I’ve seen Tesla live a couple times, and while they used to be a band I liked and enjoyed, since their 2004 album “Into the Now” they’ve grown to become one of my favorite bands. 

What I like about Tesla is that they’re just a rock band. They just make good music. There’s no trend to follow, there’s no real concern of press or image or whatever. They just make music. I also have a great deal of respect for how their now run their business: embracing the Internet; using techniques and strategies to connect with fans; and doing so much of things themselves and showing you can be successful at this. As example, check out their latest video for their new single “Fallin’ Apart”. The band posted this video to their YouTube channel, they allow embedding (many of your big record companies won’t do this for whatever reason… I guess they don’t like free press). Of the video they write:

“Fallin’ Apart” which we wrote, directed and produced ourselves! This is the first time that we took one of our ideas for a concept video and found actors, locations, props, and put it all together making a concept music video. Our friend Ken Nicholson who has helped us produce videos in the past found an amazing camera crew, and we found Daniel Espinoza and Scheilah Magnolias to play the roles. The 1956 Ford Tbird was found by Robbie Furiosi at one of his friend’s auto shops called Check Engine Automotive, and he and Larry drove the car down in the freezing cold for 2 days..thanks guys!

They did a great job with it. Check it out:

What really strikes me about Tesla is their songwriting, especially how positive so much of their music is. Check out this article from Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles. Guitarist Frank Hannon breaks down each song on their new album “Forever More” and you’ll see how many songs have positive and uplifting messages. Nothing is cheesy or preachy either. And this goes back to songs like “Caught In A Dream” and “What You Give”, which I find to have a truly beautiful message.

It’s hard for me to pick out a single Tesla song that I like. So many good songs, so many strike a chord. But off their new album, there’s a song called “Just In Case” which really does hit home with me. Here are the lyrics:

Outside the sky is blue;
Always try to do my part
But now it’s raining in my heart.
There’s just so much I can do.
It’s really got a hold of me,
It’s why I feel so incomplete.
If life’s a broken band,
Only I would understand,
I’ll be more than glad to join right in.
If only I could pray,
I know what I would say:
“To whom it may concern”

Just in case I don’t make it to Heaven,
I’d like to personally thank you for givin’
Somethin’ so beautiful
Makes life worth livin’, yeah.
Thank you just in case I….

I’m trying once again,
But everytime I try to talk to You
It’s like I never seem to get through.
I never had the strength to ever put my faith in You.
Maybe I should just realize
I don’t deserve you in my life.
They say it’s in Your hands,
That everything’s just like You planned.
It’s good enough for them, so why not me?
If only I could pray,
I know what I would say…
(I’d say) “Dear God, I’m talking to ya”

Just in case I don’t make it to Heaven,
I’d like to personally thank you for givin’
Somethin’ so beautiful
Makes life worth livin’, yeah.
Thank you just in case I….

Soon enough the time will come.
The hour’s getting late,
The sun is settin’ fast and
You’ll be standing by the gate.
I’m sure You’re gonna say to me,
“Somewhere, couldn’t you just relate?”
I’ll say, “To tell You the truth, You know I already do
In so many other ways.”

Just in case I don’t make it to Heaven,
I’d like to personally thank you for givin’
Somethin’ so beautiful
Makes life worth livin’, yeah.
Thank you just in case I….
Just in case I don’t make it to Heaven,
I’d like to personally thank you for givin’
Somethin’ so beautiful
Makes life worth livin’, yeah.
Thank you just in case I….
I don’t make it

Good stuff. Tesla is certainly a band that, in my book, ranks pretty high.