Previously unissued debut pop album by Dallas/Fort Worth natives produced by Mike Elizondo (Eminem,Carrie Underwood, Twenty One Pilots)
“I had no idea that participating in the Explorer Tapes debut album would be such a refreshing opportunity to fall in love with modern music in a way that I hadn’t for a very long time. The highly original compositions of Max and Drew showed me first hand that there were still contemporary pop artists out there that valued melody, wit, prowess, emotional conveyance and attention to detail as much as I…the perfect blend between the head and the heart”—Roger Manning (Jellyfish, Beck, Cheap Trick, Glen Campbell)
The story of Explorer Tapes is a classic tale of popular music. Two guys from the Dallas/Fort Worth area take a life long friendship and decide to start a band. They gather some additional talented musicians from the surrounding area, write some songs, play some shows, make some videos, then pack everyone in a van and drive to Los Angeles with the hope of getting signed to a publishing company, a record label, or even better, both.
This is, in fact, what happened to the group. Not long after reaching L.A., Max Townsley and Drew Erickson, aka Explorer Tapes, signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music. After writing several songs with more established writers (David Baerwald, Dillon O’Brian, Steve Lindsey), the duo had the good fortune of having Keith Urban record their song “Texas Time.”
The group soon signed to Warner Records and were assigned hot producer Mike Elizondo, a protégé of Dr. Dre and known for his production of artists as varied as 50 Cent, Eminem, Carrie Underwood, Fiona Apple, and Twenty One Pilots. The songs and recordings came together quickly and the album was more or less done in three weeks in January 2015.
After unforeseen circumstance, including a regime change at the label, the record stayed on the shelf at Warners for over six years, with no release in sight… until now.
Omnivore Recordings, in conjunction with Warner Records, is happy to finally announce the release of the debut album by Explorer Tapes. The eponymously titled collection contains 14 pop recordings on CD (12 on vinyl) including the original recording of “Texas Time.” The freshness of the songs and the sparkling production by Elizondo make this record seem like a long, lost friend and at the same time, something brand new!
So, kick back, put the top down and crank up the tunes by Explorer Tapes… guaranteed to make you feel good all over!
All Depends On You Texas Time A Good Friend Is Hard To Find Julia Kids These Days Washed Away Change Looks Good On You Radio Everybody’s Crazy More Than A Song Can Say Easy To Love Wouldn’t Change A Thing
Sunset Strip Still Love Lindsay
