TuN

Seattle, Washington’s TüN weaves vibrant strings of blues, funk, and soul together to form a strong sonic fabric, both familiar and unique. Their mission is to recapture the essence of the ‘70s era, when musicianship mattered above all.

Principal songwriter Chris Cootsona and his like-minded gang may have done just that with their new release, Mercury Retrograde (Mercury in retrograde: a disruption of technology, communication, travel, logic, and information).

Cootsona named the band TüN (pronounced toon, meaning—improbably—“tune”) for his own quirky reasons, one of which involves couture: “When deciding on a name for the band, I considered something more eclectic, but settled on TüN because it is a cheeky take on the word ‘Tune,’ and this band is all about the original music. Plus, it looks great on a T-shirt!” Whatever its handle, the band has produced a mature collection of songs that reverberate with echoes of long-gone juke joints, delivered by passionately creative musicians who infuse these timeless melodies with the spirit of the new.

Founding member Chris Cootsona told Elmore a bit about the magical origin of “Magic.”

“The music and lyrical concept for ‘Magic’ were inspired by a vivid dream. I awoke with all the music playing in my mind, complete with a vocal chorus, as if playing on the radio. ‘This ain’t no illusion, no trick from up your sleeve’ was on repeat in my head until I could introduce the song at rehearsal. TüN brought this song to life – each member adding their own flavor to it. Skye Warden, of Clockwork Productions, was instrumental in recapturing the imagery of the dream that inspired the song.” - Elmore Magazine

When like-minded souls come together and fuse their talents and ideas into a focused common message, that is when they move from being a group of players to being “a band.”

The members of south Seattle five piece TÜN have been working together for years in other projects but finally sharpened their direction and came together to record the debut album Mercury Retrograde for an April of 2019 release. The nine song collection of all original tracks is a mixture of dance floor ready poppin’ funk, gritty blues rock and scorching hot neo-soul. Keyboardist and vocalist Chris Cootsona leads the band that features powerhouse lead vocalist and lyricist, Chicago born Lauren Santi, along with guitarist, Nick Fair, Will Bagby on drums, and Bill DeHart on bass. The funky love song “Magic,” opens the set followed by shifting modern blues about Santi’s hometown “Cicero” that features some groovy drumming and piano work. Fair opens with some howling guitar before Santi get down and dirty on the gritty “Lonesome Road.”

Cootsona takes over the lead vocals and does his best Adam Levine for “Match Like You.” Santi takes us to church on the lovely Gospel fueled ballad “Water Bearer.” TÜN then blends old school and new school on the clavinet driven “Trouble,” the dynamic nod to Diana Ross, “Invincible,” and a call out to “Move Your Body,” on the dance floor anthem “Filthy Fifth.” The set ends sweetly with the mid temp neo-soul of “Fade Away,” allowing each player to shine one more time. Titling their debut album Mercury Retrograde must certainly be a tongue in cheek contradiction, for TÜN is certainly moving in a forward direction with this harmonious release.

(Check out the album below via Spotify and get more information about TÜN HERE.) - Northwest Music Scene

My first exposure to Tun, was their music video for “Magic”, from their newly released album “Mercury Retrograde”. Mark had sent it to me and asked, what do you think? I was blown away! This is a Pacific Northwest Band? I loved how it was filmed depicting a red brick venue, perfectly capturing the feel of an old blues club.

What I loved even more, was their sound. A fun blend of Blues, Funk and the homegrown PNW Rock. Tun is a 5 piece band, filled with passionately skilled instrumentalists, fronted with a fresh, soulful voice. Composer Chris Cootsona on keyboards and vocals, Nick Fair on guitar, Will Bagby drums and Bill DeHart on bass. The Voice of this powerhouse band is Lauren Santi. Every song on their new album “Mercury Retrograde” has a different musical vibe. “ Invincible” had me up groovin’ to a funky bass rhythm. While “Water Bearer” brought me to my feet, standing and waving a fan, to its soul filled gospel blues. My mind was filled with visuals of steamy, packed clubs and rooms.

Their attention to detail in not only their songs, but also their music videos is impressive. I would have never guessed that this was their debut album. They are the perfect combination of experience and energy. Taking us back to the Janis Joplin era of funky blues, with a little Stevie Ray Vaughan thrown into the mix.

Although Mercury In Retrograde creates an optical illusion, Tun’s “ Mercury Retrograde” does not. They are the real Funky Blues Deal. - Seattle Wave Radio