New EP ‘Silhouette’ Out Tomorrow: Catching Up with Tortuga
With a soulful style, all their own Tortuga’s been hitting the local scene in a big way after their performance at The Bluebird Theater in February. Consisting of Ryan Mahrer and Tyler Arndt the duo, local to Colorado, has a new release in the works entitled ‘Silhouette’ with Philos Records out of Kansas City that you don’t want to miss. In case, you didn’t catch our last interview ‘Get to Know Tortuga’ click here to learn about their early musical influences and how the group came to fruition.
From ending ski season in Summit County with a performance at Lake Dillon Tavern to talking Backwoods Music Festival you’ll only catch up with Tortuga in this interview.
Aryonna Richard: Your new EP Silhouette is dropping April 12th what can you tell me about teaming up with the nationally acclaimed Philos Records in Kansas City?
Tortuga: We’re certainly excited for this release. Philos Records has been amazing to work with. Jordan and the crew over there really know what they’re doing. Excited to be added to their roster along some of the national acts they’ve worked with previously. Jordan’s been there throughout the creative process for Silhouette - both the music and the art. He’s given great insight and has been an all-around awesome guy. Tyler put together the visuals in case anyone is wondering.
AR: How do you believe this EP will be different from others you’ve released?
Tortuga: Silhouette is definitely a more hip hop based release in comparison to previous works. This is also why we partnered up with Philos Records for the release. But we wouldn’t say it’s all that “different” from how we’ve created previous tracks. We’re just always looking to bring new sounds, elements, and melodies into our production - mostly because we like to see what happens. These turned out pretty funky, so we thought Philos may be interested. Thankfully they were, and Silhouette came to fruition. But we have a number of formulas for the way we create the music we release though. A lot of the sounds in these tracks are coming from a place of inspiration. We find a melody we like within ourselves or within something someone else has created and build off it. That melody can come from anywhere.
AR: How does it feel to have such a large goal come to fruition so quickly?
Tortuga: “At this point we can’t say we’ve done enough to feel satisfied. A lot of amazing artists come out of Denver - many paved the way for what we’re attempting to put together right now - so we try to stay very conscious minded of our “accomplishments” in that sense. We’re going to keep our heads down and keep doing what we’re doing, though. We hope you all like it!”
AR: It looks like you have an upcoming performance in Summit County. What can you tell me about joining the Nocturne Entertainment Crew?
Tortuga: “They have been awesome to work with. Derek, the owner, reached out to us recently, and we were really excited he did so. We’re also really excited to see what we can do with them in the near future in the local area. As for the show this Saturday, it’s our first in Summit County and first at the Lake Dillon Tavern. Nocturne Entertainment could not have picked a better weekend. Ski season is winding down, and everyone should be ready to get out and have some fun. Should be one for the books so please join us!”
AR: Anything special lined up for this performance?
Tortuga: “We never like to spoil the surprise.”
AR: How does it feel to be hitting the local music scene in such a big way?
Tortuga: “It feels amazing, but we honestly couldn’t have gotten this far without the support from you and the I Get Down family. Working with you guys has been amazing. Thank you again for everything you’ve done for us. We also have to take the time to thank all of our friends from around the state and country. Really, that’s been the driving factor behind all of this for us. The support is felt on so many levels for both of us.”
AR: Who else on the (local Denver scene) lineup would you recommend your fans check out?
Tortuga: “We’ve played a fair number of shows in the last - almost - year and everyone we’ve worked with has been awesome. To name a few - Decadon; Tkettle; At.Play; DJ TOFU; Digital Beat Down; TwoScoopS out of Fort Collins. Valdeezy is an up and coming duo to watch out for out of the Denver area. All of these artists are worth looking into. All are out of Colorado also. Support your local artists people.”
AR: I noticed Tortuga on the lineup for the Backwoods Music Festival in September how does it feel to be preparing to play for your largest audience to date?
Tortuga: “We’re excited for this show. Probably the most excited we’ve been for anything up to date. We’ve turned a lot of our focus to social media and knowing that a festival of that size feels comfortable endorsing us is fulfilling in that way. We’re hoping to confirm a few more dates for this summer so stay tuned!”
AR: How do you feel the national exposure will help the movement around your music?
Tortuga: “It’s hard to say exactly. But we’ve always felt festivals are a great way to gain exposure to new people. Ideally, you play in front of a new fan and if they enjoy your performance they bring the experience of your music back to their hometown through the music you have available online. An awesome example of this form of marketing is when Zoogma came up with their “What the Fuck is Zoogma” idea. It seemed to do so much for them as far as captivating people’s interest and driving them towards their music both at the festival and afterward online.”
AR: Anything, in particular, you are working on for your set at Backwoods?
Tortuga: “We’re always trying to come up with new ideas for our live performances. As of now we don’t have anything we can share. But, we’re looking forward to it and can’t wait to bring the Colorado name to Oklahoma, alongside some amazing national acts. We’re aiming to make a big impact for our first show outside of the state, though.”
AR: Any hints you can give me about what else is in the works for Tortuga this summer?
Tortuga: “No hints haha. But big things are in the works. Please stay tuned!”
“Thanks to Aryonna, I Get Down Clothing and Apparel and everyone reading, for your time.” -Ryan Mahrer & Tyler Arndt
Hear the soulful vibes of Tortuga this Saturday at Lake Dillon Tavern, a group you have to experience live. CLICK HERE to join the event page on Facebook. With Ryan Mahrer bringing sick guitar licks enhanced and catalyzed by Tyler Arndt’s production methods we know their set will be full of good vibes and groovy beats perfect for getting down too. Get a preview via their Soundcloud before heading out.
A few of my favorite original mixes are “Bangin’ On The System” and “Strap Up” if you’re looking for a dope remix be sure to check out “I Can’t Stand The Rain” or “Suicidal Thoughts”. Look for Tortuga hitting Backwoods Music Festival, buy your ticket and bring the Colorado love to Oklahoma by CLICKING HERE and don’t forget to download their newest EP ‘Silhouette’ out TOMORROW.
~Aryonna Richard, Expert.
