TN'T (Trish N' Tom)

So I’m thinking. On our forthcoming album, how we tell a story of celebration. We celebrate Trish’s stunning attributes and their positive effect. We dance to the music on this record. She loved to dance, been that way since she could walk and did it all with a smile that kills. Oh, but then we really breakdown who she was and what she meant to many, beautiful inside and out. Then there’s mama and papa, nothing but love for them, enough said. Let’s marinade on that for a while. There’s plenty more to come on our next post. Meanwhile check us out at some of our links.om https://www.tritommusic.com

https:youtu.be/gONLn4sZvQs

https://youtu.be/eumUNQaNv_U

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tnt/id193629287?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/tnttrishtom

 https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=U_Qrq0XB4nU

#SoulMusic #NYC #Movies #Summertime #ATL #UK #Fashion #Toronto Raptors NBA Champions #H.E.R. #BET#PRAY

First and foremost I’m a music fan, a fan of the music. As music artists we don’t always have the opportunity to sit back relax and enjoy the music we've created. Recently on a flight back to New York, I had the rare opportunity to do so. There are two albums we recorded, Something Good and Don’t Let Go alone with another currently in the making. I reclined in my seat put on the headphones turned up the volume and became immersed in art we’d created, without having to concern myself with whether this or that was correct or even more, how the music would be received by listeners. I got so caught up in how great the music was sounding I honestly didn’t notice the landing of the plane. My conclusion was we’ve written and recorded some really great music. Let me encourage you to take a listen for yourself, I think you’ll agree. Click on or copy and paste into your browser any of these links to check us out.

http://tritomusic.com

http://iTunes.com

https://www.reverbnation.com/tnttrishntom

https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/tnt2

So we’re working on our next record and needless to say it has not been easy. This is going to be our first album since the the passing of Trish Chappell, The other T in TN’T(Trish N’ Tom). Trish was our lead singer which made her the heart and soul of TN’T or at least fifty percent of the funky duo. That makes recording this record very emotional. Though this is going to be great music I’m not really sure this is going to be an album people will be interested in listening to, but it’s personal. I say this because the subject matter is either directly or indirectly inspired by Trish. It’s not solely about my relationship with her as she was my best friend, soulmate, and wife, but also how she had a positive affect on the lives of everyone she crossed paths. This album will be more than just good music but also a celebration, so we’re hoping music fans all over the world will jump on board. Stay tuned previews coming soon.

                                 The Passing of Patricia M. Jackson-Chappell
                                              (aka Trish)

Yes, it was three years ago Trish was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer (GBM) and one and a half years since her transition. On May 11,2016  she lost a fierce battle with the disease. Having her by my side in so many battles I knew she was fearless, but the class, humor and bravery she displayed during her time of illness blew me away. It’s been a very difficult period for our family. Our time together in life and especially her last year and a half was so precious. There will be memories forever. You see Trish was many things to many.  She was sunshine, a comedian, always laughing and always looking up. To me she was my very best friend, my wife, business associate, the Trish in TN’T(Trish N’ Tom), my partner at tritommusic.com. Trish was a daughter, sister to her siblings, an aunt to her many nieces and nephews, a niece to her aunts and uncles, a  godmother, a daughter-in law, sister-in-law. Trish was a friend and confidant to others. She was a super talented vocalist, oh and I never knew anyone who could out dance her. She was an asset to the community we live in, faithful to God and the church she attended. The list goes on forever. Yes, Trish was a superstar as one half of TN’T(Trish N’ Tom), but she was also a superstar in life. It was a privilege and honor to have been her primary caregiver. This is truly a loss that is not easy to recover from. However, I’m so thankful to have had her in my life even if for just a season. I find comfort in knowing that her time on earth was well spent. She touched the lives of everyone she crossed paths with. Trish made all of us feel special.

We have begun to move forward, live, enjoy and love life as Trish would have wanted. No one loved life as she did. TN’T will continue to write and record great music and do so in memory of one of its founding members Patricia Marie Jackson-Chappell (aka Trish). We are currently recording new music for 2018 and have just finished shooting a new video for our song “Pray”. In addition, we are working with director Joseph H. James Jr., along with composers Gil Small, Robin Small, Randy Wilson, Martin Caba and Monet Dunham on a Broadway bound musical. Hopefully we’ll see you at some live shows in the future. We encourage you to visit us at www.tritommusic.com, though there will be changes there are plenty of memories. As always feel free to holla.

Trish has gone to heaven to be one of Gods greatest singing angels. Her spirit shall forever live. However, we’re not done, the headline reads “To Be Continued”.

light, laugh, and love

Tom Chappell (TN’T)

tritom@tritommusic.com

http://tritommusic.com

Don't Let Go (DLG) is our third album release. This was truly a fun record to make. We've always presented the listener with music that is fun, real, energetic, of substance and uplifting all at the same time. DLG is no different. With each release our intent is to take the listener higher. Our taste for musical styles vary, so when we write and record this is reflected in the music. One of the first things you'll noticed is the variety. We take our listeners many places, it's a musical journey. DLG crosses genres, it's fast it's slow, it's soul, it's funk, its house, sprinklings of jazz, pop, gospel, and reggae. But more importantly its easy to listen to, there are already enough complexities in all our lives. 

Tom chappell

"Today" is the first single from our soon to be released CD entitled "Don't Let Go". It's a soulful earthy track, with a strong soulful and earthty beat. The vibe is positive. This is feel good happy music, written and recorded to uplift.

"Today" features Trish on lead vocals and Danny Kean on acoustic guitar.

The main inspiration for this track, came one morning as I observed how Trish starts her day when she has time off. She rises early, grabs a cup of coffee and a newspaper, yes I said a newspaper. Then she'll make her way to the porch where 
there's usually sunshine and starts her day just chill'n. 

The story here is all about taking a day for yourself. Daily we find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle. Why not take some time or as we like to say, put it on slow burn. Now you can enjoy the sunshine. Treat yourself with a day for yourself.

It's good groovy music for good people. That's right we bringing it back and having fun. So purchase this track and bring some sunshine into your life "Today". Find out more by visiting us at our website www.tritommusic.com.

Just the other day a colleague of ours posted on one of the social networks, her mother said to her she was wasting her time pursuing a music career. In her post, she seem to be asking the question did anyone agree. Well you know I had to immediately post a comment. My comment was simply , my mother said the same thing to me a long time ago and that she shouldn't be surprised. That's what parents do, they love their children and want the best for them. I went on to say to her that it's her life, therefore she's entitled to choose her own path and that she shouldn't take it to heart. It comes with the territory. 
Being  artists we've come to the conclusion we have to define success for ourselves and not let or wait on others to validate us. I say this because success to me is relative. What defines success for one artist may not be the same for another. In fact, there are different levels of success. So if we haven't arrived at our highest plateau it doesn't mean we haven't been successful. As TN'T we are about to release our third indie album, each time we have taken our art to another level. This time we're about to do it again and although we've yet to reach platinum status, for us each release has still been a success. Success as is beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Stay tuned and be on the look out for our forthcoming album "Don't Let Go". 

Our approach to making music is simple. We write and record songs that fit our lifestyle…Songs that fit in terms of our musical abilities. In other words, songs we sound good performing.

This is plain reasoning, if the song is relevant in terms of who we are as persons that means we love it. If we love it, then other like minded will love it. That's cool.

About our new music. One thing we take pride in is bringing joy to others. This is something we keep in mind when we create music. We believe bringing happiness helps to uplift which is important to us. If you've ever been to one of our live shows you've seen this in full effect.

This new record is more of what we've already given you. If we can help bring happiness for just a moment then we know we have had an impact. We try doing this mostly by being an example. When you hear, see, meet TN'T(Trish N' Tom) we want you to think love and happiness. Of course we're not perfect, but who is. So we put these things we've mentioned in the music.

This new music is fun and exciting. It's fast, it's slow, in between, positive, uplifting and guaranteed to keep you awake. We dig all types of musical genres so we cover quite a bit.  Most importantly, this is good good music. So even if it's not your preference, we hope that you will be able to appreciate.

I've always said and felt that artists, specifically musicians and singers are some of the bravest souls. I'm speaking of music artists because that's the community we are proud members of. But creative artists of any kind can be included. My reason for saying artists are brave souls is it takes courage to present your work and bare your soul to the world. Thus, opening yourself to all kinds of criticism.
 
One night at about 10:30pm on July4, 2012, we witnessed a different act of bravery. An act that probably saved real lives or at the very least prevented serious injury to fellow human beings. An act carried out by fellow friends and music artists.  You see we witness three, could have been four (there was a lot going on) of our friends run into a burning house and rescue the people inside.
 
This all began with Debbie Knappers' annual 4th of July party 2012. Debbie by the way is one of the most gifted guitarist we know and we're again proud to say she has worked with us(TN'T Trish N' Tom) for the past nine years. Anyway, this is not just your average party, but it's a celebration where singers, musicians, poets, music lovers come together and jam with plenty of food and drink. It's not a competition, it's just good people making good music for good people. This year the event was held at a private home in St. Albans Queens complete with a stage, lighting, superb sound, chefs, bartenders, good people and plenty of space (an outdoor event). All of these things came together creating a spectacular ambiance.
 
Okay, so we're cruising through the evening and everybody taking the stage is on top of their game. We couldn't ask for a more receptive audience, as everyone in attendance were fans of the music. Good people, can't stress this enough. We were patiently awaiting our turn to do what we do. I'm standing stage left looking over the shoulder of one my favorite keyboard players (James Preston), you know, trying to pick up a few tips. I'm not a keyboard player I'm a drummer dabbling in keyboard. All of a sudden James looks toward the sky and says "that house is on fire". I thought musically it was getting so funky... that was, well you know that is a term used in the biz when things are flowing well. But no it didn't take long before we all realized the house next door was on fire for real.  There was an air conditioner in the window on the second floor which had caught fire. Immediately we sprung into action. The music stopped and about five or six maybe more myself included sprinted towards the house on fire. While I'm running I'm thinking what am I going to do because I have never in my life run towards a fire, maybe away from a fire but not to the fire. So I'm standing on the sidewalk in front of the house, everybody's screaming dial 911. I look up at a second floor window and there's a lady looking out, but she's totally oblivious to the fact she's in a burning house. Now I'm yelling and probably others around me, get out, the house is on fire, but she's not getting it. She's still looking out wondering what's all the commotion. We're screaming at her, get out, the house is on fire! Now this is what blew me away. I look out the corner of my eye and these three guys are running into the burning house, wait a minute I know them, It was Richie Johnson, don't know the other two guys name, I think one was the DJ and the other may have been the sound man. I knew Richie because he's been our drummer for nine years. Finally the lady in the window must have gotten the message, don't know if it was us or three strangers running through the front door of the house. Not only did Richie and the other two guys... man I wish I knew their names escort all of the people out of the burning house. They went upstairs to the room where the fire started and let the dog and cats outs. Everyone including the cats and dog made it out safely.
 
Here comes the FDNY. I got to give it up to these guys for the way they went about handling the business of controlling and putting out the fire.
 
I was so proud of my fellow artists that ran into the burning house, because if they had not acted who knows what the outcome might have been. I don't even know if they realize how heroic their actions were. Kudos to them, Kudos to Debbie for having her annual 4th of July bash, for if we had not been there jamming away the fire could have gone unnoticed just a few more minutes and the episode might have ended quite differently.
 
Needless to say we didn't get our chance to grace the stage, and there were others as well. It wasn't important, what was important is something tragic could have happen but because of some brave souls it was prevented. These were some of the things I recall, there were many other actions taken to help prevent a tragic end. Good people do good things. We're proud to be music artists.
 

Often times we meet and converse with people and the topic arises. Well, what do you do? Most times our reply is, we're independent recording artists. Then it goes like this, well what is an independent recording artist? Well we record, promote, perform and sell music but we're not affiliated with a major record label. In other words, if you are a recording artist not signed to a major that makes you Indie. Believe it or not the average music listener is not aware indie music exist. They simply hear their music on commercial radio or TV or don't hear it at all.
 
Yes, there is some good music on mainstream radio (terrestrial radio). The problem is song rotation. There are only so many slots available in one hour intervals and these slots are dominated by major record labels.
 
So if you as a listener are looking for the real nitty gritty, start checking out the indies (short for independent). There's indie radio, mostly Internet and college stations, indie brick and mortar  (industry term for actual building) radio exist as well, although these are usually smaller stations with shows airing at odd hours. It's still great listening. The vast majority of recording artists being played are indie. Indie radio playing indie music that needs to be heard. This makes sense.
 
Not only do you have indie radio and indie recording artists. There are also indie record stores both Internet and brick and mortar (Sound of Market - Market East - Philadelphia, PA). Oh yeah, and indie music magazines, blog sites, music venues, video TV channels, etc. Indie exist in every genre of music you can imagine.
 
Many indie music artists at one time or another were major label artists. Just because a recording artist is not on a major label being played on commercial radio 24 times a day doesn't mean they can't express themselves. As a indie artist you may have never been on a major recording label at all. This doesn't mean the artist is incapable of making great music.
 
We're simply saying commercial radio is limited and is not the end all to good music. Just because it's not in the top twenty rotation does not mean its not good or great music. This is why the Indie music community exist and is needed.
 
So if you think you're cool because you hip to all that's being played in that commercial rotation, think again. What's really hip is exposing yourself to the underground scene. Whatever your cup of tea, soul, r&b, jazz, hip hop, funk, rock n roll, gospel, punk, reggae, country, classical or whatever. There is more dope music out there than you can ever imagine.
 
So if this brief bit of information on indie music has sparked your curiosity, we hope you will tell others and begin to support indie music. Of course we could go on forever about the many facets of the indie music community, maybe we'll explore this more in the future.

"Welcome To The Party" was a real event .... all of the tracks on our "Something Good" cd were inspired by something that actually happened. Welcome To The Party is one track that happens to be on my mind at this moment. Here's how it went down. Trish reached a milestone in her life. So we decided to celebrate by throwing the mother of all parties...well it wasn't our intent to throw the mother of all parties, that's just how it happened. To be honest with you, at first I didn't want to throw the party.... too much money. Trish was determine, so I reluctantly gave in. Anyway it ended up being a fab affair. We spent the money and invited all of the beautiful people we could think of. There were no barriers... ages eight to eighty, etc., etc., etc, hope you're getting the picture. There was a moment during the party we sort of stopped and took a mental picture of what was going on.... all these beautiful people, inside and out, children running around , the elderly laid back, chill'n, it were as if the so called generation gap didn't exist... not a single A-hole in attendance on that day. But then again what else should we have expected, we have a tendency to surround ourselves with beautiful people. And if all that had transpired weren't enough Trish climaxed the evening with a mini-concert. As one person said it best "It wasn't just a party it was an event and a production". We had so much fun that day and evening. People still talk'n....Thus the track "Welcome To The Party" was born. For real ya'll.

Why after all these years, after all the heartache, pain, disappointment, rejection, humiliation, late nights, long trips, little money and so on and so on, do we continue in a business that is as cruel as they come? A business where there are literally thousands, maybe even millions of artists, musicians, singers, writers, etc. competing for the eyes and ears of listeners. A business where sometimes the phone never stops ringing, or at times doesn't ring at all. A business where you may or may not get paid for your work. A business where it doesn't matter how awesome of a song written, but how many units are sold or not how awesome you are as a live performer, but how many asses (term used by some promoters to describe attendance at shows) can be put in the seats. A business where you stand a better chance of winning mega lotto than you do having real success in the business itself. A business where most who are fortunate enough to make somewhat of a living, end up with none of the basic things one needs to survive once they reach senior status. Such basic things as a retirement fund, adequate health insurance, or in some cases food and a roof over your head. A business where you're only as good as the last song you sing, write, play, record, or whatever. A business where so many of the most talented and gifted have given up. A business where you're constantly reminded of the odds against you. A business where there is no real love, but only green, the green being money. You see this list of why would you or why would we continue in this business might seem to some as torture or at best is difficult for the average person to understand. In fact, we could go on and on. Oh yeah, I'm talking about the music business. But if we think about it, this could be any business, the same applies across the board.

In spite of all these things and a whole lot more. This is still the path we have chosen and quite frankly we feel extremely blessed to spread love, peace, joy, happiness, art, and all things that are good...Let the church say amen. For every kudos received big or small it makes the journey worth it all. It's For The Love Of It, this is why TN'T(Trish N Tom) have not given up on the struggle ... And it's fun.

Tom Chappell

As we move forward with our forthcoming project, we have to remind ourselves, it's important to stay in our lane when creating new music. Sometimes we spend too much time watching and listening to what other artists are doing. Ultimately it comes down to us making music the way we make music. If you  spend too much time following trends, you just might lose your own identity. If this happens, we defeat the purpose of being artists. So instead of chasing the hit record, we choose to make sure we write the best song we can at a given moment and make the best record we can make at that given moment. If we succeed at this, the rest will take care of itself.

We're working hard to bring new music to you. The excitement of creating this music is building with every new song. Yes, it's taking us a minute to get it together, but that's only because it's important to us, we continue to bring real good music to our listening audience. We always say good music last forever. You can play it, listen to it and never get tired of it. At present we don't have a name for the project we're working on. We're still undecided whether to release an EP or LP, EP being an extended play 4 to 7 tracks and LP being 10 tracks or more. One thing we are sure of, is that every track completed as of today's post is right in line with the standards TN'T(Trish n Tom) have set for good music. If you don't know what that standard is, check our most recent release "Something Good", this CD consist of 17 songs... plenty to hold you over. It's important to have fun when creating new music. The more fun we're having the better the music. If you rush yourself and put pressure on yourself to complete a project just for the sake of having something in the marketplace, then it really becomes too much like work. For us that's not a good ingredient for making good music. One of the pros of being independent artists is being able to take your time and making sure the music you create is really you. We have to be happy, if we're happy our audience is going to be happier. So far the material we're working on is a combination of songs about relationships, love for oneself, and just plain old living life to its fullest. We try to stay away from the negative, let someone else deal with that. It's not our intention to come with the positive feel good stuff, it's just natural. We write about what is real in our lives ... well most of the time anyway. So if you're into what a positive relationship with your girlfriend or boyfriend or wife or husband or whatever floats your boat could be like, or if you just want a happy feeling, our forthcoming project is going to be for you. Those who have followed us through the years know that if you ask us about influences. We'll say our main influences have been the music of the seventies, Earth, Wind & Fire, Labelle, Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Bootsy Collins, Minnie Riperton, George Clinton, etc. This is where we get ourselves in trouble, we start naming names, there are just too many. It was a very good era for soul and funk music. We try to take the music that has influenced us most and produce it for todays' audience. Yes, it's going to make you feel good about life, it's going to make you dance, it's going make you happy. Yes, talking about some good music y'all. This is the first of many blogs we will post here at tritommusic.com. We plan on discussing things not only relevant to TN'T (Trish N Tom). We'll be giving you our take on many other topics related to music and entertainment, especially indie soul. Also be on the look out for a more in depth view of our forthcoming project, audio clips, song titles, guest artists, etc. Your comments are welcome, feel free to get back at us.