Tristan ‘1690’ Grigsby | DaiTribe and Project: Storm guitarist. He’s cultivated a 20+ yr career as guitarist, performer, recording artist, writer, and producer. Taking pride in being known for his technique, tone, and high-energy performances isn’t something that is taken for granted. “To maintain a constant writing, recording and performing schedule, I knew the years of discipline w/ the acoustic and study of rhythm guitar technique was the path I wanted.”
His early career included constant performing clinics and on stage appearances with PanterA, Anthrax, and Skid Row. Those successful clinics led to the recording and release of “Seven Trials” in 1997, which became the cornerstone of a great new heavy guitar movement dubbed “shred banging” by Guitar World Magazine. Next came a feature in Guitar World magazine and a song on their CD “The Indie Bin”. In 1998, Project: Storm began writing and recording their first release “The Reckoning”. It includes guest performances by TM Stevens (Steve Vai/Pretenders), Bill ‘the Buddha’ Dickens, and Vernon Reid (Living Colour). DaiTribe released “The Second Coming” EP to radio. Initially intended for a brief promotional campaign, the release quickly became added and played around the world to radio programming play lists for the entire summer and into the fall. “STRATAGEM” raised the bar yet again while pushing the limits of the progressive meets metal line. Other benchmarks in his career include the single ìIntimidatorî, which was a number one Internet single, and inclusion in platinum home videos/DVDs by PanterA and Skid Row.
The skills learned in those early years were exceptionally useful while performing in clubs in and around Chicago and then later throughout the midwest. All that acoustic work led to the development of what would become a formidable and engrained approach. “It’s the attention to detail which playing acoustically forces you to concentrate on.”
“There has been an Ovation on every major recording/release that I’ve ever done. Acoustic playing is learning how to play from the ground up and you can go anywhere from there. Think of your Ovation as a GPS on your acoustic journey. It will guide you clearly and you will hear every step you take as it was meant to be experienced!”
Currently Tristan is working on several recording projects, mixing releases with both DaiTribe and Project: Storm, preparing to tour through the fall, and can currently be heard on the ‘Dimebag’ Darrell memorial single “Leave it Alone” w/ Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, David Ellefson, and Jason Bittner. The song was released via iTunes on True Gemini Records. All the proceeds from the sale of the song go to Little Kids Rock, in Darrell’s name.