How TRex Inspired ‘All the Way’ — Tom of Blakgraz Demos Riffs, Techniques & Storytelling

Tom from Blakgraz dives into the soon-to-be-released track “All the Way,” a blues-rock piece shaped by classic inspirations, fresh riffs, and the challenge of mastering complex parts onstage.

In this video, Tom shares how TRex—especially their song “Bang a Gong”—sparked the initial direction for “All the Way.” He walks through how the chords and main lick took shape as a nod to the unique sound TRex brought to rock, and how using an open chord in a key section helps expand the song’s size and feel, making it more than percussive strumming.

Tom also opens up about the parts of the song that still require intense focus. Some sections tense up his fingers and arms if he overthinks it, which is exactly why Blakgraz plays new songs live long before recording the final guitar tracks. Turning technique into muscle memory frees the emotion of the song—and boosts the confidence to tackle complicated guitar parts.

He also touches on his love for “big sound” ideas—the same spirit behind Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound—using the natural power of an instrument to make music feel larger than life. That influence runs through many Blakgraz songs, including “All the Way.”

Tom shares a favorite memory from Texas, when Hannah—road manager, cat, and official “Blakgraz Life Manager”—would sit between his feet while he practiced guitar.

🎤 Weekend Shout Outs & Thanks
Huge thanks for an awesome weekend to:
🍻 Bugsy’s Saloon in Enterprise
🍔 Uptown Bar & Grill in Eufaula
🎵 Jerry’s Juke Joint in Montgomery, Alabama

The guitar featured in this video is Stella. She was designed by Custom Build Guitars (https://www.thintheherdguitars.com/) based out of Austin, Texas. You can buy direct from their website or see/play them in person at JD's Southside Music in San Antonio, Texas.

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Genre-Crossing Music. Unforgettable Live Shows. A Sound You Can’t Shake. 🎶
Blakgraz is an unstoppable force on the American music scene — a band that blends raw talent, fearless genre-bending, and over 110 original songs into one powerful musical experience. From heart-pounding rock anthems to boot-stomping country ballads and soulful funk grooves, Blakgraz spans 11 genres including rock, blues, country, bluegrass, folk, jazz, Latin, rap, pop, electronic, and more — creating a truly unique sound that hits every listener in a different way.

Since kicking off their national tour in 2024, Blakgraz has been lighting up stages across the U.S., earning rave reviews from venues and audiences alike. Bookers and club owners consistently say the same thing: “We can’t wait to have them back!” — thanks to the band's high-energy shows, passionate performances, and deep connection with the crowd.
With a sonic palette that echoes the best of Eagles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Journey, Hank Williams Sr., ZZ Top, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Wonder — and then flips it on its head — Blakgraz delivers something classic and totally new at the same time.

🎵 Blakgraz Discography Highlights:
* Lust (2010)
* Messages in Numbers (2012)
* Fire (2019)
* Chaotic (2021)
* Trust (2022)
* Soveran (2023)
* Rufus: ongoing single releases throughout 2024 and 2025

At the core of the band is Tom, a seasoned songwriter and performer with decades of experience, including co-writing the viral hit “Now Is So Beautiful” (which topped MP3.com, outranking Alanis Morissette and Blink-182), and working with Shoot the Moon, a regional favorite that charted Top 10 on ReverbNation. Tom has performed on stages across the country and collaborated with artists like Angelo Maruzzelli of Cold and University Drive.

In 2024, “What If I Told You” by Blakgraz soared past 2+ million streams in just a few months — a milestone that signals the band’s rising momentum in both the live scene and digital space.

🔥 Whether you're dancing at a packed venue, driving under open skies, or discovering new music that actually says something, Blakgraz delivers an unforgettable ride.

On tour now. Catch the show. Feel the energy. Be part of the story.

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