Mixtape Café (Grand Rapids) wsg Jacqueline Claire, Josiah Gentry and Chris Dupont
Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m.
$6

Album: Shine
Genre: Acoustic Pop Rock
RIYL: Matt Nathanson, Mat Kearney
Peace by Piece in Lowell (Gentry's Studio)

myspace.com/tonyoleckmusic

Tony Oleck is only eighteen and a senior at West Catholic High School - and has just completed his first album, Shine. Mellow and predominantly acoustic, the 10-track album is easy to listen to, with accessible subject matter and honest lyrics.

"I write about everything and anything," Oleck said. "I write a lot about love, about anything. Everyday experiences, girls that I've dated, things that have happened."

He also writes about girls he hasn't dated, such as country/pop icon Taylor Swift in the track "Taylor Swift Only Likes Me," or about that staple rock ‘n roll topic of being a vagabond and roaming.

"Some of the lyrics give you the feel that I'm a rebel," Oleck said.

Oleck had been playing guitar and piano in various bands through childhood, but began writing his own music two years ago. About a year ago, he began booking shows. Most of his shows he describes as acoustic and "chill," but sometimes he brings a full band.

"With a full band, it's a lot of fun," Oleck said. "We have a couple songs where we kick it up. On "Heaven," the guitar player and I do a dueling guitar solos at the end for about five minutes."

Oleck will be bringing this full band with him to the album release party on Nov. 21 at the Mixtape Café.

"Everyone's really welcome at my shows," Oleck said. "I don't play to just one type of person. A lot of people can feel at home listening to my music."

Opening for him will be fellow acoustic musician Josiah Gentry. Gentry, who operates Piece by Peace Recording in Lowell, Mich., recorded Shine. Oleck hopes to team up with Gentry, play around West Michigan, promote and the album and then get back into the studio for a second, full band album. In addition to all this, he's hoping to attend Notre Dame for either theology or journalism, so keep your eye on this one. With an amicable personality and ambition, it seems Oleck might have the kind of staying power a singer/songwriter needs to get heard in this Internet age.