Every day it feels like the world’s getting a little more crazy
Every day the future feels a little bit more hazy

Well there’s one thing I like to do 
When I’m feeling blue
That makes me feel okay 
When I’m having a bad day

I pick up my dumbbells and I watch a fitness video on my TV
And I exercise all those negative thoughts right out of me
I lift those weights up and down and I huff and I puff 
And I keep on going at it until I think I’ve had enough

Every time I go to the grocery store the food is more expensive
I go home, I look at my bank account, I feel so apprehensive
I drive to work, every day and the commute is not that great
I turn on the news, it’s so bad, the world is in a sorry state

After a hard day of working 9 to five
Like Hans and Franz on Saturday Night Live
You can pick up your dumbbells
And pump yourself up. You can do it.
Or you can lie on the sofa and watch TV
If you want to bed rot it’s so easy
And the only burn you’ll feel is from the hot sauce on your chicken wings
It’s not the same.

I pick up my dumbbells and I lift them
And I embrace all the pain
And I push all the negative thoughts right out of my brain
I lift those weights up and down and I huff and I puff 
And I keep on going at it until I think I’ve had enough

Some people turn to donuts when they’re feeling overstressed
We all need to do that we think is the best
As for me I’d rather grab my dumbbells and work up a good sweat
As I try to keep up with the fitness coaches on my TV set
As for me I’d rather grab my dumbbells and work up a good sweat
As I try to keep up with the fitness coaches on my TV set

I Pick Up My Dumbbells

"Magic is what we do. Music is how we do it." -- Jerry Garcia

Welcome to my page, my peers, associates, friends, and musical family. I'm a lifelong, multi-instrumentalist musician who records prolifically and joyfully. You'll hear me play guitar, bass (regular four string, and four and five string fretless), mandolin, banjo, keys (piano, organ, synth), lap slide, sitar, and sing on my recordings here. I've been in a few dozen bands in my life, playing everything from bluegrass, jazz, rock, jam band, reggae, funk, afrobeat, Middle Eastern, traditional Irish, singer/songwriter, pop/covers, to experimental/avant garde. 
  Since I found SoundCloud a couple years ago, I've found many talented, creative people with whom to create music. However, in the summer of '23 I formed a band called The Eclectic Collective with some of my favorite musicians I've met through here. It started as a loose collective of musicians and coalesced into a core group of musicians who find other musicians with whom we'd like to make music, then run their songs through our process, and in effect add a full band. That core of The Eclectic Collective includes Tez (Llanpsych), J.J. Terrel, Ken (K2 and the Three), Stephen (Texmex Shaman), Chris (cgmaness), and Mark (mistermark). A couple of other musicians are frequent collaborators, as well, including Artur of Surfers Like Us, and Steve Vervaet of Steve's World. More recently, we've been joined by Carl of The Beautiful Dark fame. 
  The magic of music is amplified exponentially by each person adding to it. So, we really try to add our sorcery all kinds of music from all kinds of artists. Sometimes, we keep it within the group, but a lot of what we do is collaboration with other artists. Therefore these days, 100% of what I do is collaboration, within the group or with other artists on the side.
  I, and we, are also available for hire if you have a song or lyrics and you really want to add bigger instrumentation or a band and good production to it. 
  A small sampling of the artists whom I consider primary influences, and whom you will hear coming through my fingers include Phish, The Flaming Lips, The Grateful Dead, Radiohead, Rye Cooder, Steve Earle, Miles Davis, Fela Kuti, Arcade Fire, Mikey Dread, Yellowman, Purpleman, The Meditations, Michigan and Smiley, Lee Perry, Dillinger, Django Reinhardt, Impossible Recording Machine, The Allman Bros Band, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Bela Fleck, Les Claypool, Sam Bush, David Grissman, John Prine, Talking Heads, Beastie Boys, MMW, Moe., Morphine, Ween, Steve Lukather, Michael McDonald, John Abercrombie, Dave Holland, John Scofield, Victor Wooten,  Cannonball Adderly, Thelonious Monk, Flea, Parliament Funkadelic,  Frank Zappa, Prince Paul, Pete Rock, Thievery Corporation, Amon Tobin, Chet Baker, Joao Gilberto, Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto, Carol Kaye, Tame Impala, Mumford and Sons, Japanese Breakfast, LCD Soundsystem, Beach House, Sean Lennon, and Billy Strings, but of course there are many more. I also really like and am influenced by traditional Iranian, Palestinian, Indian, Sri Lankan, Sudanese, Mauritian, Somalian, Egyptian, West African, and Syrian music. I welcome anyone who plays non-western music to contact me for a collaboration, too.
 I'm overjoyed to have found my community on SoundCloud. This is a truly unique forum where everyone is sincerely trying to build each other up. The profoundly supportive and positive SoundCloud community has really opened up an exciting new world of collaboration for me. That is the main reason I'm in the Cloud, actually, to connect with other musicians and make music that I enjoy listening to, and hopefully others do, as well. I am ALWAYS looking to collaborate with interesting musicians, mostly though BandLab, which is where I record almost exclusively. It's a solid, free digital audio workstation hub where you can share recording projects, even if it's not where you make your recordings.
  Everything I do is live instrumental, not programmed, and using no computer beyond my phone. That's not to say that I would be opposed to using that kind of tool, it's just not my preferred medium with which to paint. If you like my music, please share it. If you want to collaborate, my BandLab handle is @bingo_pajama. Feel free to contact me at cornbreadband@hotmail.com, as well, even if you aren't on BandLab.
  If your music is primarily AI, please don't come around my page, as I'm not at all interested in complimenting a machine.
  Here's a link to music I've recorded live with a group of musicians here in Pittsburgh called The Northumberland Street Ramblers.
Check out The Northumberland Street Ramblers on #SoundCloud
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/fU4Me

Songs with a twinge of humor (and some a bit more serious).  
I do not use AI to create my songs. 
https://linktr.ee/joe.stroffolino
Recently I have had the urge to pick up my guitars (Taylor 114ce and Fender Squire) and I have been trying to use more guitar in my songs.  
My go to .vst plug ins are  EZkeys 2, EZ Bass and  EZ drummer 3) and my DAW is Logic Pro 11. 
I welcome your comments and enjoy listening to all the great music on SoundCloud. 
All songs are originals and copyrighted.

Ionut Mirel Udrea (Member Of APRA/AMCOS) is a music composer, piano player and music producer based in Sydney - Australia. 
Ionut Mirel Udrea composes emotive piano-based instrumental music.

1st album by Charlie and the Fox is out now https://open.spotify.com/album/78ewrWZjS41XvHT9mFWd6O?si=qkG2b5LbSK6mo6qDzuZskw Quick note , if someone plays a track of mine I Always return the favour , and if they have no tracks I always say thank you ! But sometimes SC will show me all the listeners , but other times they only show me the last 2 hours and I have no idea of who listened to what , it is so annoying , and I apologise if I miss anyone out , it's not deliberate , I value every single one of my listeners ! Self confessed Music Addict ! I write and play/vocalise everything myself whether it be real or synthetic . Recently teamed up with Charlotte Thornton , and together we are Charlie and the Fox , it's the best thing I have ever done musically . Char has an outstanding voice , writes amazing lyrics and comes up with melodies I would never have dreamed of , it's a partnership that works so well , and long may it continue ! We thank you for listening , liking and commenting . Cheers , Mike and Char .

Tricky Cat Records,  The exclusive label for the non-profit 'Rose Pro Studio'.  We work with artists who are non-professional but do something in the local community   We make no charge. 

This page is for Demo's and our back catalogue of previously released Albums, Tracks and Keepsakes.

Absolutely no money is made, gained, sort or demanded from the artists who record with us. 

Sound Engineers 
                             - Kit Gratrix
                             - Will Sidebottom
                             - Mike Bryant
Head Producer    - Kit Gratrix

Tricky Cat Records Artists & Band Members

The Mand'rols (Mini Mand'rols)								       
                                        Kit Gratrix - Guitars & Vocals
					Shadow - Vocals
					Alex Nuewham - Vocals
					Dinky - Drums
					Chuck Batsmear - Rock Bass

Tom and the Cats
					Tommy Catalos - Vocals
					Dexter Rohan -  Lead Guitars
					Les Shipperbottan - Drums
					Nick Botham - Bass
					Kittarix - Synths & Pianos
					Phil Limpton - Rhythm Guitars
					Betty Roadford - backing Vocals

Tabby and the Cats
					Tabby (Shadow) Northford - Vocals
					Dexter Rohan -  Lead Guitars
					Les Shipperbottan - Drums
					Nick Botham - Bass
					Kittarix - Synths & Pianos
					Phil Limpton - Rhythm Guitars
					Betty Roadford - backing Vocals
Radiance
					EVERYONE

Hawks Quest				
					Kit Gratrix	- Vocals, Synths, guitars
					Mike Bryant - Vocals & Acoustic & Electric Guitars
					Will Russell - Vocals & Ac Guitar
					Jana - Vocals & Bass
					Saz - Backing Vocals
					David Higham - Guitars, Drums & percussion

Oracles Oath
					Rob Lehane - Vocals
					Kit Gratrix	- Vocals, Synths, guitars
					Psi Hancock - Guitars and Lead Guitar
					Mike Bryant - Vocals & Acoustic Guitar
					Jana - Vocals & Bass
					Gwynn - Vocals
					David Higham - Drums & percussion


The Magick
					Muffy Numpitt - Vocals
					Will Russell - Ac Guitars & Vocals
					Kit Gratrix - Guitars & Synths
					Mike Bryant - Guitars & Vocals

Betty and the Boohoo's
					Betty Roadford - Vocals
					Dexter Rohan -  Lead Guitars
					Les Shipperbottan - Drums
					Nick Botham - Bass
					Kittarix - Synths & Pianos
					Phil Limpton - Rhythm Guitars
					Tommy Catalos - Backing Vocals

Head Case
					Bad Boy Lew - Vocals
					Dexter Rohan -  Lead Guitars
					Phil Limpton - Rhythm Guitars
					Les Shipperbottan - Drums
					Chuck Batsmear - Rock Bass
					Kit Gratrix - Synths

Shadow 
					Shadow - Vocals
					Dexter Rohan -  Lead Guitars
					Les Shipperbottan - Drums
					Nick Botham - Bass
					Kittarix - Synths & Pianos
					Phil Limpton - Rhythm Guitars
					Betty Roadford - backing Vocals

Falcon
					Mike Bryant - Guitars & Vocals - Writer
					Kit Gratrix - Synth’s & Percussion - Writer

Muso’s

Dexter Rohan -  Lead Guitars
Phil Limpton - Rhythm Guitars
Mike Bryant - Guitars & Vocals/Writer
Will Russell - Guitars & Vocals/Writer
Psi Hancock - Guitars
Dave Higham - Guitars Drums & Vocals
Kit Gratrix - Guitars/Writer
Tommy Catalos - Vocals

Chuck Batsmear - Rock Bass
Lyndon Johnson - Soul Bass
Nick Botham - Pop Bass

Kittarix - Synths & Pianos

Dinky - Drums
Les Shipperbottan - Drums

Jana - Vocals
Saz -Vocals
Kerry Bennett-King - Vocals
Betty Roadford - Vocals
Shadow / Tabby Northford - Vocals
Muffy Numpitt - Vocals
Alex Nuewham - Vocals

@JTSunrise was born in Chicago, IL (the City of Blues) in 1968. JT grew up on a rural horse farm at Cuba Township near Fox River Grove, along the C&NW tracks, about an hour by train outside the city. Summer nights before the internet were for sleeping outside and watching stars, singing and playing guitar to his girlfriends, and hitching trains from his backyard. Anywhere JT went, he had his acoustic guitar slung around his back. JT also learned bass and banjo, and started a folk band in high school, playing house parties and school concerts and busking the commuter train station in Barrington, IL.

His teenage years took him around the world and to Tempe, AZ in 1987, (age 19) where he lived in the same building (and jammed often) with Spiral Stairs, a seminal guitarist who would later form the band Pavement. JT played acoustic sets at the legendary Sun Club. During this time, Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms (JT’s record store clerk friend) did his sound.

Seattle Music Era

Arriving in Seattle in 1992 with his Tempe barista girlfriend PJ (now wife), JT immersed himself in a city alive with music innovation. This was to become known as a time when Seattle bands reshaped the musical landscape. Amidst the scene, JTSunrise carved a niche and performed shows, blending busking music with the amplified Seattle sound, his Tempe-styled lyrical command, and the soul of Chicago street blues.

His performances became the background of Seattle’s music venues, from the intimate setting of **Art Bar** to the historic **OK Hotel**, where grunge legends made history. He captivated audiences at **Sit & Spin**, a venue combining a laundromat with a bar and live music, and found a true home at the **Lake Union Pub**, a legendary punk dive bar that embraced him as their own. Each chord, each lyric, carried the weight of personal experience.

Musical Influences and Style

JTSunrise draws from icons like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Billy Bragg, alongside bands he admired in Tempe such as Gin Blossoms and Dead Hot Workshop. The bands at the Sun Club and Long Wongs in Tempe, AZ shaped his sound and approach. These influences, coupled with the music scene in 1990s Seattle (including Elise Sauer, Obe-Wan Kenobe, and everyone to ever perform at the Lake Union Pub), molded his blend of folk, punk, country blues, and acoustic pop.

Signature Songs and Contributions

Among his many contributions to the musical landscape, a few songs stand out:
- **"Saint James Infirmary"**: A haunting rendition of the classic ballad.
- **"Biscuit Roller Blues"**: A soulful, gritty track that showcases blues roots.
- **"Kevin Song"**: A heartfelt, melodic piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
- **"Cure For Pain"**: A Morphine song that explores themes of struggle and redemption.
- **"Mama Tried"**: A tribute to Merle Haggard, blending acoustic blues with heartfelt emotion.
- **"O Danny Boy"**: A timeless ballad, rendered with sincerity and grace.
- **"Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain"**: A fusion of folk and rock.

Prolific Output

JTSunrise has a substantial discography on SoundCloud, with over 200 tracks available. This includes a mix of original songs, raw covers, and collaborations with other artists. His music spans genres like folk, bluegrass and country blues, cowboy country, and 90s acoustic rock, reflecting his diverse influences.

Commitment to Seattle’s Artistic Community

JTSunrise’s influence extends beyond music. His commitment to authentic Seattle art is evident in his participation and support of local artists and musicians. As of 2024 he remains a licensed Pike Place Market busker, a role that allows him to share handmade music directly with the community any time, creating intimate, memorable experiences for locals and visitors.

Thanks everyone for support! 

Find other Art  and Videos by #JTSUNRISE: IG, YouTube, X, TikTok, BlueSky interweb media @JTSunriseMusic
www.linkedin.com/in/jtsunrise-music-1528072b0

Smirk On My Face released August 22, 2025 please support Rob Olsson and myself by listening to it a million times each!!

Just a place for silly stuff..... who don't like silly stuff? Also a place for magick moments, drunk aerobics, swimming spaceships and a good cuppa tea.  Everything here is from the heart.. but we're drunk, shitface, magotly wrecked.  Remeber... no great song came from eating a salard. BUT NO A.I. used... yet!

I Pick Up My Dumbbells

Joe Stroffolino