Sometimes it takes a little longer to find our passion path. Hell, it took Godzilla 70 years to win an Oscar. The rigors of Indie rock aren’t just for the young; it’s a genre that continues to evolve, just like the musicians who create it. Tony Sharpe, a 60-something creative director in Ohio, is proving the genre is for the young at heart, with his new band You Me and Kyle.
Alongside Henry Hutton, Sharpe’s longtime songwriting partner, they’re proving that age is just a number when it comes to making great music.
Sharpe and Hutton, both founding members of North Carolina’s beloved live band The Executives, have been writing songs together for decades. But it wasn’t until 2024 that the duo decided to collab once more under the name You, Me & Kyle.
Their goal?
To create a sound that doesn’t feel like it came from a couple of 60-year-olds. And they’ve succeeded. Featuring hummable songs such as Flying Cars, Running Away and June 23, the band’s debut album is a refreshing take on indie rock, with crisp guitar riffs, punchy basslines, and vocal harmonies that flow seamlessly.
Spoiler alert: It doesn’t sound like a couple of 60-somethings.
They Promised Us There Would Be Flying Cars is an album that effortlessly blends humor, nostalgia, and originality.
The standout track The Side of the Road captures the heart of indie rock with its raw guitar work and poignant lyrics.
According to Sharpe, the timing is perfect for them to finally record and release an album. Back in the day, the cost of studio time and equipment was simply too high for them to pull it off. Today, thanks to accessible recording technology and some financial stability, they were able to set up home studios and make music on their own terms. “We’re also a lot better off financially in our 60s than we were in our 20s,” Sharpe explains.
The band’s name comes from the name of an AI-generated drummer in their recording software. While many musicians their age might shy away from new technology, Sharpe and Hutton embraced it, even using AI-generated visuals for their album art and music video. Still, Sharpe is quick to point out that the music and performances are 100% human—except for “Kyle,” of course.
Sharpe and Hutton’s creative process is a testament to their long-standing partnership. Hutton usually sends demo files with a basic melody and guitar part, which Sharpe builds out in his studio. The result is an album that feels cohesive and effortlessly cool, despite the distance between the two collaborators—Hutton is based in Raleigh, NC, while Sharpe works out of Columbus, OH.
F*ck Age
Sharpe has faced his share of naysayers. In 2023, a former A&R executive told him he was too old to make it in the music business. But rather than let that deter him, Sharpe left the meeting more determined than ever. “He’s not wrong,” Sharpe says. “But I walked out of his office determined to prove he was wrong about me.”
And he’s doing just that. The duo has already started work on their second album and are actively looking to form a full band so they can start performing live shows. “We don’t have enough songs for a full set yet, but we’re getting there,” Sharpe says with a smile.
When asked what advice he’d give to someone over 50 who still dreams of pursuing a creative passion, Sharpe channels the wisdom of his 10-year-old son. “He asked me, ‘Papa, who are the oldest bands still playing?’ I told him the Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney are still touring, and they’re in their 80s. Without missing a beat, he said, ‘So, you have 20 more years.’”
It’s a simple but profound takeaway: It’s not about the years behind you; it’s about the time ahead of you and what you choose to do with it.
They Promised Us There Would Be Flying Cars is available on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music.
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