound that doesn't only sound country. The music also has touches of classic rock, rhythm and blues and some jazzy vibes.
The album is about 45 minutes long with the longest song being a little more than four minutes.

Most of the songs are bouncy and upbeat with positive lyrics and nice melodies. Country music fans will be pleased with the overall pleasant sound of the album.

Cone, a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, is touring Texas in support of his recent release, according to the press release.
$1 from each album sold will be donated to the American Cancer Society, according to the press release.

---------------------------------------------

MUSIC ROW MAGAZINE:

---------------------------------------------

DISCLAIMER (09/29/06)

KING CONE/Go With Me - Robert Oermann

Writer: King Cone; Producer: Billy Herzig/King Cone; Publisher: none listed, BMI; C-1 Group (www.kingcone.com)

That’s right: This Texan’s first name is King. And get this, his band is called The Tailgate Philharmonic. His song has a slightly jazzy vibe that’s refreshingly different. Send more.

---------------------------------------------

AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN:

---------------------------------------------

BEST BETS (09/02/06)

Something snappy from ol' King Cone -- Lauren Clonts

King Cone is a Texas-born singer-songwriter who mixes spunky acoustic guitar stylings, snappy percussion and moving lyrics. His new single is "Go With Me," and his newest album is "Gallery," which will be released Sept. 12.

---------------------------------------------

PARK CITIES PEOPLE:

---------------------------------------------

THE BANDS TO BOOK (06/15/06)

King Cone - Paige Phelps

What you get: A new guy on the block, King Cone (his real name) is taking Dallas by storm. He'll deliver a range of country hits, including original songs with a clean-cut style and boot-scooting rhythm.

Who it's for: Young, old, upscale, or for those dressed in jeans and tees, he'd be appropriate for any gig. And with his good looks, expect swooning women.

How to book: Said King, "As long as we don't have a gig and the guys are free, we will play tomorrow. A month or three in advance is nice though." How's that for service? Expect to pay around $3,000 and up, depending on venue and availability. Contact his agent at 214-415-2083.

---------------------------------------------

DALLAS MORNING NEWS:

---------------------------------------------

HOT TICKET (03/24/06)

King Cone at Poor David's Pub - Mario Tarradell

Combine melodic, soulful rock with organic, roadhouse country and you get the sound of Decatur's 23-year-old King Cone. With his band, the Tailgate Philharmonic, Mr. Cone is ready to release a second EP of originals, titled Move On, the follow-up to 2005's Stadium Songs. Both discs showcase solid musicianship, hearty vocals and well-crafted tunes. In particular, Move On glides into down-home R&B grooves that nicely complement the heartland rock core. The two EPs are precursors to a debut Full-length CD that should arrive this summer. But for now, it's time to sonically celebrate the release of Move On.

---------------------------------------------

BRIDGEPORT INDEX:

---------------------------------------------

CD REVIEW (04/06/06)

King Cone & the Tailgate Philharmonic - Jennifer Haney

Without a doubt, King Cone of Decatur and his band the Tailgate Philharmonic perform quality music that can only be put out by professional musicians. Although he has only been working on his music career full-time for the last year, Cone has released a couple of compact discs that really show case the versatility of his talent

His newest CD, Move on, exudes a great variety of music that isn't really country music, but is still connected to the hearty-feeling often found in Texas natural tunes.

An example of the variances that are within a song van be found in "Hanging on the Vine." It begins with some real picking and grinning and then another guitar kicks in with some hefty rhythm notes before Cones deep, throaty Voice joins the melody, singing about helter skelter. The music walks the rockabilly line, but never really crosses it.

As with the national market, country music in Texas has taken on a new direction, while carrying on with the old traditions. Cone accomplishes all this and manages to introduce a new sound in the process. It doesn't fit into any certain pre-established market and is therefore refreshing.

The very first song on the CD, "Give Me What I Came For," really jams. Can you say that about a country CD? Will, if you couldn't, now you can.

Cone has hit a vein that seems to have been unexplored until now. The lyrics spill out of his mouth in a funkadelic compilation of rhythms that force you to bounce around, hitting every note in time. A couple of parts in the song sound like he's digging deep within himself to pull out a line of lyrics that just hurts to release.

As always, his music is polished and complete. His showmanship is still in tact, and he seems bigger than life on stage, as was evident at his CD release party performance at Poor David's Pub in Dallas last Wednesday. He still has his country taste and presence, but now he has a new style of music. It/s definitely worth a listen, even if it's only out of curiosity, just to hear the fresh new twist he's put into country music that has Wise County roots.

---------------------------------------------

FORT WORTH SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE:

----------------------------------------------

(10/12/05)
Young Texas country artist finds time to help a growing breast cancer foundation - John Terry

Country artist King Cone, age 23, recently finished a five song CD project to benefit the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. The foundation grants wishes to those suffering from breast cancer and plans to use the CD to familiarize the public with the obstacles facing terminally diagnosed patients. The foundation also aims to raise additional funds by selling the CD at their events throughout the country.

Breast cancer is an issue that hits home for Cone.

“It is something that has affected my immediate family, and I can relate to the anguish the patients’ relatives are going through.”

Cone used personal accounts from those who have struggled with breast cancer to write the songs for the project.

“Writing these songs and working on this project have proven most rewarding,” Cone said. “I hope the CD proceeds will help make possible the dreams of patients battling this disease.”

Fran Hansen and Anna Nelson founded the Making Memories Breast Cancer Organization in 1998 to financially support those diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

“The tragedy of this illness, as with any terminal disease, is not only the physical and emotional impact, but the enormous financial strain it puts on the family,” Fran Nelson said. “Our wish is that every metastatic breast cancer patient experiencing the final stage of life be able to pass from this world comforted with the joy of having left their families a final beautiful memory, something their family will look back on and remember for a lifetime.”

The mother and daughter duo raise money for the foundation by selling restored wedding dresses. Since 1998 they have collected over 10,000 wedding dresses. Their efforts have allowed the foundation to grant over 100 last wishes to cancer patients and their families.

“Anna and Fran are incredible people,” Cone said. “Not only do they work all year to grant wishes, they also devote their time comforting surviving family members whose wishes they have made possible.”

Recently, Cone played for the annual Relay for Life event in his home town of Decatur, TX. Cone said it was encouraging to see survivors and the support that they received.

“It is wonderful for people to recognize that this illness can be beaten,” Cone said. “Hopefully, advancements in research and new technology will allow for even more participants in next year’s event.”

King Cone’s CD, “Memories,” is available for purchase at www.cd-tex.com and www.kingcone.com. All proceeds go to help the foundation grant wishes for terminal breast cancer patients. More information and a schedule of events can be found on their website www.makingmemories.org.

Cone and his band have also released a CD of their own called Stadium Songs, E.P. You can download several songs off the album for free at www.kingcone.com. Cone, who recently graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, and his country rock band will begin touring the Texas area this fall. The band’s schedule and music can be found at www.kingcone.com.

King Cone and the Making Memories Foundation hope this project will make an impact on the lives of those diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.