Tim Langeloh | Songwriter

Hi, Tim! To start off with, tell us a bit about yourself, and how you first got involved at Epiphany Space. 

Why, hello! I got started at Epiphany Space (ES) by joining what was, at the time a songwriting group. I met Cortney, one of the ES staff and a fellow songwriter, at a birthday party for mutual friends. She invited me to the group she was hosting that was exploring the craft of songwriting as an art form and performance through open mics. After that I slowly began doing more ES things, like an Artist's Way Group, being an artist in residence, and coworking. 

You’re a talented musician and songwriter. What are one or two of your favorite songs that you’ve written, and how did they come about? 

Thank you! That is a tough question, I think two of my favorite songs are rather different from each other.

The first is “Stein”. I have a guitar that inspires me to write about California Goldrush themes and songs from characters of that era. One night I had a really good french dip sandwich at a rustic place in NorCal, and the story of a miner drinking at a bar came to mind. The thought is this guy is deep in his cups, and looks up and sees someone a little beat up but with signs of capability despite the wear. Little does he know, he’s looking at a mirror and seeing himself. I also like that it’s a slide guitar song with creepy harmonies. 

The second song is still being worked on but is giving me a lot of joy. This one is called “Tequilla (I don’t need a)”. This one is inspired by two things, trying to figure out nightlife while being a nice boy from a conservative upbringing, and dancing too hard when there’s a dance floor. It’s meant to be a silly song, with a fire engine harmony coming to put out the flames on my butt from dancing rather fiercely. Also, this is a really different feel from “Stein” and that style of songwriting. This one is more pop and silly, with nasty synth lines and a low-fidelity drum beat (not lo-fi as in “Chilledcow”, it’s a different vibe).

Who are some of the musicians that inspire you? What are some of your musical influences? 

I take a lot of influence from alternative groups from the mid-aughts, as that’s when I started really listening to music. I think Radiohead, The Postal Service, Kevin Max, Five Iron Frenzy, and The Smashing Pumpkins are probably the bands that I get the most inspiration from. However, I learn a lot from all kinds of different bands, drawing from LCD Soundsystem, Beck, Neil Young, Wu-Tang Clan, Kesha, and E-40.

You also create a variety of groups and events, such as D&D, online poker, etc. How did you get started doing that, and what do you enjoy about it? 

So I’ve always enjoyed getting groups of people together for different things and hosting events where I can introduce friends to something I’m passionate about. This started off with throwing D&D birthday parties and running a one-off game, called a one-shot, for a friend’s bachelor party. Later on during the pandemic, I organized events for my family and friends to take part in so we wouldn’t be so stinkin’ bored. I wound up organizing an ongoing book study, a Jack Box game night, and a poker league during the social distancing months, with participants from all over North America. 

What have you got going on next? What projects have you got in the works? 

I’m releasing a country rock poker song called “All In” with Rick Bickerstaff, fellow ES songwriter, under our moniker The Prospectors, and have slowly been writing goofy rap songs over a series of beats I have made. Also, I’d like to get my 15-minute musical about a robot falling in love recorded and released/performed. 

And finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to get into music?

If you are looking to get into listening and appreciating music, learn to listen. Put distractions away, create a good vibe and put on some headphones or a stereo, and listen to songs you love. Listen to them on repeat and learn the words. See how the melodies and harmonies play off of each other and the beats. Get lost in it and enjoy.



If you are wanting to make music, just start. You don’t have to make something amazing. Make a melody. Make part of a song. Write a chorus or a cool lick, and then expand it. Get with folks who can help flesh it out into more, and just explore and have fun. I listened for years without having the guts to write, but I’m so glad I started. The journey is so fulfilling.