NASHVILLE |DT: FEBRUARY 22, 2011
FR: LIBBY COFFEY/ANGELA VILLANUEVA/MITCH SCHNEIDER
RISING POP ARTIST
TINO COURY
OPENS UP ABOUT HIS DEBUT SINGLE
‘DIARY,’ HIS NEW DIGITAL EP ‘PAGE ONE,’
OUT TODAY, FEBRUARY 22 ON ELEVENTH RECORDS, AND MORE
NEW SINGLE “UP AGAINST THE WALL”
SPINNING AT TOP 40 AND RHYTHMIC STATIONS NATIONWIDE
TINO’s new six-song offering PAGE ONE, includes his new single “Up Against The Wall,” a rhythmically propulsive track showcasing the 22-year-old singer-songwriter-producer and multi-instrumentalist’s vocal, writing, engineering and producing skills. This is the follow-up to his first single “Diary”–which peaked at #38 on Mediabase/BDS Top 40 chart and reached #11 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club chart. “Up Against The Wall” is also being well received at radio, spinning at Top 40 and Rhythmic stations nationwide, as well as on SiriusXM’s BPM, widely considered to be a leading dance station in the U.S.
The Pittsburgh-bred, Los Angeles-based artist is currently touring the U.S. by performing at various high schools, sharing his story, answering questions, taking photos and signing autographs with the students. In this Q&A below, he took some time to reflect on his journey so far and aspirations for the future.
Congratulations on your achievements in music so far. Your mainstream success began less than a year ago with the May 2010 release of “Diary.” Explain the journey so far. Do you have a favorite memory?
TINO: “Thanks so much! It has been an incredible ride so far. A year ago from today I never thought I would be pursuing music the way I am. It’s definitely a dream come true. My favorite memory would have to be seeing ‘Diary’ hit the Top 40 radio play chart last summer. Seeing my name alongside huge artists was something really special.”
Your first single “Diary” made its way to the Top 40 charts. As an indie artist with your first single, this is a huge accomplishment. Why did you select “Diary” as your introduction to radio?
TINO: “I think that the song tells such a great story that so many people can relate to today. It really showcases my style as an artist with catchy lyrics and melodies.”
You have just released your new single, “Up Against the Wall.” You’ve said all your songs have a beat you can dance to but also tell a story. Where did the inspiration for this song come from? Did the song production aspects come easily or did you marinate with the song for a while before deciding on the final outcome?
TINO: “Yes, there is always a story behind each one of my songs. Last summer I performed in a lot of clubs on tour, and that’s where the inspiration for ‘Up Against The Wall’ came from. As far as the production aspects of the song, it really came naturally because I knew right away what direction I wanted to take it.”
Roger Sanchez remixed “Diary;” do you have any remixes planned for “Up Against the Wall?” If not, which producers/DJs would you like to see recreate it?
TINO: “JUMP SMOKERS did an amazing remix of ‘Up Against The Wall.’ They killed it!”
We can’t wait to hear your full-length album due out this spring. Do you have a title selected? What can we expect from the album? Is there an overall concept? How do you ultimately decide which songs to include?
TINO: “I’m actually dropping a 6-song EP on Feb. 22 called Page One. I think it's a great introduction for me as an artist. I'm so excited to finally get my first EP out there! The song selection really came naturally, and I’m so happy with the way everything turned out.”
You recently did an acoustic cover of Enrique Iglesias’ “Tonight” which has received over 7,000 hits in just one week. What was it about this specific song that influenced your decision to do your own version?
TINO: “I really dig that song! I saw it blowing up and had a feeling it would sound really cool acoustic.”
Throughout the last year you have performed with some of music’s biggest pop acts: Jason Derulo, Drake, Train, Iyaz, New Boyz, Mike Posner, Kelly Rowland, Kris Allen, and The Backstreet Boys, among others. Did any of them pass along meaningful advice? What did you take from these experiences?
TINO: “I think I learned a great deal from being on the road and getting to perform with such amazing artists. It really showed me how committed you have to be to become successful, and I think it gave me a confidence boost that I'm getting closer to where I want to be.”
You’re signed to indie label Eleventh Records. Can you talk about the freedom that is offered to you by being an indie artist?
TINO: “I love being independent and having the flexibility to really control what I want to do. It gives me an opportunity to be more creative, as well as be apart of every process that is involved. Eleventh Records has such a great team and I can’t wait for us to go to the next level!”
Tell us about the sports injury that changed your path. What happened? How do you think going through that experience changed you as a person? Any lessons learned?
TINO: “The sports injury was definitely the turning point. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that night. I went in for a tackle and two helmets hit my wrist from opposite ends, ultimately shattering it and needing surgery right away. During physical therapy, my focus shifted towards music and I started taking it more seriously then just a secondary hobby. The experience really changed me as a person because it made me stronger and it showed me, as cliché as this may sound, that if one door closes, another one opens.”
Who is one musician of a different genre that you would like to work with?
TINO: “Tyson from The All-American Rejects.”
Aside from music, what fascinates/inspires you?
“I still love sports, and have ESPN on 24/7 in my studio.”
How are you adjusting to living in Los Angeles having grown up in Pittsburgh?
TINO: “I like it a lot! It’s the perfect place for me to get my feet wet in the music business and it takes me to another level as an artist.”
Complete this sentence: “One day I would like to see…”
TINO: "….my show sell out at Madison Square Garden."
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
TINO: “Adrian Peterson because he is by far the most exciting running back to watch, plus that was my position!”
What’s the most daring thing you have ever done?
TINO: “Hmmm….maybe swimming in the ocean with a school of sting rays.”
What TV show would you most like to see your music featured on?
TINO: “Definitely ‘Entourage.’”
How would you describe Tino Coury to someone who has never heard your music?
TINO: “A pop artist that sings, writes and produces his own music. My music is known for catchy melodies, lyrics and tracks that everyone can relate to.”
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions?
TINO: “Yes, of course. Living out in LA myself and always eating unhealthy–I need to learn how to cook.”
Interviews and physical copies of PAGE ONE are available.
http://www.tinocoury.com/
http://www.facebook.com/TinoCoury
http://www.myspace.com/tinocoury
http://twitter.com/tinocoury
http://www.eleventhrecords.com/
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For more information on TINO COURY, contact MSO:
MSO 818-380-0400
Libby Coffey, x224 Lcoffey@msopr.com
Angela Villanueva, x232 avillanueva@msopr.com
Mitch Schneider, x235 mschneider@msopr.com
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RISING POP ARTIST TINO COURY OPENS UP ABOUT HIS NEW DIGITAL EP ‘PAGE ONE’ OUT TODAY; NEW SINGLE SPINNING AT RADIO NATIONWIDE
