We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Marquette musician Tyler Dettloff to discuss his latest album, "Reconcile." Known for his evocative lyrics and unique blend of folk, blues, and rock, Tyler is also the Director of Native American Studies at Northern Michigan University. His dual roles as a musician and academic bring a thoughtful depth to his work, and his new album is no exception.
When asked about the process of creating Reconcile, Tyler shared, “It’s been about two and a half years in the making. Some of the songs are even older, around four or five years, so they’ve had time to mature. It feels exciting to finally share them with the world.”
Tyler’s previous EP, "No Hitter," had a raw, DIY feel. By contrast, Reconcile is more polished and expansive. “No Hitter is like a sister album,” he said. “It’s a bit more angsty, while Reconcile is refined both sonically and lyrically. I spent a lot of time workshopping these songs, rewriting and performing them.”
A hallmark of Reconcile is its collaborative spirit, with contributions from several talented musicians, including drummer Stephanie Whiton of Cloverland. “Steph brought an amazing energy to the studio,” Tyler remarked. Guitars, drums, and vocals were tracked live, which opened up new possibilities for the album’s instrumentation.
The album also features input from local producer Ryan Staples (who, along with producing, also played bass), slide guitarist Sven Gonstead, pianist Charlie Millard, and guitarist “Blind Bob” Quinn. Each brought their own flair, enriching the album’s sonic landscape. “Charlie’s work on tracks like ‘Little Birds’ completely transformed the song,” Tyler noted. “His piano parts elevated it from a simple lullaby to something much fuller.”
The title of the album, Reconcile, is deeply significant. Inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions in Canada and South Africa, the album grapples with themes of reflection, resolution, and healing. “Reconciliation implies putting things back together,” Tyler explained. “The song ‘Here Lies’ is the centerpiece of the album. It addresses the discovery of children’s remains at Indian boarding schools and the need to confront these truths before reconciliation can occur.”
Tyler’s approach to songwriting reflects these themes, blending multiple genres and perspectives into cohesive yet sometimes challenging narratives. “Truths come in different flavors,” he said. “That’s why I intentionally mix genres—to capture the complexity of these stories.”
Watch the music video for "Alibi" here:
The latter part of Reconcile features some of its most personal tracks. “‘Little Birds’ started as a lullaby for my daughter,” Tyler shared. “It’s a simple, heartfelt song that grew into something much bigger with Charlie’s piano accompaniment.” Other tracks, like ‘Cedar Band’ and ‘Got It All,’ continue this thread, offering a softer contrast to the album’s heavier moments.
The closing track ‘Fart’ might seem lighthearted at first glance but fits into the broader narrative arc. “It’s a reminder of the trickster character in Anishinaabe traditions,” Tyler explained. “The trickster navigates challenges with humor and resilience, themes that resonate throughout the album.”
Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's full discussion with Tyler Dettloff:
While Reconcile is already making waves, Tyler has no immediate plans for live performances with the full band. “I’d love to play these songs live with a full group,” he said. “We did some performances at Marquette’s Blues Fest, but for now, I’m focusing on sharing the album as it is.”
Tyler’s work on Reconcile exemplifies the power of storytelling through music. With its rich instrumentation, poignant themes, and collaborative artistry, the album invites listeners to reflect on the past while inspiring hope for the future.
Reconcile is available now on major streaming platforms. Find Tyler Dettloff's music and poetry online at his website and his bandcamp page.
Listen to Tyler's music:
