Meet Tim Buono | Independent Country Music Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tim Buono and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tim, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My parents always told my siblings and I as we grew up not to chase money, but to find and chase what we love and everything else will fall into place. I have lived by that. When it comes to my music, I make and music that I feel represents me, and try to release the songs that I love, not necessarily the ones that I think will be hits. Now, of course, having a hit would be awesome! But I believe that authenticity and chasing the music dream with songs that I love, not songs that I just think will make money is important, and if there is a song that’s meant to be a hit, it will find its way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had a passion for country music since I was in grade school. I always wanted to be apart of it in one way or another. I found a way to make music independently and play lots of shows, make fans and friends with a similar passion, and write songs that I can be proud of. There’s always challenges along the way but the payoff absolutely outweighs the challenges. I have learned that being authentic goes a lot further than trying to be someone you’re not. I was lucky enough to be the direct supporting act for Lonestar (a band I grew up listening to) last year at a theater in Rhode Island. I was deciding on what to wear for such a big show, and decided to wear what I always wear: jeans, a t-shirt, a trucker hat, and the boots I wear everyday. During the show, I told honest stories about my songs and the response from the crowd was so much more that I could have ever dreamed of. This solidified to me that authenticity goes a long way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It depends what city! If I was in Nashville, we would of course hit Broadway but I would also take them over to Printer’s Alley. For food, we would to catch breakfast at The Loveless Cafe, get a burger at the Pharmacy, and, of course, would have to catch a show at the Opry! I also love a few spots outside of the city. I love to drive the Natchez Trace Parkway when I’m down in Nashville, and I love to visit downtown Franklin, TN for that classic small town America Southern charm!

Now, if we were back home at my stomping grounds and someone was visiting Boston, we’d spend a lot of time on and around the water. Down at the seaport, there are lots of cool restaurants and bars, and spots that overlook Boston Harbor. Castle Island in South Boston is another awesome spot to watch boats come in and out of the harbor, watch the planes land across the water at Logan Airport, and take in the awesome views of such a historic and beautiful city. My favorite spot for food in town is over in the North End (Boston’s Little Italy) where there are so many authentic Italian shops, restaurants, and bakeries for some real Italian cuisine. You can’t go wrong!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents saw that I had a passion for music pretty early on. They saw my love for watching guitar players like Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, John Fogerty etc. and bought me my first guitar to learn on. After years of playing guitar only in my bedroom and never for anyone else, I wanted to upgrade to a nicer, more professional guitar. My parents made a deal with me, that they would help me out with getting that guitar as long as I promised to share my love of music with the world and do something with that guitar. I held true to my end of the deal and booked my first show. Fast forward to today, I still play that guitar on stage and am still holding up my end of the deal!

As well as my parents, my wife is a huge supporter of me. She puts up with me playing guitar and singing around the house and stopping at random times throughout the day to write down a song title or idea. She pushes me to keep going, and comes out to every show that she can. When we first started dating and she found out that I was a musician, she told me that she didn’t listen to my music because she was afraid that if it was bad, she wouldn’t be able to lie. When she eventually took a listen, she luckily felt like I was decent enough that she’d stick around!

Website: www.timbuono.com

Instagram: @timbuono

Facebook: www.facebook.com/timbuonomusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@timbuonomusic

Image Credits
Photo Credit: “Matthew Allen Photography” & “Elizabeth Shoupe/Linds & Max Photography”