Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Manuel Betanzos and Joe Tutewohl.
Jose and Joe, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Jose: When I formed the band, it was going to be a family project. Because of different reasons, not everyone could continue. But, you know, we found Thomas (trumpet) and then started looking for a singer. We found Joe through a social media website for musicians. I thought it was funny because his name meant ‘son of a shepherd’ and I thought he was going to be in a Christian worship band or something.
But he kindly replied to my message and we decided to jam, and of course, he fit right in. He sings beautifully and he’s a wonderful player. Songwriter, vocals, guitar… I mean, what more could you ask for? We found Spencer (sax). Then Mynor (drummer) left, as did Ryan (bass), so we were back to square one. Trevor (drums) joined and Paul Narlock (of Twin Citizen) rehearsed with us briefly. Then we found Eric (bass). The rest is history. That’s been the lineup since things solidified.
Joe: It’s a well-oiled machine now. Everyone puts in the effort and really cares about the project. We’re finally part of the scene and making relationships with other bands. It’s awesome that everyone goes out to lots of shows and supports the live music scene.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Jose: The biggest struggle along the way was member turnover. It felt impossible to finalize the lineup and start playing. The band was in flux and still forming for over a year and we couldn’t even play a show which was very frustrating. Once we found the right people for the job, it has been totally different. Night and day. Everyone is contributing to making the band a success, which is great. It’s a real team effort.
Joe: It felt like things were falling apart because of the constant lineup changes. I mean, that’s why we say we were established in ‘21, but technically the band started in late ‘19. A way different lineup with way different goals.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Joe: I’m proud that we put out our first single. I like that we’re putting on good shows, having fun, and not taking ourselves too seriously. I think part of what makes us unique is the songwriting process. It’s not like there’s one member who just presents a finished song for everyone to learn. We develop a song from an idea one member presents. Everyone is open to changes and we build it together, which can make the process special, but quite long.
Everyone has different musical backgrounds and the crossing of those styles is what makes the songs so unique.
Jose: I’m happy we released our debut single and look forward to getting an album out sometime. It’s cool that everyone from such different musical backgrounds can come together for this fusion of different styles to create something unique.
Any big plans?
Jose: We are going to keep playing shows and releasing music as we go. Just building relationships, playing higher profile gigs, and maybe someday making a living off of this. I feel we have something special. Eventually, you know, I think we are going to be able to play bigger events for even more people.
Joe: Like Jose said, hopefully, make a living of it. Even if it’s a side hustle. That’s part of the process. Gotta start somewhere.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostislandsociety/?utm_medium=copy_link&hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LostIslandSociety/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostislandsociety
- Other: https://linktr.ee/lostislandsociety
Image Credits
@pix.haylo, Trevor Klopp, Theodore Anderson, and Anita Bazan
