BIOGRAPHY

We talk about passion and perseverance, talent and tenacity. Somewhere in the mix, it all melds together and becomes music, and sometimes, the music almost becomes magical! And that’s where Lyal Strickland is right now. Magically melding together years of passion, perseverance, talent, and tenacity with melodies and lyrics and simply making…music.

A bit of background…Lyal became interested in music at age twelve, first experimenting with clarinet, and quickly learning bass guitar. At thirteen, he began writing songs, picked up rhythm and lead guitar and formed the band 4:13, an alternative rock band that lasted through his high school years.

The recordings…While still in high school, Lyal self-released three cd’s. Five songs from those cd’s found their way into independent films, and a couple of them were adapted for commercials. He was asked to write and record a song for Ronald McDonald House of the Ozarks using the theme of angels. The result was “God Given Tears”, a song about learning to accept and understand life’s challenges.

The shows…Blending the soul of a front porch picking with the excitement of a Saturday night, Lyal’s original songs express life with all of its ups & downs. Passionate vocals, captivating guitar, an occasional harmonica, and Lyal’s down to earth style keep audiences begging for more! Playing high profile clubs, community festivals & charity events, Lyal has become a favorite of music lovers in the Ozarks. Expanding into surrounding states, he’s rapidly developing a dedicated following.

The highlights…Lyal was the opening act for SheDaisy at one of the premier venues in the Mid-South, The Amp in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and also opened for Tracy Lawrence in Springfield, Missouri. He was a guest on the nationally syndicated Jim Bohannon Show, as well as Coyote 107 (Lebanon, MO), The Wolf 100.5, Alice 95.5, and KSMU (Springfield, MO). After entering the Colgate Country Showdown, he was a state finalist in both Arkansas (2005) and Missouri (2006). Heading west, he played for the opening of the 13th annual Sedona International Film Festival in Sedona, Arizona.

Well Fed & High Strung…the much anticipated live cd was recorded in Springfield, Missouri during two sessions. Well Fed Head Books and High Strung Music set the stage for intimate evenings of honest songs delivered with emotional eloquence. “The new album focuses on the heart of the songs. It’s really raw and organic. Just me and a guitar,” Lyal says. Although comprised mostly of new songs, including a hidden track that’s a work in progress, a few favorites from past cd’s show up in acoustic versions. The passion, the perseverance, the talent, the tenacity, the melodies, the lyrics…the magic…the music…is Well Fed & High Strung….Lyal Strickland.