Turk Tresize’s debut album Soul Casino is out now.  The record is a follow-up to his EP Miles ‘N’ Miles and features guest-backing vocals on several tracks from the lead singer of the Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard.

Giving a promising look into Tresize’s future as an artist, the album is a compilation of bluesy rock tunes that emphasize Tresize’s edgy sound, raw vocals, strong ability for storytelling and profound approach to themes about the tumultuousness of life. Although Tresize cites many musical and songwriting influences ranging from Chris Cornell to Hank Williams, Jr., he avoids being pigeonholed. He has truly created a sound that is pure ‘Turk.’

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Soul Casino (Album Sampler)

Turk Tresize is the embodiment of dusty backroads, Rock ‘n’ Roll. Turk’s music drifts through the best decades of Rock ‘n’ Roll and takes his listeners on a story-telling trip through time.

Raised on his family’s farm in Cannons Creek, Victoria, Australia, Turk is a music man that has embraced the hand that life has dealt him. Turk has managed to perform music across the globe, operate a successful annual music festival and launch a record label that released his highly-touted debut album, 'Soul Casino.' He has accomplished this while fighting a deep-rooted battle for the family's land. Turk continues to tell his intriguing story in the form of song with his sophomore album, 'If It Is to Be.'

'If It Is to Be' draws attention to Turk's rock roots while sharing stories of hard-won lessons he learned while growing up. The album takes you on a musical journey. It is a classic rock album with sounds varying from a 60’s and 70’s Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd vibe with songs such as “Whole Lotta Crazy” and “Too Much”.  Songs such as “Lipso” combine Doo-wop stylings with alternative rock sounds. The song “Car Park” stands out on its own as a political anthem and “has a real tongue-in-cheek, jam it up your ass, feel to it, which I like,” says Turk. 

The ultimate driving force behind 'If It Is to Be' lies in the track “Sweet Monica,” a tribute to Turk’s mother who lost her battle with Multiple Sclerosis with Turk by her side. The song gives listeners a glimpse into Turk’s heart with the lyrics “If it is to be, it’s up to me”, a motto Turk’s mother recited to him throughout his life. These words make up not only the inspiration for the album, but Turk's entire life. “Life is what you make of it, and it is up to you to put the pieces together to live the life you are meant to live,” says Tresize.

From his early days as a musician, Turk has been ready to journey wherever his music took him. Based in London one of his first bands acted as his initial ticket to playing music outside of Australia. By playing shows in London and throughout Europe, Skippy's Nightmare gained notoriety and received an opportunity to open for a major act. It was at this time that Turk received word that the bank was trying to take possession of his family farm. Turk instantly made the decision to return home to Australia.

Upon his return and continuing to battle the bank, Turk was growing and learning through life’s trials and tribulations.Turk continued songwriting to express his lifelong story thus far, resulting in the making of ‘Soul Casino’. 

Tresize knew he wanted his next album to show the diversity his music. The album maintains similar melodic songwriting and storytelling as ‘Soul Casino’ but with a significantly different feel. 

In pursuit of living the life Turk knew he was meant to live, he packed his passport, flew to Nashville, TN and began his mission to ‘make something happen’. With his charismatic personality and no-nonsense attitude, he quickly made connections and friends in Nashville’s respected music scene. 

Soon after, Turk met Producer, Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker) from The Bomb Shelter, a studio that specializes in recording and mixing entirely to tape with no Pro Tools or Auto-Tune. After discussing Turk’s music, the two decided that 'Soul Casino' would be recorded at The Bomb Shelter.
'Soul Casino' included a cast of exceptionally talented artists. Most notably, Brittany Howard from Alabama Shakes appeared as a featured backing vocalist on many of the tracks. When looking back at Soul Casino, Tresize states, “Without being a wanker, I think it turned out pretty good!” 

Turk’s musical story-telling continues to be an open book of who he is, where he came from and what he stands for. ‘If It Is to Be' is a rustic rock album composed for music lovers who crave the authenticity of the classic rock generation and are seeking a fresh voice within the genre.

Soul Casino (Album Sampler)

Turk Tresize

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