New Mexico native Tyce Delk was born in Melrose, New Mexico. As a youth, he would make the trip to Roswell with his brother to show livestock at the Eastern New Mexico State Fair (ENMSF). Delk is a fourth-generation farmer and rancher who also comes from a family with a musical tradition. “That’s kind of how my brother and I learned a lot of our work ethic and tending animals like that,” he said.
“I’m just thankful that growing up the way I did taught me hard work and (how to) tend to things,” said Delk. That work ethic has followed him into his career, including the long hours spent on the road touring.
When he wasn’t raising livestock for the fair, he was carrying on a family legacy of music. The Delk Band was founded by Delk’s great-grandfather, Forrest Delk.
Now, all grown up, Delk returns to Roswell, but this time, he will have a guitar in his hand and a stage beneath his feet as he performs live at the ENMSF at 7 p.m. this Thursday. The boy who learned to work for nine months before seeing the results of his labor and getting his moment in the spotlight is now working year-round for those moments on stage.
For Delk, his return to ENMSF is not just another stop on his Up There Down Here tour. It’s about returning to his roots and the region that shaped who he is today.
“My dad, my uncles, my granddad, they’re all good humans above everything else. So just got to keep it straight as an arrow in that aspect and just keep making good music,” said Delk. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill.”
While Delk carries his family’s musical legacy with him, he is also creating a legacy of his own.
Delk started writing “Adaline” in the winter of 2023, finishing it in early 2024. He said that he gets a lot of his inspiration while sitting in the front seat of the bus. He currently has three new songs coming out this year to keep an eye out for.
Two of his new songs are duets, while the third is a single.
“Music can be a spot where everybody can agree on something,” said Delk. “I think there’s a beauty in that aspect of it.” Sometimes, music can be its own kind of medicine.
“I think it has the opportunity to kind of mend some bridges,” said Delk. Music can bring people together in ways that don’t always require words. Whenever there is an event in Roswell where music is included, it’s rare to see a sad or angry face. Most people are just having a good time, dancing and laughing. Even the introverts and socially anxious individuals can be seen subtly tapping their foot along to the beat if one looks closely enough.
