You know what? Sometimes you need a solid, no-frills indie folk song to get you through the day. And today, that song comes in the form of “If I’m A Rock” from 11% Wolf, the new songwriting venture of San Francisco’s own Trent Tyler. Trent made it clear that all of his music is 100% human, with absolutely no AI in songwriting, instrumentation, or production. That’s what we like to hear.
This is Trent’s second single as 11% Wolf, following “Heroes” which he released a couple months ago. That debut showed Trent’s impeccable songwriting skills as he recounted tales of his dearly departed friend Sam. On “If I’m A Rock”, Trent dabbles more in rock visuals and metaphors to pen a straightforward love song, also making references to “Rock, Paper, Scissors” throughout. Trent’s musicality and voice delivers the lyrics in a way that communicates his passion, not just for the romantic subject of the song, but for creating music at large.
11% Wolf is 100% human, but the project is not just one human. Trent provided most of the music (vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, piano, and percussion). But he had featured musicians Adam Nash on pedal steel guitar and Jeff Kolhede on background vocals and drums; both of them also played on “Heroes”. Also, Trent worked with Buenos Aires-based visual artist Leila Tjor, who provided the animated music video for “If I’m A Rock” (as well as the visuals for the lyric video for “Heroes”.) The colorful arts-and-crafts vibe of the animation matches the wholesomeness of the song, and the story of the video will tug at your heartstrings a little. (I found it moving; then again, I am a sap.)
If you need a song to put a smile on your face, or a song that’s just a little squishy to send to someone you admire, “If I’m A Rock” is a very good option. It’s also a stellar second single from 11% Wolf, and I sure hope Trent and friends have more where this came from.
Take a look at the music video for “If I’m A Rock” below.
Written by Will Sisskind
