Sunday, August 10, 2003 - Page updated at 12:00 A.M.

Music
12-year-old singer fronts family's heavy metal band

By Tina Potterf
Seattle Times staff reporter

	CHRISTINE MCFADDEN Tipton Donaldson, center, is lead singer for Eternal Combustion. He's joined by (from left) his sister Sara (lighting); his mom, Carrie (bass); his dad, Ron (drums) and his uncle, Randy (guitar).

Think of Eternal Combustion as the Partridge Family meets the Osbournes.

Eternal Combustion, an Everett-based heavy metal band, is a true family affair, with mom on bass, dad on drums and their 12-year-old son singing lead.

Yes, you read that right: He's 12. And he's got the pipes (a nearly five-octave range!) to belt out blazing metal, rivaling singers more than twice his age.

This metal-music prodigy is Tipton Donaldson, who is backed in Eternal Combustion by his parents, Carrie and Ron, and his uncle, lead guitarist Randy Donaldson. The Donaldsons' other children are even in on the act: 10-year-old daughter Sara is in charge of lighting; and their eldest daughter, Christine, and son Sean help out with merchandise and as roadies.

Show times Eternal Combustion is scheduled to play Aug. 29 at Studio 7, 110 S. Horton, Seattle, and Aug. 30 at TacomaScene.com's Third Annual Labor Day Inferno, at Bull's Eye Sports Lounge, 14904 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma. For more information about the band, visit http://www.eternalcombustion.com

Eternal Combustion was conceived before Tipton was born, about 15 years ago in Cheyenne, Wyo. Since the Donaldsons moved to Washington 13 years ago, the band has had a few different lead singers. When their last singer quit about 1½ years ago, Tipton stepped up to the mike as their permanent frontman (previously he had performed a song or two at family parties).

For Tipton, who was raised on metal — his parents named him after Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton — singing just comes naturally.

And with heavy metal experiencing something of a renaissance, Eternal Combustion is ready to make some noise.

"Metal music is making a comeback and we are going to be riding the wave all the way," said Carrie, who, along with Tipton, recently talked about their metal gods and their goals for the group.

Q: What is it like to be the matriarch of a metal Partridge Family?

It's fun. It's something we do together. We not only work hard together, but we play hard together.

Q: Tipton, what is it like to be part of a band and be so young?

It's really cool because each show we do, when I hit that first note, everyone applauds and makes me feel good. It makes you feel proud to be a heavy-metal singer.

Q: How long has Tipton been singing?

He started singing at age 4, at the talent show at his day care.

Q: Is it a problem to get shows in clubs because of Tipton's age?

It depends on the club. I think it has something to do with the proximity of the bar to the stage.

Q: Tipton, what's it like for you to step on stage and perform?

Before shows, I'm nervous, but after I get that first applause, I just get into it. My stage presence becomes incredible, and I just go for it.

Q: What grade are you in?

I'm going to be in seventh grade at Olympic View Middle School in Mukilteo.

Q: What do your friends think about you being a singer in a band?

I am pretty much the most famous person at school. They all love it. They are surprised to hear me sing and see me on our Web site.

Q: Was singing in a metal band a natural choice for Tipton?

Of course, he grew up listening to heavy metal. His dad and I had a passion for it. Judas Priest is our favorite band. He's just grown up around it.

Q: Tipton, who are some of your favorite bands?

Judas Priest, AC/DC, KISS, Pantera and Megadeth.

(Carrie): It's not often that you find parents and kids that like the same music.

Q: How would you describe the band's sound in one sentence?

(Carrie): Heavy-metal music with pounding beats and screaming guitars.

(Tipton): Head-banging heavy metal.

Q: Where are some places Eternal Combustion has played?

We played at Jimmy Z's in Everett and Neeners Pub in Tacoma. We were very well-received by the crowd. People in Tacoma really like rock music. Our last gig was at Studio 7. Each time we do these shows in front of the public, Tipton gets better and better with his stage presence.

Q: Was the metal scene in Cheyenne different from the scene here?

We left (Cheyenne) in the late '80s, when our type of metal was still very big. There was a cowboy club in town and a metal club. Here there are a lot more bands because it's a much bigger city. It's more difficult here to stand out in the crowd. You have to have something unique, and I think we do.

Q: Was there a particular experience that really confirmed for you that music was a calling?

(Tipton): When I saw Judas Priest for the first time, it inspired me.

(Carrie): Judas Priest is really impressive live. Seeing them live ... in August of 2002 at the Roseland Theater and we actually got to meet them. This is the first time we've ever met a band. Not only inspiring for Tipton, but for us, too.

Q: Any plans to record your music and get an album out?

This fall we are going to be working on a new EP and recording a song for the Seattle Metal Online Compilation 3. I think we are going to do one called "Oblivious."

Q: Who are some of your favorite local metal bands?

Mindshaker, Underride, Braindead, Fury 161 and Nevermore. Those are our favorites.

Q: Tipton, when not making music, what else do you do for fun?

I like to play hockey and go swimming and play video games.

(Carrie): He's a comedian to boot.

Q: Carrie, what do you hope audiences take away from your shows?

We hope they enjoy our music and the lights and that they want to come back. We hope to inspire other people like we've been inspired by other artists.

Q: What are your long-term goals for Eternal Combustion?

A record contract would be nice. A national tour. And a TV show. We could be the modern-day heavy metal Partridge Family.

Tina Potterf: 206-464-8214 or tpotterf@seattletimes.com