Vocalist Jonah Thibodeau (who goes by JT) carries this message close to heart, and his sincerity and authenticity shine through the expressive lyrics, bright choruses, and intense riffs that incorporate the band’s diverse blend of influences to form something both triumphant and unique.
JT, lead singer for the band Echo Muse.
JT was born in New Hampshire but has lived in Utah for the past ten years after his father found permanent assignment at Hill Air Force. JT fell in love with the natural beauty and, more importantly, the music scene. And it is that scene he remains devoted to today, splitting his time between working on new music with the band and vocal coaching for others – giving back to the community he calls home.
Muse’s first album, “Speechless,” is a product of Thibodeau’s experiences and challenges. He completed the writing in-studio, finding inspiration in the pressure of time and vulnerability of self-expression, and recorded the album with the help of previous bandmates. It is through his lyrics that JT says he feels most alive.
It is through his lyrics that JT says he feels most alive.”
“If you’re not scared to sing it, then why are you doing it?, says JT” And that vulnerability has built a connection with Muse’s growing audience, with one fan even directly thanking the band for their music and saying it helped them overcome suicidal intention.
Echo Muse came into its full lineup with Austin Bishop and Brian Wilson on guitar, Garrett Payton on bass, and Khaymen Basset on drums when the band was invited to open for Like A Storm. Wilson was already a friend and the rest of the members connected over their style and passion for music. Within a week of practice, they were proficient and became permanent fixtures of the lineup.
“Spilling Out” is Echo Muse’s first single with the new lineup.
“Spilling Out”—Muse’s first single with its full lineup—reflects the band’s growth and continued dedication to authenticity and connection. Thibodeau’s lyrics pair with the group’s impressive talent to produce a thrashing, defiant ballad, and the music video offers a glimpse behind the scenes of the group’s process. (Find the “Spilling Out” video on the Bard’s Song Picks of the Week 20.09.15).
Though Coronavirus put a temporary hold on live shows, Echo Muse continues making a connection with their audience through social media where they host events and provide updates on the progress toward their upcoming album. Lockdowns may have delayed the process, but JT says they have found a way to make it work, and hopes to have a single out in the next month with a guest vocalist that will be something new for long-time fans.
In the end, music is a form of communication – one that JT and Echo Muse are using to connect, share, and overcome the challenges we each face, together.
Follow Echo Muse on facebook.
Update: As of November 12, 2020, we’ve learned that Echo Muse have been in the studio recording new material. We’ll keep you posted when the band releases any new material.
Salt Lake Bard is a curated editorial music magazine. We do not write music critiques. Every artist and/or song we include in the Bard has been evaluated and vetted songwriting, performance, production quality and other values that make great art.
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