I’ll admit, I tend to get nervous when I hear people talk about the next great child musician.
Maybe it’s the choreographed waves and clenched smiles of Miley Cyrus; or the prepackaged plasticity of the Jonas Brothers. Maybe it’s the awkwardness of watching child stars like the Hanson brothers grow up; or watching grown-up former child stars fall apart (i.e. Michael Jackson and Britney Spears). With overbearing parents and manipulative record execs, it’s easy to see why so many end up on the front page of tabloids.
But from what I can tell, Timmy Whiting is the exception to the rule. Listen to “Into Battle,” the song that put him and his brothers in the OurStage semifinals, and you’ll see that this 13-year-old kid from Philadelphia is anything but prepackaged. Sure there’s a connection to the laid-back blues of Jack Johnson and G. Love. There are also references to Christianity (his family belongs to a group called Christian Surfers). But what sets these songs apart is the unique simplicity and authenticity with which they were recorded.
Oh yeah, and as for overbearing parents thrusting him into the spotlight? Trust me, after talking to his mom Bobbie, there’s no need to worry. She was reluctant to even let him post his songs online. In fact, the only reason his songs ended up on OurStage was our Bonnaroo contest. Turns out, the Whitings were planning to attend Bonnaroo as a family (coolest family ever?) and entered the contest on a whim.
I caught up with Timmy to talk about school, music, family, and surfing in Pennsylvania(!):
Quinn Strassel: How did you get into playing music?
Timmy Whiting: I have always liked music and have been moved by it on some level. When I was little and others kids were listening to “Trout Fishing in America” and “Raffi” (don’t get me wrong, they rock!) my parents were listening to music they liked and I grew to like it too. I began asking – begging, really – for a guitar when I was like four. Since my parents don’t really have a connection to music other than their appreciation for it, they were sure my desire for a guitar would fade. Finally, on my 9th birthday, they broke and got me a cheapy guitar. To their surprise, I took to it immediately. I’ve been playing and writing ever since. My teacher and mentor is Justin King of “Quiet Jack.” His passion for all things musical has been an inspiration. My first concert was Jack Johnson, Donovan, and G. Love. It was the first of many live performances I’ve been lucky enough to see. For my 12th birthday we were 8th row for Red Hot Chili Peppers! Live music inspires me.
QS: You made the Quarterfinals last month with you song “Into Battle.” What’s that song about?
TW: I like people to interpret my music in their own way. Everyone brings unique experiences to how they hear music. “The Battle” is about the battle we all fight to do the right thing every day.
QS: Your profile says you’re from Pennsylvania and that you’re into surfing. I didn’t even know you could surf in Pennsylvania.
TW: My grandparents own a house in Jersey, so I surf all summer there. My family also spends a few weeks in Hatteras, NC (my favorite place on the planet!) every year. We also belong to a group called “Christian Surfers” and travel yearly to different Central American countries where we help the communities we visit and squeeze in a little surfing at the same time. Last year I had the opportunity to play my music for an orphanage in El Salvador – surfing, music, and service – what could be better?! I’ve been lucky enough to be chosen to attend the “Panama Prep School” this summer. Only 35 kids across the U.S. get to go. We’ll be surfing and training in our faith. Tom Curran will be there and I am stoked!
QS: Looking at one of your pictures on your profile, there’s some writing on your guitar. What does it say?
TW: It’s signed by Jeffery Gaines. It says “Rock on, Timmy” “Make your life EXTROIDINARY!” Cool, huh? My mom and dad won the guitar at a benefit for cancer they were involved in. Jeffery Gaines was the entertainer at the benefit. They asked him to sign it and later I had a chance to meet him and have my picture taken with him. I love his style of acoustic folk. He plays at a lot of smaller venues in Philly and we always try to go.
QS: What do kids at school think of your music? Have they even heard you play?
TW: I go to a Waldorf school. It’s the kind of place where you learn through the arts and kids are encouraged to express themselves creatively. My teacher is a musician too and totally into my music, which is really fun. As for the kids, I try to keep it low-key. My closest friends are really into it. When I play at local coffee houses, they show up with their families and we have a great time.
QS: Is it true you don’t write your lyrics down?
TW: It’s true. It drives my mom crazy. Whenever I try out some new lyrics on her, she says, “Quick! Write that down, before you forget it!” I don’t forget though. It just comes naturally.
QS: What do you do when you’re not playing music?
TW: Well, I’m totally into surfing or anything you can do at the beach but, like you said… I live in Pennsylvania. I also really enjoy lacrosse, snowboarding and skateboarding, and just hanging out with family and friends.
QS: Talk about your siblings and what they bring to the music.
TW: Ben is 11 and he kicks it on the bass. He is my right-hand bro. Sam is 8 and learning on drums. That kid’s a love-magnet. Ellie is 6 and just started piano. She holds her own with us boys and she’s the sweetest thing you’ll ever meet. We’re a tight family. Alata love goin’ on in our house and I try to bring that to my music.
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