TT’s debut album Man on the Corner, set for release in 2025, is not just a collection of songs—it’s the culmination of a life marked by resilience, reflection, and a deep desire to make every moment count. Born from a childhood of chronic illness, TT’s music is a rich tapestry of eclectic influences, blending his love for country, classical, and rock with his own personal experiences. The nine-track album is a cathartic journey through pain, perseverance, and the transformative power of music.
At just six years old, TT was diagnosed with a chronic kidney condition that would shape his life in ways both physical and emotional. As a young child learning to walk again, music became his escape. His mother’s musical theater songs filled their home, and soon, his tastes grew to encompass a variety of genres—from the storytelling charm of country music to the emotional depth of classical and the rebellious spirit of rock & roll. This early exposure to such diverse sounds would eventually serve as the backbone of Man on the Corner, a record that captures not only TT’s eclectic influences but also his introspective reflections on life and death.
His story takes a dramatic turn in his teenage years when TT bought his first guitar. Earning money from odd jobs like caddying and bussing tables, the guitar became his sanctuary, a place to escape from his introverted nature and express the thoughts and feelings that were often too difficult to voice. “I was an introvert, so being able to escape into a room to sing and play guitar was my sanctuary,” he recalls.
TT’s journey into music was not a linear one, though. After moving to Los Angeles, he spent years working in the business world to make ends meet, often burning the candle at both ends. “I was working like a dog, neglecting family and routinely sleeping at my desk,” he admits. But when his kidney disease returned with a vengeance, the once-distant dream of a music career became his lifeline. Given a grim life expectancy of six years, TT made the bold decision to return to his passion. He left his business career behind and poured his energy into songwriting, reconnecting with the very essence of his creative soul.
The title track, “A Moment Ago,” captures this shift with its haunting piano ballad, pondering the fleeting nature of time. It’s a track that speaks to anyone who has felt the weight of time slipping through their fingers, urging us to seize the day before it’s too late. The sense of urgency is palpable, and TT’s delivery is raw, as though singing for his very survival. In many ways, the album is a meditation on life’s transience, and this opening track sets the tone perfectly.
“Old Glory” is another standout, a countrified anthem with powerful guitar riffs and a soaring chorus. Inspired by TT’s experiences volunteering at the L.A.-based food center, Bread and Roses, it’s a song that serves as both a personal reflection and a call to action. With this track, TT channels his observations on society and his growing empathy for those struggling with homelessness, offering a poignant commentary on the state of the nation.
The album’s diversity is immediately evident, with songs that span genres while maintaining TT’s signature storytelling approach. “My Confession” is an introspective opener to the album, blending raw honesty with a sound that blends Americana with modern rock. “My Kinda Cowgirl” is another nod to TT’s country influences, but this time with a lighter, more playful tone. The upbeat track is a celebration of the women who inspire him, with catchy guitar licks and infectious harmonies that’ll have listeners tapping their feet.
On “Let Us Breathe,” TT turns his gaze outward, tackling the pressing issue of climate change with urgency and passion. The track is a plea for the preservation of the planet, wrapped in a lush arrangement of strings and folk instrumentation. TT’s socially-conscious themes continue with “You Gotta Earn Me,” a song that unfolds like an anthem for self-respect and personal empowerment, before the haunting “Ghost in Your Shoes,” which explores the scars of addiction, a theme that is close to TT’s heart. Having seen the effects of addiction on friends, this track becomes a poignant call for empathy and understanding.
“Little One, Little Man” is one of the most tender moments on the album, a heartfelt tribute to fatherhood. TT sings directly to his two children over a gentle acoustic guitar and cinematic strings, crafting an intimate and emotional ballad that captures the essence of unconditional love. It’s a song that proves TT’s versatility as a songwriter, able to balance powerful social commentary with deeply personal reflections.
“A Moment Ago” closes the album with a sense of closure and resolve. It’s a quiet, contemplative finale that lingers long after the music fades, leaving listeners with a powerful reminder of life’s impermanence and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.
With Man on the Corner, TT has created a deeply personal yet universally relatable album. His journey from pain to purpose is evident in every note, every lyric, and every performance. The album is a reflection of a life lived, a story of survival, and a message that resonates far beyond TT’s own experiences. With its genre-blending approach and its focus on the fleeting nature of time, Man on the Corner is not just an album—it’s a testament to the power of music to heal, to inspire, and to make every moment count.
