Here's a new video of Jeff playing the C Major and C Minor bourées from JS Bach's C Major solo cello suite. Aside from expanding his classical horizons, he and the band continue to make progress on new music.
Tiles played three of the new songs (Pretending to Run, Falter, and Drops of Rain) at their May 13th show - Drops of Rain for that "always nerve-wracking" first time ("although the second public appearance of
Falter was no less stressful" - Mark)...
April 29, 2011
Video is now available from our session at GrooveBox Studios in Detroit. Click here for "Remember to Forget." Turn off the HD setting if
the video stutters... Be sure and snoop around their site, there's some cool stuff! (Note: the video is not sync'd to the Terry Brown mix.)
March 23, 2011
Click here for a new Tiles interview courtesy of the Part Time Rockers website. As the title implies, the focus of the site is on musicians and bands
whose musical endeavors are part-time and wedged in amongst full-time careers. Be sure and scroll through the list of previous entries as there are a bunch of interesting interviews (The Producers!)...
Our friends at ProgScape Radio will feature the world premiere of "Remember to Forget (live)" Tuesday, February 15th sometime between 8-9pm EST.
Remarkably, in our 17-year existence, "Remember to Forget" is our first-ever live song mixed from a multi-track recording (all the other live tunes we've released are mixing board/2-track recordings). The song
will be available soon on the site as a free download.
As previously mentioned, just after Thanksgiving last year we performed live at the GrooveBox studio in Detroit for a soon-to-be-released video webcast. Although it was very cold, we had fun and delivered a
decent performance. Especially noteworthy was an energetic reading of "Remember to Forget." Although by no means perfect, the song has a "hang-on-by-the-seat-of-your-pants" quality that appeals to us, so we
asked Terry Brown to give it a proper mix.
On the live front... Tiles is playing Saturday, March 5th at RECORD TIME in Roseville. Showtime is approximately 6pm and all ages are welcome.
Unfortunately, after 28 years the store is closing. Don't miss this chance to hear Tiles in a casual setting and bring the whole family to take advantage of sale-priced cds, records, DVDs, etc... before this
legendary store in no more. RECORD TIME is located at: 27360 GRATIOT AVE., ROSEVILLE, MI 48066. PHONE: (586)775-1550...
January 27, 2011
Although released in the U.K. this past December, Issue #13 of Classic Rock Presents Prog is just now hitting the newsstands in North America (reliably found at Borders and Barnes & Noble stores). We are
pleased to contribute the full length version of "Sacred & Mundane" (featuring Alex Lifeson of Rush) to the free "Prognosis" CD which is included with the magazine.
In other news...
Just after Thanksgiving last year we performed live at the GrooveBox studio in Detroit for a soon-to-be-released video webcast. Although it was very cold, we had fun and delivered a decent performance.
Especially noteworthy was an energetic reading of "Remember to Forget." Although by no means perfect, the song really jumped out of the speakers, so we've had Terry Brown give it a proper mix. It's actually
our first-ever live song mixed from a multi-track recording (every other live song we've released has been from a mixing board 2-track recording). We're planning to make the song available on our site as a
free download in the near future.
December 15, 2010
Tiles will be performing on January 7th with Gearth at Fat Catz. Jeff says that the band "...along with Gearth will be playing extended sets on this evening. This is our first time at Fat Catz and are
very excited. Tiles goes on at 9:30 so be sure to be there early!!!! It's only $5.00 to get in. After Tiles is done Gearth will RAWK the place down. We hope you can join us. A great way to start off the new
year. We may even have a few surprises for you..."
Tiles will be performing this Saturday night with The Stage Junkies and Gravetown at The Dawg House. The Dawg House is located at 35965 Groesbeck HWY in Clinton Twp. Michigan. The Doors open at
9:00 and it's only $5.00 to get in. This is probably our last show of the year. We hope to see you out for this special event. We may even have a few surprises for you...
October 20, 2010
TILES has teamed up with rock violinist extraordinaire Joe Deninzon and his band Stratospheerius for an upcoming show:
Saturday, November 20th Old Miami
3930 Cass Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201-1722
(313) 831-3830
Follow the links for more details...
In other news... our live recordings are pretty much ready for mixing. Matthew Parmenter (Discipline) has joined us on 2 songs: Changing the Guard (violin & vocals) and The Wading Pool (mellotron). Also
lending her considerable flautist talents is Maxine Petrucci on The Wading Pool (which, thanks to Jeff's insistence, has been fleshed out with additional instrumentation). Several videos are completed and
awaiting the elusive final mix, which we hope to get organized and underway soon.
In the meantime, work has begun in earnest on some new tunes which will eventually form a 60-minute song cycle revolving around the themes of adaptation & undelivered destiny. We're about 15 minutes into the
arrangements and can't begin to estimate when it might see the light of day, but we'll definitely test drive most of the tunes live...
August 31, 2010
TILES will be performing on the Ford Fiesta Stage at 5pm Sunday, September 5th during the 13th annual Arts, Beats & Eats Festival in downtown Royal Oak,
MI. The entire festival runs September 3-6, 2010 and celebrates art, music, cuisine and humanity with more than 200 performances on ten stages; a highly ranked Juried Fine Arts Show; local restaurants with
some of the finest cuisine in metro Detroit; and international, regional and local attractions.
Directions, location, parking info, and additional details are here.
August 10, 2010
TILES will be performing at 5pm Sunday, August 29th during the 4th annual People's Arts Festival at the Russell Industrial Center, 1600 Clay Avenue in
Detroit. Devoted to all aspects of the art community, the festival encompasses art, music, film and the rebirth of Detroit; and features more than 100 visual artists and craftspeople, over 60 bands and
performers, plus film and fashion. Admission is free.
Directions, location, parking info, and additional details are here.
TILES will be performing at 8pm Monday, June 21st at the 4th annual Detroit River Days Festival in downtown Detroit. The band will conclude their 90-minute set just before the Target Fireworks display is set
to begin. Admission is free. This is a great opportunity to bring the whole family to the newly renovated riverfront to enjoy the festivities, catch a full headlining show by TILES (including new material),
and stay for fireworks over the river.
Directions, location, parking info, and additional details are here.
The June 18-21, 2010 festival is presented by the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy to introduce the community and visitors to the transformed Detroit International Riverfront. The festival marks the opening of
significant portions of the new Detroit RiverWalk and spotlights the river's history and cultural background with activities on land and water including: tall ships, live music, sand sculptures, river tours,
carnival rides, jet-ski demos, kids activities, delicious food and much more!
May 16, 2010
In November 2007 Chris spent a day at the Hotel St. Germain Des Pres in Paris doing press interviews in advance of the January 2008 release of "Fly Paper." One of the more unique interviews was courtesy of the
www.morow.com website which was video taped. Unfortunately, technical problems had prevented the interview from
streaming correctly causing it to disappear into obscurity. Well..., it's been repaired, resurrected and is now available
for viewing. Chris discusses a bit of band history, how "Fly Paper" became a reluctant concept album, and gives a bit of back story on where all the Rush connections originated.
March 18, 2010
Here is Jeff's latest YouTube video, although this is more of an instructional one rather than one based on a Tiles song:
March 11, 2010
Jeff and Chris were interviewed a few weeks ago for a feature called "Bands Like Rush," co-sponsored by the Rush Is a Band website (...although such an
endeavor may be better called "Bands Influenced by Rush" since there is only one Rush after all). Either way, the interview is available here in both audio and transcribed formats. Many thanks to Ben Sommer for corralling over 15 years of
reminiscence into an organized dialog. Be sure and check out Ben's eclectic music while you're there and visit often as he interviews more bands.
Even though our news output has been a little light we've been busy getting our live recordings together and ready for mixing. So far, in no particular order, the pending track listing is: Remember to Forget;
Modification; Taking Control; Cactus Valley; Patterns; Bass Segue #1; Sacred & Mundane; Hide in my Shadow; Dress Rehearsal; Bass Segue #2; Safe Procedures; Checkerboards; Hide & Seek; Capture the Flag;
Landscrape; Bass Segue #3; Window Dressing (Pt. IV); Token Pledge; Dragons, Dreams, and Daring Deeds; and Another's Hand. We also plan to add Changing the Guard, Dancing Dogs, Analysis Paralysis, and The
Wading Pool to round out the list along with a couple Special Guests. Stay tuned...
January 5, 2010
Happy New Year!
As previously mentioned we contributed our song Hide & Seek (from 2008's Fly Paper CD) to A&E TV's hit series "Dog the Bounty Hunter." The
specific episode (#152) entitled "Kid Stuff" will air this Wednesday, January 6th at 9:30pm EST. Additional show times and program details are available here.
To check out the clip, head here and go to
PART 2 at about 5:06 in the clip.
In addition to new material, work continues on a series of live soundstage recordings that we hope to release as a special 15-year anniversary commemorative double CD sometime this
year.
December 18, 2009
Best wishes to everyone for an enjoyable Holiday season - and a healthy and prosperous New Year!
November 17, 2009
Tiles has contributed the song Hide & Seek (from 2008's Fly Paper CD) to A&E TV’s hit series "Dog the Bounty Hunter" ...where
'heart-stopping adventures of real-life bounty hunter Duane Chapman and his loyal band of family and colleagues are documented. Watch Dog and his crew capture notorious outlaws
and fugitives alike--all while doing their best to take care of their marriages, families, and communities.'
In Other News: writing and arranging is in full swing as we work on a bunch of new tunes. We're also heading into the studio (well, a soundstage actually) with a small audience to
record the live set(s) we've been playing for the past two years. We haven't decided how to release it yet... maybe as a signed & numbered limited edition CD or something.
Hopefully, we can arrange a webcast too...
Be sure and keep checking our Upcoming Shows page - we'll be announcing more shows in the Detroit area and Midwest soon...
September 27, 2009
The season premier of A&E's "Parking Wars" will feature a small bit of our song "Static" (from Presents of Mind). The episode will first air
Tuesday, October 6th at 10pm EST. Visit the A&E site for more details and additional show times.
Next year marks the 15th anniversary of the international release of our debut CD tiles. We have been discussing what to do to commemorate the event
and thought it might be a good time for an official live CD... though probably just a self-released, limited edition, available through our website (and maybe one download site) -
type of thing. So while we figure out the production details visit our message board and make your song requests.
Work on new material is going well. In addition to the (15) songs already sketched out is the resurrection of "Destiny Undelivered," a 25-minute song cycle left over from the
"Window Dressing" era. We'll be auditioning these new tunes as we continue to play throughout the Detroit area in the coming months.
September 21, 2009
An upcoming episode of Parking Wars on A&E TV was recently filmed in Detroit and will include a Tiles song. Keep an
ear out for a bit of "Static" from our Presents of Mind CD. We'll post the show's date & time once we have the information.
August 13, 2009
An upcoming episode of Parking Wars on A&E TV was recently filmed in Detroit and will include a Tiles song. Keep an
ear out for a bit of "Static" from our Presents of Mind CD. We'll post the show's date & time once we have the information.
Speaking of Presents of Mind, the North American pressing on Magna Carta is officially out of print. Of course, you can still find copies floating
around, but if you're in the market for this CD we recommend buying or downloading the in-print 2004 Special Edition. Although technically an import, you can find it at domestic
prices at The Laser's Edge; Amazon.com & their retailerseBay; Amazon download store; and eMusic.com.
Purchasing or legally downloading the in-print version helps our cash flow ever-so-slightly...
July 20, 2009
1. We've got some new shows around Detroit scheduled, check here for the details.
We're taking a month (+) off from live performances to concentrate on working up some new tunes. We'll be back in action around the Detroit area in August. The new songs will
be added to the live sets for road testing - which is something we haven't done since the pre-Fence The Clear days. It's hard to predict when we'll actually record or how any
new music will be released in light of the SPV bankruptcy activities (and the continuing popularity of free music) - but we hope to stay on the InsideOut Music roster in some
shape or form.
May 30, 2009
We recently completed a few minor modifications to the site and added a video page with links to the variety of Tiles clips on YouTube. Also posted is an
"easier to find" link to our sound check jam with Dream Theater from our European tour all those years ago.
Paul & Chris recorded their recent "command performance" of The Wading Pool which is now up on YouTube.
We've officially begun working on ideas for what will hopefully materialize as our 6th recording. It's in the early stages so we're not sure what direction the music will take
us. There are a lot of unusually heavy riffs (for us) but Chris also has a bunch of keyboard-based songs that might interest the other guys.
In the meantime, we plan to continue playing around the Detroit area and branching out a bit in the Midwest if the opportunity arises.
April 20, 2009
We're drifting to the progressive rock end of the spectrum for a couple of new shows on May 1st and May 2nd. Joining us will be fellow Detroit area progsters Realm, Sweet Crystal, Milwaukee's Strange Land, and a few more bands TBA. Visit our Live / Upcoming Shows page for the details.
We've joined the Facebook revolution (along with Jeff) - just search for "tiles."
We've also started a page at ReverbNation. It's a great site for discovering all styles of cool new underground music.
March 24, 2009
Check out the latest episode of RockNation TV on your local public access cable channel for the video for "Sacred & Mundane."
The show also features a selection of hard rock & metal videos along with an interview with Buckcherry. Click here
for stations and showtime listings throughout the country.
We've put up a few additional archive videos: Calling Out, Dancing Dogs, and Safe Procedures from a show in 1994 at the I-Rock Nightclub in Detroit. Check out the entire video
collection on YouTube...
The introduction to "Dragons, Dreams, and Daring Deeds" is in the running to be the musical theme for Ann Delisi's Essential Music program on WDET 101.9FM in Detroit. Her show is an eclectic mix of modern music and can be heard throughout
southeastern Michigan (and streaming online) Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 4pm (EST). Feel free to vote for "Dragons..." (scroll down to song #32) here. Hurry, voting ends April 1, 2009.
February 25, 2009
We've been digging through our old VHS archives and have digitized and edited some "classic" bootleg videos. Click here to check out a variety of tunes from 1995. Also, we've posted a couple of clips from our recent opening set with King's X; and
a clip of "Landscrape" from our December trip to Milwaukee. We're in the process of launching a new video section on our website for direct YouTube links plus high-resolution
downloads of all our videos. Works-in-progress include more clips of seldom performed tunes (Calling Out and Safe Procedures for example); short in-the-studio documentaries of
the recording and mixing sessions for each cd; interesting bits & performances from our European tour with Dream Theater; and a few "how to play" lessons for your favorite Tiles
tunes.
Window Dressing Bundle:
1 - Window Dressing Special Edition CD
1 - Window Dressing T-Shirt (size XL only)
On the live front we're sticking close to home for our Fly Paper "In and Around the Motor City" tour. We've come up with (2) totally different sets which we'll alternate to keep
things fresh and interesting (for both us and the audience). Visit our Upcoming Shows page for more details:
March 7th @ NewYork NewYork with the Stage Junkies and the Levi Moore Band.
March 21st @ the Token Lounge with Realm and more bands TBA.
April 24th @ the Hayloft with X=Y, Mindrought, & Mellotron.
January 28, 2009
Our first show of 2009 will be on the west side of Detroit at the Token Lounge - click here
for details.
January 5, 2009
From Jeff:
Well, I have been wanting to do something like this for awhile and now, and thanks to my cool new camera, I can! The other guys are into it too so we're ready to demonstrate a
few of our tunes that people have been asking for. I just did the first one for Modification - which you can
see below. You can also go to our YouTube account or search YouTube on "tiles band" or "tiles music" to find it.
Write us through the forum if you'd like to see other songs and we'll whip up a quick video. We can't promise next day delivery but we'll do our best to "git 'er done" as soon as
possible. I'm not a pro video or editing guy so you'll have to suffer as I learn... feedback is always welcome so let us know what you think. Thanks!
Check out the Modification Bass Video below:
In addition, here's a video of us performing just a few weeks ago, opening for King's X...
December 23, 2008
Best wishes to everyone for an enjoyable Holiday season - and a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Our final (2) shows of 2008 went well. It was great to play for 500 King's X fans at the Emerald Theater in Detroit a couple
weeks ago. We appreciate the enthusiastic response and the opportunity to share the stage with the mighty KX. Here are a couple photos from our post-show socializing:
A couple days later we ventured west (then a bit north) with fellow Detroiter's Discipline to meet up with Strange Land for a show in Milwaukee. A small but enthusiastic crowd worked around their Holiday party schedules and braved
the cold (and serious wind) to make our trip worthwhile.
Stay tuned for more shows and (hopefully) a few special events as we continue the Fly Paper "Here & There Around the Great Lakes (and maybe a few other places)" pseudo-tour in
2009.
December 6, 2008
Here are few new reviews that have cropped up over the past few months:
Click here for Music Connection's review of our October 24th show at the Ritz in Detroit (scroll
your mouse a little after zooming in and the text will focus).
November 21, 2008
Click here for information on our December 10th show with King's X Rounding out the bill will be
our buds mellotrön_. The Emerald Theater is a great venue &
King's X is a band that never disappoints live... so you owe it to yourself brave the cold on a Wednesday night (plus it's an early show)!
Several days later we'll put snow tires on the van, pack up the trailer, and trek westward to Vnuk's in suburban Milwaukee for a
rare road show with the reclusive Discipline and local progressive metal favorites Strange Land. Click here for show details and the latest flyer from the talented Lisa Mansfield.
Best wishes to our US fans for a pleasant Thanksgiving holiday!
November 12, 2008
The "Fly Paper: 2008 Here & There around the Great Lakes" semi-tour enjoyed a successful stop in Cleveland last weekend. Thanks to Chian Productions, the Rick Ray Band, Slick
Flux, and Cleveland's enthusiastic rock fans for a great evening!
We're back home this coming Friday (11/14/08) at the I-Rock in Detroit for our first installment of the "e-Clect-a-Fest" - a gathering of "different"
styles of rock bands. Besides Tiles, the inaugural line up features Jann Klose an excellent singer/songwriter from Germany
who's currently based in New York; Detroit veteran classic rockers Chain Reaction; and the jazz/rock fusion of Emerald Fade.
Rounding out our performance schedule for 2008 is a show with King's X at the Emerald Theater in Mt. Clemens (Detroit) December 10th; and a return visit to the Milwaukee, WI area with Discipline and local favorites Strange Land at Vnuks in Cudahy, WI.
We will continue to perform live throughout 2009 so keep checking back often for more show information.
In other news... "Fly Paper" is now available for download at eMusic.com.
October 3, 2008
We're pleased to confirm our first-ever show in the Cleveland, OH area Saturday, November 8th at the Phantasy Concert Club in Lakewood, OH. Look for special promotions courtesy
of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including a limited edition Tiles sampler CD. Click here for details.
About a year ago we were in the midst of finalizing the artwork for Flypaper. For months we agonized over logos, fonts, clouds, perspective angles, &
the color of the sky; and solicited opinions from friends, relatives, and music professionals in hopes of making the right decision. Ever the customer service oriented gentlemen,
Hugh Syme provided us with an array of variations. Click here to pick your favorite...
September 11, 2008
We've added another Detroit area show on October 24th... click here for details. More bands will be announced soon - as will additional shows
throughout the Midwest. We still have a few Flypaper reviews cropping up in the old fashioned printed way:
Goldmine Review, July 18th 2008, Volume 34-No.15-Issue 730
Tiles: Flypaper
Grade **** (out of 5 stars)
Rush has always been a major influence on Tiles. One of the early entries in the '90s North American wave of progressive-rock, the
Detroit band is produced by Rush studio whiz Terry Brown and features covers designed by Rush artist Hugh Syme. Rush guitarist Alex
Lifeson even performs a guest solo on "Sacred & Mundane" -- one of eight songs on Fly Paper, a musically accessible album that hovers
over the lyrical theme of human vulnerability.
While Lifeson's cameo garnered Tiles' fifth album extra attention, it's time to move beyond the Rush comparsions. Granted, this music still
owes a debt of gratitude to the Canadian trio, but Tiles confidently breaks free of the past and makes a firm landing with shorter songs, a
renewed emphasis on guitars and some of its most memorable material in years. Guitarist/keyboardist/lyricist Chris Herin still can't resist a
crisp turn of phrase ("Landscrape," "Crowded Emptiness"), but that only adds to the charm of this little band that could -- and, finally does.
--Michael Popke
August 4, 2008
We'd like to thank the venues and fans for making our visits to Milwaukee and Chicago memorable - we had a great time! Look for some bootleg video soon... Next up: Buffalo, NY
on August 22nd; then we're back in Detroit at the Magic Bag on August 29th.... with more shows still in the works.
July 28, 2008
We've posted the extended version of "Hide & Seek" on our MySpace page. Fully mixed and mastered, this version
contains the rideout guitar solo in its entirety along with an actual "ending." There are no plans to release this version so check it out while you can...
July 18, 2008
We're pleased to announce the opening acts for our Milwaukee and Chicago shows:
Our Chicago show is confirmed at the Red Line Tap on Saturday, August 2nd. Please visit the Upcoming Shows page for details. Also pending is a show in Cleveland Saturday, August 23rd... we'll announce the details soon.
July 10, 2008
We're pleased to announce the first few shows for what we're calling the Tiles "Fly Paper 2008 Great Lakes Tour." Hopefully, we can add "...and Beyond" when Fall rolls around
and visit other parts of the US. But for now we're just glad to be able to get out and about a little:
Friday, August 1st @ Shank Hall; Milwaukee, WI
Saturday, August 2nd @ the Red Line Tap, Chicago, IL
Friday, August 22nd @ the Tralf; Buffalo, NY
Visit the Upcoming Shows page for details. Additional dates to be announced soon.
Closer to home... we've teamed up with (3) other Detroit bands for an eclectic evening of music at the Ritz in Roseville Saturday July 19th. Click here for details.
April 29, 2008
News Item #1: Tiles returns to the stage Saturday, May 3rd at the NewYork/NewYork nightclub in Chesterfield, MI (northeast of Detroit).
Joining the bill are the pedigreed Send More Cops and Detroit metal favorites Ray Street Park. Hosting the evening will be the staff from WRIF (101.1-FM) with free
swag, contests and prizes. Tiles will take the stage at 9pm and play a 60-minute set featuring plenty of tunes from "Fly Paper."
News Item #2: Now is your chance to get the "Ultimate Fly Paper Collectable." We have three (3) copies of Fly Paper signed by the band, legendary producer
Terry Brown, and special guest Alex Lifeson of Rush. The first three people
who post under the special Ultimate 'Fly Paper' Collectable thread will be eligible to purchase a copy and will
receive ordering instructions shortly thereafter. The cost is $35 for residents of the continental USA/Canada; and $45 international. **Disclaimer** Are we shamelessly
profiteering? Well, no... this exercise is to simply cover the expenses of securing Mr. Lifeson's signature on a number of cds; most of which will be auctioned off at several
charity events. So we, Tiles, will net zero profit (in case anyone wonders... or actually cares).
News Item #3: Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Rarick II who entered into wedded bliss March 29th!
News Item #4: We are pleased to announce that we've joined the roster at BackStreet Booking and are planning a
few shows throughout the Midwest and Northeast later this summer.
News Item #5: Here's another round of reviews & interviews designed to entice you into purchasing a copy or two of "Fly Paper" - if you still haven't gotten around to it
;-) ...(remember, CD InZane still has a few signed copies):
1) We've sent another batch of signed "Fly Paper" booklets to our friends at cdinzane for another special promotion.
Quantities are limited (since our stock of extra booklets are now gone)... so if you're still waiting to purchase a copy this is a great opportunity to get a little something
extra for your money.
2) We'd like to thank everyone for the great turnout on March 9th in Detroit for our first 'real' show since CalProg in June of
2005. It was great to get back on stage with the new "Fly Paper" tunes - and a variety of older songs that we haven't played much over the years. We apologize for running out
of time and cutting "Landscrape" and "Patterns" from the set; and for our limited availability after the show... we'll do better next time! Click here for a few photos...
4) We're looking over some bootleg videos from the March 9th show. We'll chop things up and post individual songs during the next few weeks... stay tuned.
5) And finally, back in February we traveled to Toronto for the Canadian "Fly Paper" release party... We were virtually the only non-Canadians / non-Torontonians (yes, people
living in Toronto are Torontonians, we looked it up ;-)) involved in the making of "Fly Paper" so it seemed only fair that we cross the Detroit River into Canada and make the
journey east to celebrate. Although a very ill Alex Lifeson was unable to attend, we had a great turnout from our supporting cast and special guests including Terry Brown and
Family, Kim Mitchell, Alannah Myles, Hugh Syme, Peter Moore, Russ Mackay, and many others... here is a selection of photos.
March 14, 2008
Ian Anderson of the legendary Jethro Tull offers his recommendation for Fly Paper:
"Tiles' best yet! Hard-edged sounds from the Michigan Prog-rockers show off their prowess as maturing, well-formed music-makers for the new age of inventive, guitar-based Rock.
Sharp, precise vocals tell tales and set scenes. Thundering drums and bass lines connect weaving melodies. Strong stuff from a band who must soon find long-deserved
success." - Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull
March 6, 2008
Tune in to Solar Guitars this Friday, March 7, 2008 from 10pm - 11pm (EST) for a special feature on "Fly Paper" and a bit
of general progressive rock chat. Joining Tiles will be Matthew Parmenter of Discipline and hosts Daryll Dobson and
Eric Harabadian. You'll be able to call in and join the conversation. Click here for spotlight on Tiles courtesy of the Detroit Free Press.
It's time to break away from rehearsal mode & catch up on some business....
1) For those of you in the metro-Detroit area, Tiles will be featured on the WHFR (89.3 FM) "Motor Live Drive @ 5:00" program
Thursday, March 6th @ 5:00pm. The band will perform a bunch of songs live in the studio & talk about the making of "Fly Paper." The show will also be available via podcast for
three months afterwards at www.whfr.fm.
3) Our February 2nd appearance at Record Time in Roseville, MI was a lot of fun. Thanks to the Record Time staff and to
everyone who came out to help us celebrate the release of "Fly Paper." ....see a few photos below...
February 13, 2008
We are pleased to release the video for "Sacred & Mundane" (single edit). See below for the YouTube version - or - here for the uncompressed
version. Very special thanks to Mathew Kennedy (Discipline) & Magnetic Cinema for stepping in at a moment's notice after
our original producer couldn't get his act together. Although "Sacred & Mundane" features Rush's Alex Lifeson on a host of guitars, he only makes a fleeting two-dimensional
appearance in the video in the guise of his alter ego 'Victor' ...just for fun...
Click here to view the flyer for our March 9th release party at the Magic Bag Theater with special guests Discipline.
Visit the Metro Times - or pick up a copy the 2/13/08 issue if you live in Metro Detroit - for
a "Fly Paper" article.
Still to come... photos and a report on the February 2nd In-Store live set; photos and a (hazy) report on the February 9th "Fly Paper" release party in Toronto; and a variety of
new reviews.
January 28, 2008
Although in modern music industry terminology the new Tiles CD 'dropped' today in Europe and will 'drop' tomorrow in North America - with a title like "Fly Paper" (and cover)
maybe it's best we say the CD has 'landed' instead... (you know, since no one likes planes dropping out of the sky?). Anyway..., to coincide with our new CD we have a new
website design. Sure, we're still missing a few things: "Fly Paper" lyrics; artwork variations; some sort of recording story with in-the-studio videos & photos; etc... but these
will arrive soon. Special thanks to webmaster Mike for taking our random ideas, improving them, and putting it all together!
We've had many inquiries about the announced promotional video for Sacred & Mundane? Well..., we had to change production companies so we're unfortunately (way) behind
schedule. We expect to make up for lost ground and have it finished within the next few weeks though. Better late than never we hope...
Reviews and publicity for "Fly Paper" are popping up everywhere. While we assemble a complete list for posterity (including the nasty ones) here are a few of our favorites...
(in English):
1. Click here for the special advance release of an alternate version of "Back & Forth" (featuring Alannah Myles).
2. We are pleased to announce the official "Fly Paper" CD release party details for Sunday, March 9th at the Magic Bag Theater in Ferndale, MI. Joining us for a special one-hour
opening set will be the return of Discipline - reunited and hard at work preparing for their appearance
at NEARfest X this summer. Click here for the full length "Fly
Paper" press release.
Tiles wsg/ Discipline
Sunday, March 9th
Tickets $10 and are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets & the Magic Bag box office - 18 and over please
Doors open at 7pm - show starts at 7:30pm
The Magic Bag
22920 Woodward Avenue
Ferndale, MI 48220
Telephone: (248) 544-3030
January 15, 2008
We've posted the official press releases for "Fly Paper" and our appearance at Record Time here.
Remember the exclusive Tiles "Fly Paper" contest at www.cdinzane.com.
1) Please visit the Progressive Rock site Ytsejam.com for a new
in-depth interview with Chris.
2) "Fly Paper" pre-orders are now available at Amazon.ca.
3) Be sure and visit our message board - we've started a thread for people to post thoughts, comments or questions regarding "Fly
Paper."
January 2, 2008
"Fly Paper" Pre-flight Checklist #4:
Happy New Year to everyone! As we continue preparations for the January 28th / 29th release of "Fly Paper" we thought it was time to surface & pass on a few bits of news:
1) Tiles "In-Store" appearance Saturday, February 2nd at Record Time in Roseville, MI. We'll be playing a casual 45-minute set at approximately 6pm and signing copies of "Fly
Paper."
Record Time
27360 Gratiot Ave.
Roseville, MI 48066
Phone: (586)775-1550
2) Visit www.cdinzane.com for an exclusive "Fly Paper" contest.
3) Producer Terry Brown talks with metal guru Martin Popoff about "Fly Paper" here.
4) Plans are in progress for an official CD Release Party at the Magic Bag in Detroit - so mark Sunday, March 9th at 7pm on your calendars and we'll have additional details
soon.
December 7, 2007
"Fly Paper" Pre-Flight Checklist #3:
1. Pre-orders for "Fly Paper" are now available at Amazon.com across the world (and other fine music retailers of your choice): US Germany, France, UK and Japan.
2. We've posted the single edit of "Sacred & Mundane" to provide an early preview of "Fly Paper." This version is about 2-minutes shorter
than what's on the official release... And in response to the curious Rush fans, all the predominant guitars you hear are Alex (electric and acoustic). A bit of trivia for this
song is that Hugh Syme played an uncredited keyboard part in the bridge (underneath Alex' celtic acoustic guitar motif). Since it tended to blend in with Chris' keyboard parts
we didn't bother to give Hugh (yet another) credit...
3. Tune in Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 8pm (Eastern Standard Time) for the "Fly Paper" Internet Radio Premiere on ProgScape Radio.
December 2, 2007
'Fly Paper" Pre-flight Checklist #2'
Hundreds of cardboard-sleeved promo copies of "Fly Paper" have been distributed throughout North America and Europe and a few reviews have begun cropping up:
TILES 'Fly Paper' Inside Out (2008)
Tiles return and have producer Terry Brown (Rush) at the production helm and after listening to the excellent opening track, the heavy guitar sound of 'Hide In My Shadow' you can
hear the Rush influence both in the vocals and overall sound. 'Sacred & Mundane' keeps the heavier sound going (with Rush's Alex Lifeson guesting on guitar) although 'Back and
Forth' the next song is fairly ordinary. 'Landscrape' features fantastic drum work and sound, making for one of the album's highlights. Another highlight sees the band stretch
out instrumentally on 'Dragons, Dreams & Daring Deeds' which also features a guest spot from Kim Mitchell.
A very enjoyable and strong musical album that certainly has a Rush feel due to Terry Brown's involvement but Tiles are not Rush copycats and have their own sound, with a large
dose of guitar throughout. Tuneful, melodic and well produced progressive music which is a joy to listen to.
**** (out of 5)
Jason Ritchie
Chris was in Paris toward the end of November and conducted a day of interviews with the French press: "It was great to finally meet up with so many of the French journalists who
have supported us over the years. They had to battle a transit strike, limited parking and some rather unpleasant weather to get the my hotel - everyone asked interesting and
demanding questions and kept me on my toes. Roger from InsideOut had the biggest challenge keeping me on schedule. And for Nicolas at Rock Hard Magazine here's my list of CDs
I've bought recently from bands who are not typically considered progressive rock: Silverchair "Young Modern;" Radiohead "In Rainbows" (and yes, I payed $8 but will also buy the
retail pressing when it comes out ;-)); The Cult "Born Into This;" NIN "Year Zero;" and Vijay Iyer "Reimagining." Unfortunately, this is the one question I always go blank
on!
Thanks to everyone involved for their efforts and friendly welcome!
October 28, 2007
'FlyPaper' "pre-flight" checklist.
We convened at Jeff's house recently to record video footage for the edited version of "Sacred & Mundane." Although Mr. Lifeson was unable to join the festivities to reprise his
many guitar parts (with Rush on tour in Europe) - we had fun playing the song about 15 times and working up a noticeable sweat. Jeff's brother recorded the proceedings and has
shipped the raw material off to Kentucky where Highway Run Productions will work their magic and create a quirky promotional video. Click here for a post-video photo.
In other news... we've begun rehearsals to finally knock the rust off our back catalog and re-learn the songs on 'FlyPaper.' We're starting with a few semi-easy tunes
(Modification, Cactus Valley, and Checkerboards) to get the ball rolling. Live shows will be announced on this site as soon as we have the information.
Promotional preparations for the release of 'FlyPaper' have also started. Click here for a
pre-press interview conducted with Chris.
