“With CLIFFDIVER, it’s just so close to my heart because I grew up listening to this music,” says Briana Wright of her new collaboration with the Tulsa pop rockers. “This was one of the first styles of music that I loved and knew everything about. I was an emo kid in the late ’90s.”
Thirty-one-year-old Wright, lead singer for popular indie-soul group Nightingale, had the chance to explore her “angsty” side late last year when she contributed vocals to CLIFFDIVER’s music. What started out as a cameo appearance has now turned into a regular gig.
Though Wright has no plans to leave Nightingale, she’s thrilled with this new musical opportunity.
“It’s one of those dreams come true. It’s really a dream situation that I never thought was possible,” she says. “I have these guys who were already established as a band when I came around. They didn’t need me, and they simply made a place for me and said, ‘We think you can do this,’ and now I am.”
See below for more on CLIFFDIVER and other bands’ new releases.
Making Music
Tulsa’s musicians have been busy during the pandemic.
CLIFFDIVER “Gas City”
Nightingale lead singer Briana Wright lends her gorgeous vocals to this single, released Nov. 13 by Tulsa indie pop outfit CLIFFDIVER, and it’s a match made in emo heaven. There’s more to come, with Wright joining this established six-man-band on their upcoming album.cliffdiverok.com
Saugeye “Saugeye”
Saugeye features avid fisherman and noted musician Jared Tyler in collaboration with the talents of Jake Lynn, Seth Lee Jones, Isai “EZ” Mireles and Casey Van Beek. Named after Tyler’s favorite catch, a hybrid blend of the walleye and the sauger, the band describes its sound as “hybrid roots music.” This album is scheduled to release Jan. 29. facebook.com/saugeyeband
Scott Aycock
“Two More Tunes ‘Til Daylight”
Friends and family frame this March 25 release from “Folk Salad” radio show co-host and therapist Scott Aycock. Musician sons Jesse and Dylan back their dad, along with assorted talented pals, including John Fullbright and Paul Benjaman. Aycock penned 12 of the album’s 13 tunes, with radio co-host and longtime buddy Richard Higgs garnering a co-write on “Highway Eyes.” The folk-inspired songs reflect Aycock’s love of language and the craft of songwriting.
Freak Juice
“They Call Us Juice”
This funky, R&B infused album released Nov. 13 by guitarist and composer Tori Ruffin rocks as hard as it grooves. Ruffin, who has toured and recorded with names like Prince and Morris Day, doesn’t shy away from hard topics, including politics (“Hypocrite”) and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre (“Dirty Little Secret”), wrapping his message in some seriously great musicianship. facebook.com/freakjuice
Golden Ones “Nowhere Fast”
This debut album, released Nov. 27, takes its cues from the best of ’70s rock and roll — plenty of energy, lots of glam and no shortage of infectious melodies. Sarah Frick is perfectly at ease fronting the quartet with her powerful vocals, backed by Sean Fisher on guitar, husband Jesse Frick on bass and Jay Sullivan on drums. golden-ones.com
Travis Kidd
“East of the Rockies”
A hard-working musician for two decades, Travis Kidd blends country and Southern rock with a hefty dose of blues and folk. The album is a work in progress; three singles were released in the summer with the promise of more music from this talented troubadour. traviskidd.com
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