…From hair-raising rock and roll to no-frills fingerstyle

It’s an era where technology governs the world. Music videos get fancier and fancier. Studio equipment can morph a mediocre singer into the next Madonna wannabe. Concerts are filled with colorful strobe lights as artists bounce around on stage in lavish costumes.

The spotlight becomes less on raw talent, unpolished demos and one’s songwriting PROCESS. Rather, the focus lies in competing for a spot as the most extreme performing ICON. Fans are interested more in paying to see a SHOW, not a songwriter.

In the blink of an eye, the songwriter becomes one who’s unattractive in the eyes of record label executives — many of whom have never written a song themselves — merely because a message that speaks from the heart, stems from someone who isn’t fazed by competition or easily manipulated to make a quick buck for Warner Brothers, Island Def Jam or Capitol Records to name just a few.

Equally so, HONESTY is a policy that isn’t moved by album sales, or lack thereof. Honesty writes because it’s what’s needed to stay alive, equivalent with air to breathe, food to eat and water to drink.

Not long ago, a close friend and I were listening to Pandora Radio when a Silvertide song popped up. I immediately fell in love with the singer’s undeniable energy and passion. It was unlike many rock songs I had heard. Rather than listening to a band perform about sex, drugs and everything in between, I fell in love with how the music became a part of who he was. He felt every word he sang. Regardless of whether I had a personal connection to the lyrics, I believed him.

I asked my friend for the name of the band, and started Googling information on the members within. I learned that while Silvertide is no longer actively recording music as a collective unit, the members each have careers of their own, including, lead vocalist Walt Lafty. It was a mixture of emotions I felt that evening — most notably, shock as to how I had gone almost 18 years without knowing this incredible music existed.

About a week later, I connected with Lafty through social media. I discovered that he is certainly no “has-been” in the music industry. While typing in the band’s nomenclature on YouTube, I found more than simply a music video for their hair-raising anthem, “Ain’t Comin’ Home.” There, in plain sight, was Lafty’s YouTube channel and few videos from recent shows he had done on an intimate, east coast run alongside Silvertide guitarist Nick Perri.

As a music journalist who focuses entirely on indie music, I’m always on the hunt for the next great band or songwriter. Although Lafty is no stranger to the music industry, I want to commend him for exploring the depths of rock AND folk. Lafty’s YouTube channel premiers several of — what he refers to as — “Saturday Night Songwrites.” Throughout the videos, Lafty has a drink or two while sharing a rough idea for a novel song he’s created.

Lafty is adamant that the songs may differ before landing on his first, full-length solo album. Regardless, I enjoy every minute of watching his songwriting process. Lafty’s tunes boast a cheerful array of jazz and blues chord progressions, fingerstyle folk on a hollow-bodied Martin acoustic guitar and highlight a poetic and narrative, lyrical prowess. (YouTube: “Let the Man,” “Heard Me Shouting,” “Kite in a Breeze,” among others)

Rather than vying for the attention of judges on talent competition shows such as THE VOICE and AMERICAN IDOL — on his hands and knees pleading, “pick me! Pick me!” — Lafty is an old-school songwriter, ditching the lavish costumes and wild hairstyles of Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga, for a more simplistic approach.

Lafty’s videos are far from polished, in part what makes him a relatable force to be reckoned with…he’s REAL. Recording equipment hasn’t auto tuned his vocals or breathy falsetto to utter perfection. Lafty is simply Lafty, a feat that seems impossible for artists to achieve these days. Perhaps these artists, or shall I say PERFORMERS, fear vulnerability?

Either way, keep your eyes on Lafty. No further comments on his defiant rock and roll from the early 2000s. That’s five stars in my book. As for his latest endeavor? Grab what you can off iTunes, follow @walt_lafty on Instagram or tune in to what exists on the World Wide Web. It’s striped down, straight-up genius. A far cry from those who thought honing their craft nestled in landing a coveted spot on Kelly Clarkson’s, John Legend’s, Ariana Grande’s or Blake Shelton’s team on season 21 of THE VOICE.

Take it from me. I’m a writer. I write every damn day. THAT’S the secret to honing your craft. Ditch the lavish costumes. Trade in the fancy recording equipment. That’s not to say that you CAN’T record high-quality music on professional software such as Finale or Logic Pro, but bear in mind — artistry begins in a basement, a three-car garage, or even a bedroom. In a world of overexposed, musician wannabes, be bold. Be fearless. Be a Lafty.

YouTube: Pearl Street Live – Walt Lafty – November 27, 2021 to watch a 40-minute performance from Lafty’s tour with Perri.