Tony Memmel

"Perfect... Ready to go... [Your Song] Really made me want to cry. It gave me chills. You're very talented." - Bonnie McKee (Co-Writer "Teenage Dream," "Roar") - VH1

"I love your delivery of lyrics... I feel like I understand everything you're talking about." - Natasha Bedingfield - VH1

"Perfect... Everyone in this room has done and felt what you just sang." - Adam Blacksone - VH1

"Way to go, man... I've only seen it one time before... In Norah Jones... When you came in with this song, you silenced this whole room. And that's power." - Tyson Ritter - VH1

BY CATHERINE KAVANAUGH
THE DAILY TRIBUNE (ROYAL OAK)

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (AP) -- If you see him perform, Tony Memmel's blend of folk, rock and Americana music will probably hold your attention long before you notice he plays guitar without a left forearm.

The 27-year-old from Milwaukee, Wis., has that effect on audiences, especially in small venues like the Oak City Grille, Royal Oak, where he has given concerts sponsored by the Lucky Fin Project.

With a guitar pick taped to his upper left arm, Memmel plays from a personal, passionate set list that has critics predicting great things on the horizon for the singer/songwriter.

"He's magnetic," LFP founder Molly Ryan Stapelman of Royal Oak told The Daily Tribune of Royal Oak (HTTP://BIT.LY/UDGBCH ). "Then his song ends and he wipes his brow and people do a double take. They just watched him for 15 minutes and didn't notice he's missing a hand. It's kind of fun to catch people."

Memmel and his band recently released a theme song for the LFP - the nonprofit group Stapelman started in July 2010 as a support network for parents of children with "limb differences."

"Tony gave me the best gift ever," Stapelman said. "The chorus is so catchy and oh, I just love the lines: `When the day is feelin' long and the sky is gettin' dark, you have got to let your light shine. Know how great you are.' "

He could have gotten away with throwing LFP T-shirts to his crowds but Memmel said he gets so much more than tour sponsorship from LFP. To give back, he is donating half of all download proceeds for "Lucky Fin Song" to the group.

"Every day something cool is posted or I get a sweet drawing from a child with a hand or limb difference," Memmel said. "Being involved with LFP is awesomely positive."

The theme song is the just the latest in a wave of exciting steps forward for the group liked by 4,400 Facebook users. LFP also named a board of directors, sponsors rising stars in sports, and has a growing Internet following that is evolving from a support network into a true community.

Stapelman's daughter, Ryan, 5, was the inspiration for the LFP and its goal to show that people have differences, not disabilities. She has symbrachydactyly - a little understood, congenital anomaly that usually results in one or more fingers failing to develop on one hand.

With a thumb and four nubbins on her right hand, Ryan knows no limits. She climbs tress in princess gowns, plays soccer, and strings together beads for the trademark LFP bracelets. Her can-do attitude led to the LFP motto: "Ten fingers are overrated."

Memmel attests to that. He started teaching himself to play guitar when he was in middle school. It took a lot of determination and eight years to fine tune his method.

"I had a friend who was an accomplished guitarist and I was getting into music and listening to rock," Memmel said in a phone interview. "I wanted to write and play my own music. I convinced my parents to split the cost of a guitar with me. Through trial and error, I came up with a way to play when I was 21."

His breakthrough turned out to be Gorilla Tape - a super sticky adhesive likened to duct tape on steroids.

"With it I could play in live settings under stage lights and not have my pick sweat off," Memmel said.

He is getting ready to tour again in March and he can be sure some of the people in his audiences will also be fans of LFP, who take advantage of meet-up opportunities like concerts and picnics.

Stapelman marvels at the ripple effect that started at her kitchen table 2- 1/2 years ago. That's where she started making Lucky Fin bracelets to celebrate how "wonderfully made" children with limb differences are. Each bracelet is centered with an orange and white bead that Ryan likes. It reminds her of the Disney clownfish Nemo, which navigated an ocean of challenges with its lucky fin in the animated film "Finding Nemo."

Almost 4,000 bracelets later, LFP is making a bigger splash by sponsoring not only Memmel but fighter Nick Newell, the Xtreme Fighting Championships lightweight world champion.

The left arm of Newell, 26, ends just after his elbow from congenital amputation, a condition that causes part of the limb to detach in the womb. Regardless, he became the XFC's undefeated belt holder with the LFP logo on his fight shorts and banner. Newell now is fighting to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Stapelman cheers on her ambassadors' careers and what their accomplishments mean to the 2 million Americans with limb differences.

"They are examples that everything is possible," she said. "It's great to show people with newborns, this is what your kid can potentially be doing at 20."

Stapelman herself is an example of tireless advocacy. She has made and shipped 3,900 Lucky Fin bracelets. She uses the money from bracelet donations and sales of LFP bumper stickers and shirts, to sponsor Memmel and Newell, help send children to Camp No Limits, - Associated Press

One-Handed Guitarist Tony Memmel Uses Music To Inspire Children WIth Hand and Limb-Differences (Click Link To Read More)

- CNN

**Notes from Adam Duritz - primary songwriter and frontman of the Counting Crows**

"I love the vocal treatment, technically, musically, and just emotionally It makes it very personal. The melodic choices do that too. The outro is brilliant. Waiting that long in the song to come with the kick drum makes it kinda devastating. Restraint is tough at moments like that but it's a good choice. Makes you ache for it." - ad - Indaba Music

**ARTICLE RAN IN THE NEWSPAPER AND ONLINE** Tony Memmel couldn't help that he was born with an incomplete left forearm. But he could control his destiny. He picked up the guitar when he was 13, his perseverance has paid off, and at 26 he's living the life he wanted as a full-time musician.

That passion and dedication not only led to a career as a touring singer-songwriter; it also introduced Memmel to his wife, Lesleigh, whom he met in a choir class at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on the first day at school.

"She became one of my best friends," Memmel said, not to mention a crucial musical collaborator.

Who's who in the band: Mike DeAngelo, 27, bass; Brian Farvour, 29, drums; Lesleigh Memmel, 26, piano and vocals; Tony Memmel, lead vocals, guitar, occasional harmonica; Max Misko, 26, lead guitar. Tony Memmel spoke for the band.

Website: www.tonymemmel.com

Day jobs: Mike and Brian both work in marketing, Lesleigh is a nurse, Tony is a full-time musician and Max works at a music store.

They say they sound like: A blend of rock and Americana and pop and indie rock.

Next project: EP "Clenched Hands Brave Demands," available on iTunes, CDBaby and Memmel's shows.

Learning to play with one arm: It took me about eight years to do what I can do now. It was challenging for reasons you might not expect. Under warm stage conditions or on a hot day, the tape for my guitar pick wouldn't stay on my arm. I came up with the idea to use Gorilla Tape in college, and it sticks pretty well. It really turned the tables. After that I was able to sing and play simultaneously and not worry that the pick was going to fall off. Every time I'm in front of people I feel more passion and confidence in what I'm doing.

Inspiring others: The Lucky Fin Project co-sponsored my previous tour. It's an organization that supports and encourages and unites families and people who have limb differences. It was a unique experience and particularly rewarding to be on the road to meet these families and to encourage others.

Favorite food on the road: We try to sample local cuisines wherever we are. In the Southwest, we try Mexican foods. All along the East Coast there are oysters and lobsters and all kinds of good stuff.

First gig: My first paying gig as a singer-songwriter was for a restaurant, Winestein's. I was paid $100 to come and play for four hours. It was nerve-racking to memorize four hours of music, but I got through it, and they hired me back. It was really something special to feel I was being paid for doing something I loved so much.

Favorite song you cover: "Tangled Up in Blue" by Bob Dylan. I love that song. It's seven or eight verses long, and the lyrics are just unbeatable.

Favorite song you've written: "Clenched Hands Brave Demands." That one song in particular has become an anthem for my life. It's personal to me, and I hope it's exceptionally relatable to other people.

Best song ever written: "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen. I've heard it 1,000 times in my life, and I've always felt like I was a character in that song.

Greatest musical achievement: My wife and I put together a cover of Counting Crows' "Recovering the Satellites" for a contest, and the song was selected by the band itself. We won a free signed guitar, and the band will release our version on a future EP to their fans.

The next big challenge: I'll be playing at the (Mercedes-Benz) Superdome (in New Orleans) for a national youth gathering in July. They're expecting 36,000 people. I'm excited for that.

Where do you want to be in five years? More than anything, I really want to be a great musician.

Next gig: 6 p.m. Saturday, Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage, Summerfest.

- Piet Levy,

Special to the Journal Sentinel - Milwaukee Journal

**CLICK LINK TO SEE VIDEO**

MILWAUKEE - 'Tony Memmel & His Band' packed the seats at the Summerfest Cascio Stage last Saturday.

"It's an opportunity to play for a a lot of new fans," Tony says.

Tony's songs tell stories of life, love, and perseverance. He explains, "The deeper message of you can do anything you set your mind to, no matter what your setback is."

It's a message close to Tony--who was born without a left forearm.

"I was a complete surprise to my parents when I was born!" Tony exclaims. He defied the odds--playing sports and music in school.

He remembers when he first told his parents he wanted to play guitar. "My folks specifically asked me alot. Would it be something that I would continue with, or something I would buy, and then let sit in the corner collecting dusk--that was the quote."

It did anything but! Tony worked for years on the perfect way to play guitar with only one arm.

He demonstrates, "I have this little spot right on the end of my arm where I figured a pick would be perfect--if there's a perfect spot for a pick on a one-armed man then that's where it would go!"

The band is also a family affair. Tony's wife Lesleigh plays the keys. The two met at UW-Oshkosh.

"He walked into choir, and I was like oh, he's kinda cute, and he sat right next to me and I didn't really notice until he was sitting right next to me that he was missing his left arm," Lesleigh recalls.

The two have been making beautiful music together ever since: Whether it's a quiet night at home making dinner, or jamming together in their Wauwatosa home studio.

"Just everything, every challenge he just blows it out of the water," Lesleigh says.

Tony adds, "We really enjoy the same things and have similar goals."

One of those goals is to continue touring, and meeting people--spreading their message.

"I've been doing a lot more work with children and their families and adults alike who have hand and limb differences," Tony says.

Tony is even getting national attention.

The 'Counting Crows' picked Tony's cover of their song 'Recovering The Satellites' as the winner of a national contest!.

The young family is excited to see what the future holds.

"I would say to continue growing from here, have these neat experiences," Tony says.

'Tony Memmel and His Band' plan to go on a west coast tour this fall! Meantime--they have several local shows coming up, including this Saturday, July 7 at Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall. - NBC News

**Nominated for four RadioMilwaukee Music Awards**
-Album of the Year
-Solo Artist of the Year
-Best Live Show
-Best Album Artwork


Alternative rock act Into Arcadia, singer-songwriter Tony Memmel, pop rock group Vic and Gab, alternative country act Hugh Bob and the Hustle and folk band Field Report are all up for the big prize, album of the year, at the 2012 RadioMilwaukee Music Awards, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee (WYMS-FM) has announced.

Arcadia, Report, the Hustle and Vic and Gab are also up for band of the year, along with genre-jumping rock group Sulek, for the radio station's sixth annual local music celebration. Memmel is competing with fellow singer-songwriters Hayward Williams and Wolfgang Schaefer, and hip hop artists Klassik and Dana Coppafeel, for solo artist of the year.

The Hustle is also nominated for song of the year with its track "Milwaukee Man" from its self-titled debut album. Other tracks nominated in the category are "American Martyr" by Mike Mangione & The Union; "Paper Tigers" by Painted Caves; "Switchblade" by The Delta Routine; and "Waste a Lot of Things" by Jaill. Finalists were selected from public voting.

The awards will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N. 4th St. Jaill, Report, Vic and Gab, Klassik and folk act Juniper Tar are scheduled to perform. Tickets are $8.50.

Prior to the awards, WYMS and the Yellow Phone Music Conference are hosting a music industry networking reception, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Turner. Music industry author Martin Atkins will be presenting, and there'll also be a speed networking event featuring agents, representatives from local venues and engineering studios and more. I'll also be attending, so if you go please seek me out.

The reception is $10 and includes complimentary beer from the Milwaukee Brewing Company (until supplies last) and admission to the awards. For tickets to the reception, click here.

And see the full list of nominees below.

Album of the Year
Into Arcadia - "Escaper"
Tony Memmel - "Clenched Hands Brave Demands"
Hugh Bob and the Hustle - "Hugh Bob and the Hustle"
Field Report - "Field Report"
Vic and Gab - "Bridges and Guns"

Song of the Year
Mike Mangione & the Union - "American Martyr"
Hugh Bob and the Hustle - "Milwaukee Man"
Jaill - "Waste a Lot of Things"
The Delta Routine - "Switchblade"
Painted Caves - "Paper Tiger"

Solo Artist of the Year
Hayward Williams
Wolfgang Schaefer
Tony Memmel
Klassik
Dana Coppafeel

Band of the Year
Into Arcadia
Field Report
Hugh Bob and the Hustle
Sulek
Vic and Gab

Catchiest Song of 2012
Hugh Bob and the Hustle - "Milwaukee Man"
Mike Mangione & the Union - "American Martyr"
Klassik - "Anything"
The Mike Bening Compulsion - "My Michelle"
Surgeons in Heat - "Flying Away"

Best Album Artwork
Tony Memmel - "Clenched Hands Brave Demands"
Into Arcadia - "Escaper"
Fever Marlene - "Medicated Friends"
Sulek - "Unbound at Last"
Painted Caves - "Painted Caves"

Best Music Video
Into Arcadia - "Into the Water"
Ikarus Down - "Friction"
Jaill - "House with Haunting"
Altos - "Sing (For Trouble)"
Sat. Nite Duets - "Genghis Khan"

Bandcamp Release of the Year
Milo - "Milo Takes Baths"
Young Holidays - "Young Holidays"
Wolves - "Dying"
Painted Caves - "Painted Caves"
Great Lake Drifters - "For Your Consideration"

Best Disc We Missed
Milo - "Milo Takes Baths"
Sulek - "Unbound at Last"
Wolves - "Dying"
Wolfgang Schaefer - "Typewriter"
Ian and the Dream - "Ian and the Dream"

Best Live Show
Hugh Bob and the Hustle
Tony Memmel
Ikarus Down
Vic and Gab
Juniper Tar
- Milwaukee Journal

**CLICK LINK TO SEE VIDEO**

MILWAUKEE - 'Tony Memmel & His Band' packed the seats at the Summerfest Cascio Stage last Saturday.

"It's an opportunity to play for a a lot of new fans," Tony says.

Tony's songs tell stories of life, love, and perseverance. He explains, "The deeper message of you can do anything you set your mind to, no matter what your setback is."

It's a message close to Tony--who was born without a left forearm.

"I was a complete surprise to my parents when I was born!" Tony exclaims. He defied the odds--playing sports and music in school.

He remembers when he first told his parents he wanted to play guitar. "My folks specifically asked me alot. Would it be something that I would continue with, or something I would buy, and then let sit in the corner collecting dusk--that was the quote."

It did anything but! Tony worked for years on the perfect way to play guitar with only one arm.

He demonstrates, "I have this little spot right on the end of my arm where I figured a pick would be perfect--if there's a perfect spot for a pick on a one-armed man then that's where it would go!"

The band is also a family affair. Tony's wife Lesleigh plays the keys. The two met at UW-Oshkosh.

"He walked into choir, and I was like oh, he's kinda cute, and he sat right next to me and I didn't really notice until he was sitting right next to me that he was missing his left arm," Lesleigh recalls.

The two have been making beautiful music together ever since: Whether it's a quiet night at home making dinner, or jamming together in their Wauwatosa home studio.

"Just everything, every challenge he just blows it out of the water," Lesleigh says.

Tony adds, "We really enjoy the same things and have similar goals."

One of those goals is to continue touring, and meeting people--spreading their message.

"I've been doing a lot more work with children and their families and adults alike who have hand and limb differences," Tony says.

Tony is even getting national attention.

The 'Counting Crows' picked Tony's cover of their song 'Recovering The Satellites' as the winner of a national contest!.

The young family is excited to see what the future holds.

"I would say to continue growing from here, have these neat experiences," Tony says.

'Tony Memmel and His Band' plan to go on a west coast tour this fall! Meantime--they have several local shows coming up, including this Saturday, July 7 at Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall. - NBC News

**CLICK LINK TO SEE VIDEO** Singer and Songwriter, Tony Memmel, joins The Morning Blend to talk about his slot at Summerfest and the official Milwaukee CD release of “Clenched Hands Brave Demands.”

Though he was born missing his left forearm, Tony taught himself to play the guitar, piano and harmonica, and has been performing ever since. Memmel earned a Bachelor’s degree in music and is a classically trained and acclaimed vocalist.

Tony Memmel and his band perform at the Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage on Saturday, June 30th, at 6:00pm.

For more information visit

www.tonymemmel.com - NBC

**CLICK LINK TO SEE VIDEO** Singer and Songwriter, Tony Memmel, joins The Morning Blend to talk about his slot at Summerfest and the official Milwaukee CD release of “Clenched Hands Brave Demands.”

Though he was born missing his left forearm, Tony taught himself to play the guitar, piano and harmonica, and has been performing ever since. Memmel earned a Bachelor’s degree in music and is a classically trained and acclaimed vocalist.

Tony Memmel and his band perform at the Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage on Saturday, June 30th, at 6:00pm.

For more information visit

www.tonymemmel.com - NBC

Video Only

http://www.themorningblend.com/videos/117808234.html - NBC

Video Only

http://www.themorningblend.com/videos/117808234.html - NBC

I have been fortunate, over the course of the last several years, to have a large number of print publications, blogs, and websites cover my music and my story. I am not able to post all of my press here at Sonicbids.

If you are interested in reading more of my press that dates back into 2010, 2009, or 2008, please contact me at tony[at]tonymemmel[dot]com and I would be glad to send you what you're looking for.

Thank you for your time and interest in reading further.
Tony Memmel - Tony Memmel

"... be on the lookout for great things from this bright young artist."
-ChicagoTribune.com

Read full article by clicking link. - ChicagoTribune.com

VIDEO: http://www.fox6now.com/videobeta/1ccdfbbb-db6e-47b0-a5a2-2ea922b44dd1/Entertainment/Local-bands-get-dream-show-at-Summerfest - FOX

It's no exaggeration to say that Tony Memmel has single-handedly forged an increasingly improving catalog of affable folk ditties and wowed audiences throughout the Midwest and East Coast. You see, the Waukesha-based singer/guitarist was born without a left forearm or hand. Moreover, Memmel has labored relentlessly to become a classically trained musician and then, to expose his musical renderings to as many people as possible.

Using his infectiously upbeat personality and a guitar pick affixed to his left elbow with duct tape, Memmel has become something of a folk hero at open mics and acoustic shows in the greater Milwaukee area. He and his backing band have recorded three albums since 2008.

The latest of those albums, “Here We Go,” seems to tell the story of a songwriter who's comfortable in his own skin, and who's seeking to tell the world he's ready for it to hear him. Memmel says as much on the album's title track, bellowing, “Here I am, America” with a temporary touch of Counting Crows in his voice. In all, the album's early songs seem rooted in up tempo tracks backed with lively drums, warbling piano keys and a steady diet of shouted “Hey!”s. Solid scaffolding as it is, the album's outset - complete with lyrics like “Misery loves company” - doesn't reinvent the wheel.

It isn't until midway through the album when you not only begin to get an idea why Memmel is warning the world he's come to play, but you also begin to believe it. Back-ended with catchy and well-thought number “The Vagrant” and the intricate picking and rhythm section trot of “Lord Knows We've Got Time,” the effort takes tardy shape, and the previously employed mush solidifies into something sturdy.

The especially folky “Control” finds Tony and his wife, Lesleigh, also married in a warm and altogether gorgeous hummed harmony reminiscent of Iron & Wine. “Sink or Swim,” the last song on the album, brings about a continued honeymoon of the melded octaves in addition to perhaps the best recorded insight to Memmel's keen musicianship and lyrical ability with the album's last line, “Love is like the water - beautiful when calm. All is well when waves are lapping, sink or swim when rough.”

In all, “Here We Go” is a fittingly titled indication that Tony Memmel & his band are on the right track to reaching many more ears in myriad new places. And when that happens, it will have nothing to do with Tony Memmel's missing hand, rather, the rich and beautiful compositions he's managed in spite of it.

Tony Memmel & his band will play a release show for “Here We Go” at Bremen Café (901 E. Clarke St.) Friday, Oct. 29.
- Inside Milwaukee

Musician overcomes adversity with perseverance, motivation
Memmel promoting new CD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By KATHERINE MICHALETS

Tony Memmel, a singer-songwriter from Waukesha, will be making local appearances next week to promote his debut album. Memmel was born without his left forearm, but taught himself how to play the guitar by taping a guitar pick to his left arm.

full article only available in Press Format


- Waukesha Freeman

My dad Gene Mitchener always said, “Don’t let what you can’t do stand in the way of what you can do.” Since I’m disabled, there are many things I can’t do. I can’t walk. I can’t breathe without the use of a ventilator. I can’t even scratch my nose. But there are also many things I can do. I can write. I can create artwork. I can pray. I can encourage. As I write in my book Just Passing Through: Notes from a Fellow Traveler, “With every prayer I pray, I soar. With every word I write, I’m free. With every song I sing, I fly. With every moment placed in God’s hands, I ride the wind.” Or as I put more simply on my Twitter page, “I can’t walk, but I can soar!”

Soaring despite setbacks is not unique to me. Many people deal with difficulties, but choose to soar. So I’m starting something called Soaring Saturday. Every Saturday, I’ll feature a few people who soar despite setbacks. Today, I’m featuring two people...

My second Soaring Saturday mention is Tony Memmel (@tonymemmel on Twitter). Tony was born without his left forearm. Despite this limitation, he taught himself to play guitar, piano, and harmonica. This folk songwriter’s first album (aptly named “The Tale of an Underdog”) sold several hundred copies solely through gigs. Tony’s second album “Potter Road” will be released in the next few weeks.

Tony’s gigs have mostly been in the Midwest, but he hopes to broaden his horizons this fall with a U.S. tour. His gigs were often solo efforts, but more recently have included Brian Farvour on drums and Tony’s wife Lesleigh Memmel on piano/keyboards and backing vocals. You can hear Tony’s music on his MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/tonymemmel. Keep soaring, Tony!

If you would like to nominate someone for Soaring Saturday, please reply to me on Twitter with your nomination. Be sure to include the hashtag #soaringsaturday. If you’re not on Twitter (why not?!), you can contact me here with your nomination.

Keep soaring! - Blog: Forward Habit

Friday, June 19, 2009


I'm generally not into telling anyone what they should or shouldn't be doing, but in this case I'll make an exception. You really need to be here this Friday night. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Tony Memmel is going to be here at 8pm. Go to Tony's myspace site and check out his music: http://www.myspace.com/tonymemmel.

His folk music is catchy and cool and excellent enough to warrant lots of enthusiastic applause and a loyal following. But the man plays guitar with one hand...by necessity, because he was born with only one complete arm (his right one). Tony is one of those cool stories of a person with talent who didn't let circumstances get in the way of doing what he wanted to do, and doing it excellently.

And the man has a healthy sense of humor too, as witnessed by his promo image above. So yeah, you should come and see Tony perform this Friday. Besides spending an hour or so listening to good folk music (which is always worth it) you might just hit the weekend feeling pretty uplifted and inspired to give your own challenges a swift kick in the crotch. - Blog: David Smith-Venue Owner

Innovator tells 'Tale of an Underdog' as his hard work pays off
By LAURA DRITLEIN

In one of Tony Memmel’s songs, “Back to Milwaukee,” he croons, “I’ve been working hard, nothing has been easy,” but he plays guitar with ease and performs with a passion for music that began as early as when he was in grade school.

Memmel used the fingers on his right hand to play the chords of his left-handed guitar, while with his left arm, he controls a pick.

“I’m all right-handed,” said Memmel. “It makes me unique and different, but it doesn’t define me solely.”

It takes a lot for Memmel to play guitar. He relies heavily on his pick during his guitar performances, which include intricate melodies and strum patterns.

“I’ve had to trailblaze in a way. I had to figure it out on my own,” said the open-minded inventive Memmel, who, being born with one arm, has had to come up with new ways to play music. “I use Gorilla tape to secure a pick to my arm. It sounds simple, but it took a while to develop this.”

Memmel, 22, grew up in Waukesha and started playing the trumpet when he was 10 and continued throughout high school. He is also a singer, songwriter and pianist. He released a CD in March, called “Tale of an Underdog.”

His songs are based on many inspirations, including stories his grandparents tell, underdogs, hope and his upbringing.

The Memmel family loves music, “though no one has pursued it as much as I have,” he added.

Singers and songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, The Beatles and several local artists are Memmel’s primary influences.

Memmel continued his interest in music while playing with the Waukesha North Northstar marching band and symphonic band. He also sang with the choir.

“At first, you think, how will this individual be successful in this activity?” said Jim Doepke, former director of bands for Waukesha North. “Once you meet Tony, he is remarkable. It is a nonissue. You look beyond it.”

“Because of his great outlook, his involvement with the band, his great rapport with his peers, he had a big impact on the band from a musical sense and a leadership perspective. He always kept it light,” said Doepke.

At University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Memmel earned a music degree and was chosen to sing the national anthem during his graduation in May.

Memmel is writing a lot of new songs and working hard to achieve his goal.

“I want to be able to sustain myself with my music,” said Memmel.

“I try to write about what I know,” said Memmel, who referred to a quote by George Bernard Shaw, in which he says the man who writes about himself and his own time is the man who writes about all people and all time.

Memmel and fiancee Lesleigh Gilles of Milwaukee will marry in January.

Besides being a really good musician, “The thing that comes to mind is that he is a poet. His lyrics are what make him stand out,” said Gilles.

They met in chamber choir at UW-Oshkosh. Gilles is studying to be a nurse and will graduate in May. Gilles helps behind the scenes at shows and joins Memmel on stage to sing with him during Simon and Garfunkel sets.

After graduation, they plan to take the musical show on the road.

“He has grown so much, musically and lyrically. It has been fun to watch him.

“He really connects with the audience. People get lost in his lyrics and in his music.

“He is an innovator in every way, in his music, in everything,” said Gilles.

In one of Memmel’s songs, called “The Old Man and the Weatherman,” there is a whistling bridge. “People will still be whistling it as they go out the door,” said Gilles.

“He loves writing and making his music. He loves that people are taking it home with them. He is very diligent with his writing,” she said. “People like his music. It is really great to have it all pay off.”

Memmel will open for Madison singer-songwriter John Statz at the Art Bar in Milwaukee at 9 p.m. Saturday.

Memmel and Statz met as music students in college, and they invite each other when they perform shows. Statz describes his own music as more Americana in flavor. He plays old-time Carter family songs and Bob Dylan songs. Statz will also release a new CD on Saturday.

“It is a pretty incredible way that he is able to play guitar,” said Statz about Memmel.

“You can tell what a great time he is having, and his enthusiasm rubs off,” said Statz.

Memmel will continue to showcase his music and inspiration as he plays throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. He has shows coming up at Stone Bank Pub & Eatery and at Winestein’s in Oconomowoc, the Eagles Club on Grandview Boulevard in Waukesha and The Coffee Vault in Dousman.

To hear music of Tony Memmel, visit www.myspace.com/tonymemmel. For more on John Statz, visit www.johnstatz.com.
Upcoming shows

• The Art Bar, Milwaukee: 9 p.m. Nov. 1

• Stone Bank Pub & Eatery, Stone Bank: 7 p.m. Nov. 6

• Winestein’s, Oconomowoc: 7 p.m. Nov. 15

• Eagles Club, Waukesha: 9 p.m. - Milwaukee Journal

Innovator tells 'Tale of an Underdog' as his hard work pays off
By LAURA DRITLEIN

In one of Tony Memmel’s songs, “Back to Milwaukee,” he croons, “I’ve been working hard, nothing has been easy,” but he plays guitar with ease and performs with a passion for music that began as early as when he was in grade school.

Memmel used the fingers on his right hand to play the chords of his left-handed guitar, while with his left arm, he controls a pick.

“I’m all right-handed,” said Memmel. “It makes me unique and different, but it doesn’t define me solely.”

It takes a lot for Memmel to play guitar. He relies heavily on his pick during his guitar performances, which include intricate melodies and strum patterns.

“I’ve had to trailblaze in a way. I had to figure it out on my own,” said the open-minded inventive Memmel, who, being born with one arm, has had to come up with new ways to play music. “I use Gorilla tape to secure a pick to my arm. It sounds simple, but it took a while to develop this.”

Memmel, 22, grew up in Waukesha and started playing the trumpet when he was 10 and continued throughout high school. He is also a singer, songwriter and pianist. He released a CD in March, called “Tale of an Underdog.”

His songs are based on many inspirations, including stories his grandparents tell, underdogs, hope and his upbringing.

The Memmel family loves music, “though no one has pursued it as much as I have,” he added.

Singers and songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, The Beatles and several local artists are Memmel’s primary influences.

Memmel continued his interest in music while playing with the Waukesha North Northstar marching band and symphonic band. He also sang with the choir.

“At first, you think, how will this individual be successful in this activity?” said Jim Doepke, former director of bands for Waukesha North. “Once you meet Tony, he is remarkable. It is a nonissue. You look beyond it.”

“Because of his great outlook, his involvement with the band, his great rapport with his peers, he had a big impact on the band from a musical sense and a leadership perspective. He always kept it light,” said Doepke.

At University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Memmel earned a music degree and was chosen to sing the national anthem during his graduation in May.

Memmel is writing a lot of new songs and working hard to achieve his goal.

“I want to be able to sustain myself with my music,” said Memmel.

“I try to write about what I know,” said Memmel, who referred to a quote by George Bernard Shaw, in which he says the man who writes about himself and his own time is the man who writes about all people and all time.

Memmel and fiancee Lesleigh Gilles of Milwaukee will marry in January.

Besides being a really good musician, “The thing that comes to mind is that he is a poet. His lyrics are what make him stand out,” said Gilles.

They met in chamber choir at UW-Oshkosh. Gilles is studying to be a nurse and will graduate in May. Gilles helps behind the scenes at shows and joins Memmel on stage to sing with him during Simon and Garfunkel sets.

After graduation, they plan to take the musical show on the road.

“He has grown so much, musically and lyrically. It has been fun to watch him.

“He really connects with the audience. People get lost in his lyrics and in his music.

“He is an innovator in every way, in his music, in everything,” said Gilles.

In one of Memmel’s songs, called “The Old Man and the Weatherman,” there is a whistling bridge. “People will still be whistling it as they go out the door,” said Gilles.

“He loves writing and making his music. He loves that people are taking it home with them. He is very diligent with his writing,” she said. “People like his music. It is really great to have it all pay off.”

Memmel will open for Madison singer-songwriter John Statz at the Art Bar in Milwaukee at 9 p.m. Saturday.

Memmel and Statz met as music students in college, and they invite each other when they perform shows. Statz describes his own music as more Americana in flavor. He plays old-time Carter family songs and Bob Dylan songs. Statz will also release a new CD on Saturday.

“It is a pretty incredible way that he is able to play guitar,” said Statz about Memmel.

“You can tell what a great time he is having, and his enthusiasm rubs off,” said Statz.

Memmel will continue to showcase his music and inspiration as he plays throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. He has shows coming up at Stone Bank Pub & Eatery and at Winestein’s in Oconomowoc, the Eagles Club on Grandview Boulevard in Waukesha and The Coffee Vault in Dousman.

To hear music of Tony Memmel, visit www.myspace.com/tonymemmel. For more on John Statz, visit www.johnstatz.com.
Upcoming shows

• The Art Bar, Milwaukee: 9 p.m. Nov. 1

• Stone Bank Pub & Eatery, Stone Bank: 7 p.m. Nov. 6

• Winestein’s, Oconomowoc: 7 p.m. Nov. 15

• Eagles Club, Waukesha: 9 p.m. - Milwaukee Journal

For much of Summerfest's history, local bands were an afterthought. With so many touring acts dominating the schedule, local bands were left to compete for unglamorous day slots, with preference often given to reliable draws like cover bands over groups with edgier or more esoteric sounds. That began to change five years ago, when the Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage quietly launched with a modest schedule of local and regional bands. The stage has since grown, and now claims a full lineup that includes many of the city's most respected local acts, including bands that rarely perform outside of 21-and-up club shows.

“It gives these really deserving bands a chance to play for much larger audiences than they usually might,” Cascio CEO Michael Houser says of the stage, which for this year's festival has moved to a larger location behind the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage. “The stage really contributes an important community feel to Summerfest, as well as a lot of diversity to the lineup, since we book a lot of niche and indie music that you can't always find on the other stages.”

Here is a rundown of some of the daily highlights at this year's Cascio Interstate Music Groove Stage:


Thursday, June 30

Milwaukee singer-songwriter Tony Memmel didn't let being born without a left forearm stop him from teaching himself to play guitar, piano and harmonica. Joined in his band by keyboardist wife Lesleigh Memmel and drummer Brian Farvour, Memmel will play a set of inspirational folk-rock at 3 p.m. - Shepherd Express

Anyone familiar with Milwaukee-based singer/songwriter Tony Memmel has no doubt heard of the classically trained crooner’s ability to — with the assistance of a pick affixed to his elbow by Gorilla Tape — strum a guitar expertly despite the absence of a left hand and forearm. It’s an impressive sight, to say the least. Just as amazing as overcoming the physical limitation (if not more so) is Memmel’s rarely matched motivation that he plies to his craft. He and his band have just put the finishing touches on Yours and Mine, their fourth release since 2008, and have traversed the Midwest and East Coast in support of it over the past two-plus weeks.

At the tail end of his sixth U.S. tour and days before his Milwaukee release show, Memmel took a few minutes while holed up in Massachusetts to tell Music Notes some highlights from the road, discuss the freedom in self-recording his new EP, and even chat about the success of the Brewers and Packers.

How has the road been so far?
It’s been great. We’re just finishing up and making our way back home for the show in Milwaukee this Friday, but it’s been really good. We’ve definitely been making more friends and fans in all these new cities we’ve been playing. It’s been significantly improved from all the other times we’ve been on the road.

What are some highlights?
Well, actually, one of the biggest highlights is that just a few days ago we were listed in Critic’s Picks for The Boston Globe for the week, which is a pretty huge accomplishment for us.

I’ve also noticed you’ve been written about in other out-of-town publications as well. With you not getting much press locally, how does it feel to get out-of-town attention?
It’s been wonderful! Everyone’s been really nice to talk with and has been really excited to help share our music and our story, and, you know, it’s been a big lift. Every time you see something coming through like that, it’s really exciting. Especially when it’s coming from out of town.

I’ve noticed that for every Boston on your tour itinerary, there’s a cluster of places like Ithaca (NY), Higganum (CT), Wadsworth (OH) and Scranton (PA). What’s the logic behind the locations you chose?
Yeah, we tried some new towns. We did some different types of gigs this time. We played in some coffee shops, some restaurants, some clubs. We also did a farmer’s market, and we just tried to get in front of more people; places with really strong built-in crowds. At the farmer’s market in the small town of Higganum, Conn., we actually made quite a few new friends and fans, sold a bunch of people our new EP, and they were really excited to have us. Pretty much anywhere that people are enthused to have us is a town that we’re excited to go to.

Of your five other tours, how does this one differ?
It’s actually been better. The more we get out there, the more we keep building friends and fans, the better it gets because we’re able to promote a little better and we’re able to get more people out at shows.

That’s kind of the point of touring at this level. We just keep trying to build our presence in each city. This has been our best tour. We’ve had extra great press, and, from a business standpoint, we’ve been moving a lot of copies of our new EP.

Even though it’s been working out well, has it been hard being away from Wisconsin with everything going on here, with the Packers and Brewers doing so well?
It has been. I’ve got the MLB app on my phone, so I’ve been following every play on my phone if I can’t find a TV that we can watch the Brewers on. But we’ve actually caught most of the playoff games on TV, and then we watched the Packers this past Sunday. So we’ve been bringing our Wisconsin love out east.

You wrote and recorded the new record at your house, right? What are the advantages and disadvantages to home recording?
Well, the major advantage is that I really had time to craft the songs and continue to work on them over a longer period of time than I’ve ever been able to before. What I would consider the challenge was that since I’d never done it before, I had a lot of learning to do. And I’m still learning a lot. So I’m just kind of working my way through this new software and trying to figure out how it all works. It was kind of a trailblazing task for me. But I’m really happy with how it all turned out.

I actually noticed some differences with the new record… different arrangements and more vocal effects than earlier albums. Was that you having more of an ability to mess around and make it your own?
Yeah, I just tried to see what I could do to make it sound just a little different than my previous records. I tried some new things, tried some studio experimentation, and I also play all the lead guitar on this record, which is different. I’ve never played lead before. You know, just having the time to work with all the things, it was fun to get to work on it over a longer period of time.

Now that you have a new home studio, a - Inside Milwaukee

Highlight - "... these lyrics are so tightly written it’s ridiculous."

Full Review:

NEW: Tony Memmel, “Yours and Mine” EP

October 20, 2011

Those of you who follow me on Twitter probably have picked up that I’m writing for a local magazine now, and I love it there. They’ve been kind enough to let me have a little bit of space to write an abridged Katie Darby Recommends column once a month. It is cool as hell to see some of this blog in print– but it’s also been challenging to learn how to balance writing I get paid for with writing for the blog, haha. So for my first month of writing a column about new, emerging artists I love, I chose to write about KDR favorite Tony Memmel.

I’ve been listening to Tony’s Here We Go regularly since I got the CD, and I often find myself humming the songs under my breath– especially “Helicopters and the Riot Squad”. I was thrilled to see both that Tony’s recording at a new home studio (which hopefully means more and more frequent music from him) and that there was a new EP, Yours and Mine, out now.

A pretty logical continuation from Here We Go, Yours and Mine deals largely with intimate relationships between people; Memmel’s long suit is putting complicated relationships in plain language. The first song, “Yours and Mine,” is about a relationship that’s been failing almost from the outset. It’s got a different sound and feel than his last record; there’s a high harmony part in the background, and there are strange droning effects that make it feel a little out-of-place. Which is effective in a song with lyrics like–

Whenever I’m anywhere we were that summer
the thought of it still makes me gasp
for breath, and for air, for a needle-nose prayer
that might fix all the wrongs in our past.
I clung to my innocence, firmly I grasped,
I hid it somewhere you’ll never find
You’ve taken your fists and you dug us a ditch
This is the last song of yours and mine

Remarkable internal rhyme of that first lyric notwithstanding, these lyrics are so tightly written it’s ridiculous. It manages to be both hyper-specific (probably aided by the use of the word “gasp”) and general enough that this could be anyone’s last song. This is a remarkably written song, underscored perfectly by the discomfort present in the music. Memmel’s vocals, as always, are excellent.

My favorite track, at least at the outset, is “Our First Vacation,” which is the sweet story of a couple’s first vacation. There’s such a genuine warmth for the woman in the song– and the places in the song– that it’s impossible not to feel that same affinity. There are few songs this sweet that don’t slide into saccharine territory, but as usual, Memmel avoids it by being direct–

And I never once got tired, the caffeine did the trick
and I didn’t sleep a wink last night, still feel like I did.
But the hotel wasn’t ready so we napped inside the car.
We checked in after 4pm and shared a pizza in a bar…

Part of the trick to Memmel’s music– here and otherwise– is that he acknowledges suffering and misfortune without being too swept up by it. The little inconveniences here– the hotel not being ready, the long road trip– all seem like another part of the journey here. And Memmel’s journey is a captivating one, both in the sweet love songs and the more knowing observations of the sad songs. In “Burnt Bridges,” Memmel says,

These lies were built on sand
When we made our last stand
You flicked me like a cigarette
blind-sided by the light
ash in my eyes
It pays to have foresight
I’m on my guard all the time.

All of the lyrics on this record are wonderful– and even better, the music is good enough that it’s easy to forget how good the lyrics are. It’s a really balanced EP, and one that I’m happy to recommend here. - Katie Darby Recommends (Blog)

Every year, Cascio Interstate Music teams up with 91.7 WMSE-FM (and this year with The A.V. Club Milwaukee) to add a little local flavor to the biggest music festival on earth. Bands from around the state and the region are given the opportunity to showcase their wares for the fine, discerning music connoisseur that is the average Summerfest goer.
**"Can't Miss Act [at this year's Summerfest]"**

Now that this year’s lineup has been officially released, we take a look at the two weeks of goodness and give you our picks of can’t-miss acts from each day. So take off that shirt, grab a beer in each hand and toss your tube-topped girlfriend up on your shoulders. It’s time to Fest!

3:00 p.m. – Tony Memmel & His Band
Tony Memmel has gradually worked his way into becoming one of the most interesting, talented singer-songwriters the city has to offer. The one-armed guitarist shifts effortlessly from introspective, angsty anthems to upbeat bluegrass-tinged jams. So knock out of work a bit early, take Friday off, and get this party started right! - Inside Milwaukee

Tony Memmel’s new EP, “Yours and Mine” is a dreamy six song journey through human emotion and faith. He and wife, Lesleigh harmonize so well that sometimes it’s difficult to separate their voices into two, and other times the impeccable production makes them sound impossibly like a whole chorus. While the vocals and gorgeous lyrics are certainly the focus here, the instrumentation is brilliant, as well. Simple – bordering on minimal, the music is produced with the restraint that comes with maturity and confidence. Tony Memmel knows what he is doing, and he does it well.

He plays with such clarity and beauty that it doesn’t seem to matter that Tony is missing the lower part of his left arm. He plays left handed, and picks and strums with pieces of gaffer’s tape attached to his arm. On further consideration, it absolutely matters that he is overcoming something that most would consider a complete impediment to his playing guitar – or any other instrument requiring two hands, for that matter. It matters because he is so good. It seems impossible, but his impeccable guitar work compliments his slightly gruff, beautiful voice perfectly. Tony is an inspiration.

Lesleigh’s piano work is also lovely. Quietly layered in the background, her keyboards add a welcome dimension; when Lesleigh is featured, it’s absolutely beautiful. Brian Farvour rounds out the band with his percussion, but he is so good at his job that he almost disappears. Again, I believe such restraint only comes with experience and skill. Too many drummers don’t know how to disappear, but Brian seems a master at that difficult job. His drums only add to the songs – they never detract.
“Yours and Mine” is a lovely EP, and my only complaint with it is that it was over too soon. The Memmels transported me to beautiful, loving musical landscape for all of the nineteen minutes of the EP, and at the end, I was somewhat sorry to be dumped back into my living room. I look forward to a new full-length album from Tony in (I hope) the near future.

“Yours and Mine” as well as Tony Memmel’s (excellent) previous album “Here We Go” can be purchased through links on his website HERE.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Tony and Lesleigh this month! Check out their TBB exclusive live performance of “Control” off of “Here We Go” - Backstage Beat Boston

TONY MEMMEL Wisconsin native Memmel is a classically trained vocalist. He also plays the guitar, piano, and harmonica despite the fact that he is missing his left forearm. He’ll be bringing his folky Americana, along with his band, to the Burren’s Sunday Night Songwriter Series. - Boston Globe

Tony Memmel's "Lord Knows We've Got Time" sets a familiar scene-- "We were 17, had the same old dream, we were on fire, there was water all around"-- but very quickly becomes something spectacular. The repeating line is tweaked at the end of each stanza-- "Lord knows I've got time," "she's got time," and "we've got time." That kind of subtlety in both lyrics and music is what makes Memmel's CD, Here We Go, stand out and warrant repeated listenings.

The best part of this single, to me, is the beginning of the second verse:

Easter proved it all
She was a cannonball
Tied around my ankles, pulling me to deeper water
And unrepentant prodigal daughter

Memmel's characters collide into each other, and in some songs, leave emotional marks on each other-- but even when they do, the narrative never judges anyone. In fact, that's what the refrain does on this song-- it forgives each character, and really, each listener. Though as Memmel pointed out in his awesome interview with me last week, often, the phrase "Lord knows we've got time" is ironic, in this song, it seems like it's a gentle reminder more than a use of irony. Especially when it feels like you've got time-- you don't. It's a strong lead-off single, and one that pretty accurately conveys what's on the rest of the album-- upbeat, hopeful, smart pop-rock.

The album starts with "Overture," a song that seamlessly fades in from his last album, "Potter's Road," and even borrowing some lyrics from the last track of that record, "Leaving Home Part II, The Adventurer". As I listened to the records backwards (that is, this one first), I kind of missed out on how cool that was-- so my advice is go in knowing that Memmel has a plan with his structure, one that pays off in intangible ways. The next track is the audacious "Here We Go."

"Here We Go" brings a smile to my face from the second it comes on. It's full of positive energy, excitement-- great keys, intricate guitar work. It sounds like something that would have come out at the same time the Wallflowers were recording Bringing Down the Horse and Ben Folds was still with his Five. As that time period was when I was coming into my own, musically, it's still the one I gravitate towards with the most fervor-- and it's cool to hear an echo of that in contemporary music. I've seen this track (already!) compared to singers as varied as Springsteen and the Counting Crows, and though it'd be easy to throw my "...sounds like" in the ring, I feel like Memmel forges enough of an identity on this track that I don't need to do that. This song is infectious-- one I can't take out of my car stereo. The intro is spectacular-- warm harmonica over tinkling piano-- and he starts with...

Climbed aboard a railroad train
Headed down to New Orleans
Where I could use a welcome home
From the saints of bourbon and cheap merlot
I can't hold back anymore on the edge of something big
Something inside me not yet seen
Train tracks take me to the scene
Here I am America
Better get your camera
Here we go, let's go, here we go

When the music breaks over the pre-chorus into a full-band sound, I feel like bouncing up and down. Memmel's music is invigorating, and this song is the perfect example.

I feel like I could write the entire review over just how good that one song is; it's that kind of striking. But all of the songs have something special about them. The next song, "I Know, I Know," has some very clever lyrics, and Memmel's vocals on this song are great-- his voice is naturally deep and gravelly, but he really reaches for some interesting parts here. The horns are also pretty exceptional-- it gives it a southern feel, and between that and the chorus of "Hey!" in the background, this song feels like a party.

And, as I've mentioned before, Memmel was born without his left forearm-- so when he sings about overcoming obstacles, it's got a little more weight to it. "Helicopters and the Riot Squad" deals with an obstacle-- and starts off in media res-- "I'd sure like to see you, but here I wait outside/ Helicopters and the riot squad are standing by/ I'm choosing my words carefully..." Though there's sparse instrumentation at the outset, it's instantly grabbing-- and maybe it's the refrain, "Please let me say all that I came here to say." I think it's the plea of every writer or musician, and the idea that helicopters and a riot squad are preventing you from making contact-- well, it really does feel that way sometimes. This is another really special track.

I think I've said before that I love 10-track albums because usually that means all the fluff has been cut away-- but I also hate 10-song albums, because they are often so good, you wish there'd be more. So I'm going to try to honor this album by not going on too long and stressing too much that it's nearly perfect. But it is. Just one more song, because I can't get over it--

I love "If You'd Let Me" almost as much as I love "Here We Go."

I used to - Katie Darby Recommends (Blog)

The first thing that needs to be said about Tony Memmel is he's a fantastic musician; his new album, Here We Go, is solid all the way through, and fun to listen to. There is personality on every track; there's so much fullness and excitement. I was, at least initially, overwhelmed with how positive the music is. And it doesn't hurt that, especially on songs like the title track, Memmel sounds a lot like the Counting Crows.

The second thing that needs to be said, just because it'll be obvious in a few moments: he doesn't have a left forearm.

I wasn't sure to what to expect when I heard the first single, "Lord Knows We've Got Time," but I loved it instantly, and the rest of the album holds up to the same kind of scrutiny. I'll review the album next week, but until then, I want you guys to get to know Tony (and his wife, Lesleigh, who plays keyboards in his band). He's awesome, and I can't wait to share this music with y'all.

I fought with myself over how to start this interview, because after listening to your CD for the first time, I realized that this wouldn't make a difference at all-- but there's no way not to bring it up. You were born without a left forearm-- but you are a (very talented) guitarist. What led you to be a musician, and what gave you the courage to overlook the obstacles?

Tony: First of all, thank you for the compliment about my guitar playing! I really appreciate that. When I was 13 years old, I convinced my parents to pay for half of an electric guitar if I saved up for the other half. They were supportive, yet skeptical of what would actually come of the “investment” that I’d sold them on. When I first picked up the guitar, I didn’t really see it as a courageous act, I was just a kid who loved music a lot and was determined to write and play my own.

As I started to learn the instrument, I began to find the obstacles in the trail I was blazing. I had a lot of trouble with securing a pick to my arm. Whenever I was warm, sweat or humidity in the air would peel the various homemade apparatuses that I’d invented right off of my arm (I still struggle with this to a degree). It only took about 8 years to find what I do now, which is securing a pick to my arm with really strong duct tape in a sort of cast that I re-create each time I play.

I now realize that what I am doing reaches beyond my own self. I’ve received letters and emails from people all over the world telling me that they are inspired by my music and story. I’ve come to recognize the courage it takes to overcome adversity to do what you love to do, and I hope to continue encouraging others in this way.

One of the striking things about "Here We Go" is that the full band sounds fantastic together. For example, the title track has the presumption and personality of a 90s rock act-- it's fun, it's rolling, it's bold. What is the band's process? On the website, it lists the band as a trio-- is that accurate?

Tony: When I write songs, I hear entire orchestrations in my head. I’ll sit down at the piano or with my guitar and write, and when I have my basic parts mapped out, I bring it to the band and we start putting it together. We are currently a 3-piece band, but in the studio I am a multi-instrumentalist and we can play with thicker orchestrations. One thing that affects my writing is that I often play/tour as a solo-artist. So, it is important to me to be able to strip down what is fully orchestrated and still have a strong song.

Lesleigh: There are definitely stages to the song-writing process. Everything starts on either the guitar or piano. He’ll say “can you play this?” and add the next part, usually while simultaneously tapping out a drum part of sorts. Then at practice, it all gets put together – we work out the kinks, and the song adapts and takes shape from there. But each song definitely has a strong and simple foundation. He can strip it down and it’s still a really solid song.

What is it like to get to write with your spouse? Do you think it affects the music?

Tony: I love working with Lesleigh - I’m never happier than when we’re just hanging out together either “talking shop,” touring, or playing music. I’ve written all of the music up to this point, but Lesleigh is my biggest inspiration. What I don’t bring to the table, she does.

Lesleigh: I’ve never really written songs of my own. That’s never been my main focus. My favorite part of it all is getting to add that accent piece, piano or vocal harmonies, or whatever the song demands. I’m also really lucky to see the whole process, and see almost every song go from lyrics on a napkin to a full band track on an album.

What is your goal as a musician?

Tony: I want to be the best songwriter, performer, and artist I can be with an ultimate goal of sharing my music and my story with the world. I want to inspire people so that when they hear and see me, they feel that they can do whatever they set their mind to, in their own lives. Funda - Katie Darby Recommends (Blog)

Reviewed by Jason C. Wilkerson
November 08, 2010

Tony Memmel is a working class, blue collar singer/songwriter whose humble lifestyle is evident in his music. Listening to Memmel’s songs fully convinces you that this artist is living the life he sings about. This sense of authenticity is what really makes Tony’s music pop, from his first album The Tale of an Underdog to his latest album Here We Go. Going into a Tony Memmel album, you know that you’re going to hear a musician with something to say and an entertaining way to say it. Since his last album, Potter Road, Tony has been very busy, and on Here We Go the audience reaps the benefits.

Here We Go literally starts where Tony’s last album ended. As the organ plays on “Overture”, Tony sings lines from the final song on Potter Road: “Leaving Song Part II: The Adventurer.” The slower cadence of the song gives it an almost retrospective feel as it bleeds into the title track. You can instantly feel some of Tony’s influences shining through in this Bruce Springsteen-esque song, but they aren’t enough to overpower Tony’s own indistinguishable style. Through this first new song on the album we see Tony begin to discuss where he's come from, where he's going, and the adversity he’s faced along the way; themes to which anyone can relate.



The themes throughout Tony's new album, while speaking of his own life and experiences, can easily apply to any listener. On tracks like “I Know, I Know” and “Helicopters and the Riot Squad”, he deals with the theme of communication, while “If You'd Let Me” talks of reconnecting with a loved one after mistakenly moving on. That's the power of Tony's writing; his mix of folk and rock allow the songs to feel like they were written specifically for the listener, and his lyrical sense does the same for the themes within the music. He's also got a great sense for telling a story, as seen in “One Week to Philadelphia”: Philadelphia seems far away/ In a jet port on a Sunday/ You said, ‘Goodbye I'll call you when I've landed’,/In a crowded room I am stranded/ And I know it won't be long till I see her and then/ It could be so much worse I remind myself when/ The clock struck twelve and it had to end.”

Here We Go also shows Tony growing as an artist. While you still hear both the folk sound from The Tale of an Underdog and the more rocky sound of Potter Road in this album, Here We Go sees Tony taking more chances. On the track “I Know, I Know” Tony adds in a ska-like horn section and a “Hey, Hey” chant also reminiscent of the older ska style. The final track, “Sink or Swim” (a brilliant look at what could have been), Tony adds a meditative electric guitar solo and experiments with vocal effects that give an impression of him singing through a radio from a distance, giving the song a pensive gravitas.

“The Vagrant” is a song that marks the greatest departure from Tony's overall style, and is, in my opinion, the most hauntingly beautiful track on the album. Here, Tony's views on the human need for contact and interaction in the midst of a lonely world are augmented by his best vocal work on the album and harmonies that send shivers up my spine every time I hear them. While Tony’s always been a poetic writer, that’s never been more evident than it is here: “Day after day the same thing/ Looking for signs it's changing/ And then one day out of nowhere/ I strike up a conversation/ With a stranger as she walks by/ It is a crime/ And the streets empty after closing time/ Then you're on your own/ Only skin and only skin and bones.”

Final Verdict

Score:

5.0
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Whether you're a fan of folk, singer/songwriter, or rock, Here We Go is a must own. Tony is a brilliant writer and a true artist that will speak to you on more than a simple superficial level. This is music you can listen to for escape or to find something deeper to relate to. If you've enjoyed Tony's previous albums, it's guaranteed that you'll find both something familiar and something new here. - Digital Hippos

This year's been a busy year for Tony Memmel. In February Tony and his wife participated in a Hurricane Katrina relief trip, and on March 17, 2010 he announced that he would be entering the studio to work on his third full-length album, Here We Go. He's also been playing numerous shows, appeared on such radio programs as Chicago Radio's Razor and Di Show, played Summerfest, and watched his single “Michigan is Getting Closer” become the #1 most requested song on Michigan's 102.7 WMOM radio station. To top it off Tony recently finished up an east coast tour this past fall which found him in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Michigan; and performed his CD release party for Here We Go on October 28 in his hometown of Milwaukee, WI.

While Tony was on his east coast tour I had the opportunity to interview him to check in with him and ask him some questions concerning his band, his new album, and how life was going. Tony was most gracious enough to take some time between the tour and working on a music video for “Lord Knows We Got Time” (the first single from his new album) and answer my questions.
Digital Hippos: First thing's first: how's the tour going?

Tony Memmel: The tour was phenomenal! I love touring. There's nothing quite like making a record, and listening to it 1,000 times, and trying to iron out all of the kinks and make a product you're proud of, and then test yourself again by putting it out there in front of people. I started the tour feeling a little anxious, hoping that I/the album would be well received and I was really pleased with the outcome.

DH: Congratulations on the win at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA. How did the competition come about, and how did it work?
TM: Every Monday night at the Lizard Lounge there is an open mic competition specifically geared toward songwriters. A tremendously talented group of performers show up every week and play two songs each, and a single "winner" is selected. Then, twice a year there is a "Finalists Competition" where winners from their respective Mondays come together in a final showdown of sorts. We had the good fortune to take first place! It was a HUGE honor!!!

DH: Switching gears a little bit: a lot of our readers aren't familiar with your back story for the most part, at what age did you start playing guitar and how did you learn to play in the style that you do?
TM: I was born missing my left forearm and I am self-taught on guitar. I started playing when I was about 14 years old, and over time, developed a method of playing that involves securing a pick to my left arm with really strong duct tape and playing left-handed.

DH: At what age did you write your first song and what subjects did you tackle in your early writing?
TM: My earliest songs were written around the same time that I got my first guitar. I was 14 years old and really starting to dig into music more deeply. My best friend at the time was a great guitarist, and he had a home studio on his computer. So, he and I would sit for hours working on writing and recording music. We eventually formed my first band Raul's Wild Kingdom, and I got into that really heavily and played with a rotating group of friends under that name until we sort of disbanded in 2005.

My earliest songs were almost exclusively about relationships, "crushes" on girls (Haha), friends, etc. I also had some early songs that I wrote about faith. Being raised a Lutheran, I was confirmed in 9th grade, and so that was on my mind a lot as well.

DH: What musicians have influenced your music the most?
TM: In 2006 I had a "Bob Dylan Experience." I had always been a fan of his music to some degree, and had a number of his recordings, but in the summer of that year, his music started reaching me much more deeply... It just spoke/speaks to me. I dove heavily into his catalog of recordings and took a renewed interest in my guitar and songwriting and started learning his songs and literally studying his lyrics. Just talking about it really makes me want to listen to him now.

Just before that, in 2004-2005 I listened to Ben Folds really heavily. I was just starting to learn piano, a requirement for music school, and immersed myself in it and played every day. I love his songwriting and he plays the crap out of the instrument. Rock and Roll.

My other huge influence over the last few years has been Bruce Springsteen. "Born To Run" is me. Quite simply. I've also explored Bruce's music really heavily over the past few years and I just love his songs about a love of rock and roll and believing it can get you out there, take you places and change your life, and at the same time, having responsibility to friends, family, work, country, and home. He has written some of my favorite music.

Also, I go through lots of inspirational "phases" where I'll listen to an artist almost exclusively for months. Some more recent artists are: Counting Crows, The National, Modest Mouse, Iron and Wine, - Digital Hippos

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http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g98/jiles07/northwesterneditedforblog.jpg?t=1232813063 - Oshkosh Northwestern

By Tyler Maas

Some Milwaukee area residents going about their normal Monday morning routine today might find themselves amazed by the unorthodox musical styling on a local morning show.

Waukesha native Tony Memmel, 22, will be making his second appearance on "The Blend" this morning to promote this new album. Though local talent appearing in this format to play is quite common - the way Memmel goes about playing is completely his own.

Memmel was born without a left forearm and hand, but with the help of duct tape he is able to play guitar. But the trusty adhesive wasn't the only tool needed to allow Memmel to play; a bit of work (elbow grease, if you will) was necessary too.

“I really wanted to play and I wasn’t exactly quite sure how that would work," Memmel said "I borrowed my mom’s guitar and began learning how to play reverse, upside down on the instrument and learning all the chords upside down.”

The struggle began at 13, but with practice Memmel was able to assemble a catalouge of original folk songs. In late 2006, Memmel put those songs to work by playing shows regularly.

"I started playing at the open mic (at UW-Oshkosh, where he is now a senior) in the fall of ’06," Memmel said. "It’s been a fast growth period for my solo music and being able to play it live.”

Since that time, Memmel has accumulated a growing fan base in both the Oshkosh and Milwaukee areas. Both his unique take on life and uncommon playing style are evident in his live shows, as well as on his first album "The Tale of an Underdog" which was released earlier this month.

Memmel hopes others can find value in his joy of music.

“It’s a really cool thing to see that you’re in the act of potentially inspiring someone," Memmel said. "I love just looking out into the crowd and seeing people who are really engaged in what I’m doing and what I’m playing. It means a lot to see people interested.”

Though he hopes to be a source of inspiration for listeners, he wants his music to speak louder than his physical appearance.

“I am aware that it is part of who I am and I’m not afraid to talk about it of have that be the reason why somebody would recognize me playing," Memmel said. "I put a lot of time and effort into my songwriting craft and trying to be a talented guitar player, piano player, singer and writer. The most important thing to me is writing good songs and (to) have that be a main focus of what I do.”

Upon his appearance on "The Blend" this morning, Memmel will also play a Milwaukee CD release show at Art Bar in Riverwest at 8 p.m. tonight.

If his upbeat personality and diverse brand of music aren't a testament to dedication, let his mentality be.

“Go for it. Just do it," Memmel said. "In my instance, I had to figure it all out. Don’t rely on what anyone else has ever done before to be your guidelines. Maybe just do something new.” - On Milwaukee

Armed with a contagious smile and a heartfelt hello, Tony Memmel has welcomed many UW-Oshkosh students and musicians into Open Mic with his personable charm.

When coming to Open Mic night, or perhaps just to get a smoothie on a Wednesday evening, the chance of being approached by him is more than likely.

"Tony welcomes each performer and makes the audience feel right at home," said regular Open Mic attendee Naomi Weaver. "He gets a lot of attention from people walking through the union or getting smoothies. People end up stopping in even when they didn't plan it because it is such a fun time."

Memmel took up Open Mic hosting duties at the beginning of the 2007 spring semester, creating a buzz for the musical culture that lives within the MiTaza Coffeehouse on Wednesday nights.

Not only has he increased audience attendance, he has also brought an abundance of local and guest artists to showcase their talent in front of the mic.

"I encourage people of different talents and backgrounds to play," Memmel said. "It's a very nonjudgmental atmosphere and a good place to start playing."

Memmel's inviting nature has encouraged Oshkosh senior Brent Grinwald to perform multiple times at Open Mic.

"When I first started showing up he would always come and shake my hand," Grinwald said. "He is very personable and supportive."

To people attending Open Mic nights, it is clear that Memmel shines in his position as host. His love for his job is visible through his captivating positive attitude. He makes it difficult for people not to become upbeat while in his presence.

"What Tony really brings to Open Mic is the attitude. He's really positive all the time," Grinwald said.

Along with Open Mic, Memmel programs the Live at Lunch series, where artists play music on Mondays from noon-1:00 p.m. in MiTaza.

As a junior at Oshkosh, Memmel carries his enthusiasm for music into his music business major. His hosting duties at Open Mic will prepare him for his internship at the Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee this summer.

While hosting Open Mic nights, Memmel delights audiences as he multi-tasks as a host and regular performer.

"Tony is a wonderful musician," Weaver said. "He always gets applause and screams."

At first glance, audiences are stunned by Memmel, as his disability only allows him to play guitar with one arm. His musical abilities soon divert people away from his disability and into focus with his catchy voice and exceptional guitar skills.

Memmel got into playing guitar by learning chords upside down on his mother's guitar.

After mastering chords, he struggled with how he would strum with only a partial left arm and experimented by applying different types of tape to hold the guitar pick.

"It was stressful playing in the summer because it would be hot and the duct tape would fall right off," Memmel said.

After a long search Memmel found a tape that allowed him to play without any doubt or concern.

"Finally, I found that gorilla tape," Memmel said with a chuckle. "It changed my life."

Although he has always been heavily supported by his friends and family, he has faced his share of adversity while learning to play. But Memmel has shown that not only can he make it work, he can make it work well.

"It is more important to prove myself as a good guitarist over an entertainer," he said. "I just like to play and hopefully people like to hear what I'm playing."

Along with band covers, Memmel enjoys playing and singing his original material and connecting his insight with those around him through his songs. At times he even encourages the audience to sing along.

Through hosting and performing Memmel has no problem making Open Mic a good time for those around him. It continues to thrive as Open Mic averages 100 people stopping by over a two-hour period.
Open Mic occurs in the MiTaza Coffeehouse in Reeve Union on Wednesdays between 7:45-10:00p.m. People interested in playing should come early and sign up.

"There is some really good music in Oshkosh," Memmel said. "A lot of really talented people come and play, there's a good crowd and a handsome host. - Advance Titan-UW Oshkosh

With his debut album “Tale of an Underdog” released March 6, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh senior Tony Memmel has had to overcome an unusual obstacle to earn his place as the music industry’s newest underdog.

Since age 14, the music business major has been telling his tale with natural talent and no left hand.

“I started learning to play upside-down on my Mom’s acoustic guitar when I was in eighth grade,” said Memmel who was born with one arm. “I wasn’t really sure how I was going to do it, but then I started experimenting with different ideas to how I could secure a guitar pick to my left arm.”

By using a very strong tape called “Gorilla Tape,” Memmel is able to fasten a pick to his arm and play with the same talent as a two-handed guitar player.

Sticking to the folk/acoustic genre, Memmel sings about life, love and friendship in an instrumental blend of guitar and harmonica.

“I’m very inspired by my relationships, travel and just watching what people are doing,” Memmel said. “Watching people in the train station and the thrill of being ready to travel in the morning inspired my Train Song.”

Memmel has also picked up inspiration from listening to his grandparent’s stories. His song, “A Soldier in London in 1943,” was born from his grandfather’s memories of being led through the dark London streets by an English girl during World War II.

By spreading his inspiration and sharing his story, Memmel has touched several people in the Oshkosh community.

“There are definitely people I would consider my fans now, and they come out to see me every time I play,” Memmel said. “They are very supportive of my music and the support keeps growing with all the new stuff I do.”

Beginning to perform publicly in high school, Memmel’s appearances have increased with experience and he now plays weekly in Reeve Union’s Open Mic forum and sporadically at area bars and coffeehouses.

After being continuously urged by his friend and now recording partner Scott Puro to play in Open Mic, Memmel finally caved.

“Scott finally just wrote my name on the sign, and I played and really haven’t stopped since,” said Memmel of his first appearance at Open Mic in the spring of 2007. “The first time I played in Open Mic I was really nervous. I used to come watch all the time, but I just liked to watch.”

Now an organizer of the weekly program, Memmel opens and closes every Open Mic session and encourages new artists to take the stage.

Puro, also a UW Oshkosh student, met Memmel at school in 2005.

“I have always been impressed with Tony’s musical abilities,” Puro said. “I would sum up Tony and his music in one word – real – because he puts so much emotion into his song writing and playing.”

Memmel attributes this “real” and can-do attitude to his parents.

“There’s never anything they told me I couldn’t do,” Memmel said. “They’ve always helped me to learn to appreciate what I have and to just work with it. I was never allowed to quit things.”

Memmel will graduate this May with a bachelor’s degree in music business from UW Oshkosh. Following graduation, the singer-song writer has plans to get married and will continue to write music and share his passion for song with the world.

- UW Oshkosh Today

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

At bigger venues they may be happy to let you cool your heels between sets while techies fiddle with amps and one-two microphones, but at a tiny East Village dive like Banjo Jim's you take too long in the bathroom and you're suckered into staying for the next act, even if your wallet and your beer bottle are looking perilously empty. When your table of three is both out in front, and represents a good third of the total audience, quietly slipping out isn't a viable option. And, let's face it, it takes a harder heart than mine to walk out on the first Big City gig of a fresh-faced, one-armed guitarist.

We had headed along early to see ragtime piano being hammered out by a white-haired man with syncopation in his soul, and his wide-eyed, skinny-jeaned protegee. When we missed our chance to leave at nine with the serious musos, we found ourselves up-close and personal with Tony Memmel from Milwaukee. Using a plectrum gaffer-taped to the stump of his left arm he strummed out a collection of gorgeous songs about mosquito bites, and driving all night with his new wife to take their first holiday in Cleveland, Ohio. I didn't ask why they hadn't ever taken a holiday together before that. Perhaps his beard was a gesture of support for our Lord and Savior, rather than a nod to hipster chic.

Tony Memmel had a honey-soaked voice and a beautiful way with a guitar.
"He's playing at least four chords in the bar." Chris muttered. "I can only play one, and I've got two hands."
"Yes, but he's probably had more than two lessons. He also knows more than three chords."
This seemed like a fair point, so we hushed up, drank up, and let the boy play.

(You can find the actual post here: http://idontdrinkcoffeeidrinkteamydear.blogspot.com/2009/10/banjo-jims.html) - Blog: I Dont Drink Coffee I Drink Tea My Dear

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Hang around the honky tonks and you'll hear a lot of stories from musicians of how they fought to get to Music City. But you may not have heard a story quite like this one.

One man has never let any obstacles slow him down, and he has made it with some big dreams and a little duct tape.

A bright and early burst of energy brought in the morning Sunday to downtown Nashville. The McKendree United Methodist band was up early rehearsing. Tony Memmel took the lead on one of the songs.

"When I was a teenager, I developed a really strong interest in music," Memmel said. "I really wanted to be able to play the guitar."

The early drive and love of the song and stage; that's the story you know of the Nashville singer-songwriter. Memmel's story is a little different.

"I was born without a left forearm and hand," he said. "I never really thought twice about whether I'd be able to do it or not. I always knew somewhere down the line I'd be able to play."

"I take several pieces of this really tough duct tape called Gorilla Tape," Memmel said, pulling the tape from the roll. "I just have this little space at the end of my arm where the pick sits. I take the tape and fold it over."

Memmel said perfecting how to hold the pick in place came from eight years of trial and error. It now only takes him seconds to tear and tape these Gorilla Tape casts.

"It's nothing I've developed with an orthopedic staff or anything like that," he said. "It's just something I built on my own at my dining room table."

Memmel takes that know-how across the country. He works with children with limb differences through programs like the Lucky Fin Project and the Cincinnati Adaptive Music Camp.

"I am an amputee, and I'm 17 years old and I live in Cincinnati," said Anna Amend, speaking to Channel 4 through Skype.

It was through the camp that Memmel began working with Anna.

"There's a certain connection you get from someone," she said. "They know what you're going through. I didn't have doubts that I couldn't play, but he gave me a lot more options of how I could play."

Memmel's goal is for music to take his students wherever they want to go, just like it did for him.

"The phrase around here is 'it all begins with the song,'" he said. "I love that about Nashville. It still really values that. Anything's possible and through hard work and determination, you can move past any physical circumstance and become the person you want to be."

"He's definitely a good role model and inspiration for tons of people," Anna said. "I know he's one for me."

"My life has really developed in a way that I never imagined, but I love that it has," Memmel said, gearing up for a show at the Bluebird Cafe.

For more on the Cincinnati Adaptive Music Camp, click here. For more on the Lucky Fin Project, click here.

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