Having spent years developing his craft as a live performer and songwriter, touring with the likes of Ali Barter, Husky and Gretta Ray, Melbourne-based musician and producer, Gamilaroi man Tyler Millott found a whole new rhythm with the debut of his solo project, The Terrifying Lows, in 2018. His music, dark and addictive, The Terrifying Lows engaged with a brand of rock music that beckons the listener to lose themselves in waves of seductive guitars, hypnotic vocals and insatiable rhythms. And now, after a string of recent releases, The Terrifying Lows arrives at a touchstone point in his career: the release of his debut album.
The self-titled studio record captures The Terrifying Lows at a new creative peak. Across nine tracks, the listener gets a new insight into his intimate and nuanced scope of songwriting. Moreover, The Terrifying Lows is an album that is a striking, immersive listen. Check out the exclusive Interview below:
1. When I Feel Like Giving Upโ delves into the complexities of ageing and emotional struggle. Was there a specific moment or experience in your life that inspired the creation of this song?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: I would say the last few years have been the hardest for me so far. Just getting older, realising Iโm not immortal and being a little less resilient to lifeโs challenges. I spent my 20โs in a state of blissful ignorance. Like most of us I guess. Itโs not all negative though, I feel like Iโve learnt a lot from these emotions and have become a better man for it.
2. Your music blends alternative rock with 90s-inspired production, atmospheric piano, and lo-fi electronica. How did you land on this unique sound, and what role does your DIY ethos play in shaping it?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: I was born in the early 90s into a musical family so was absorbing the sounds of that era from the get go. I also couldnโt help but notice that with all the throw-back music being created, very few artists were touching on the sounds that I really love from that era; trip-hopโฆthe electronic songwritersโฆ artists like DJ Shadow, Massive Attack and UNKLE. I think being DIY really lends itself to those sounds as a lot of those artists were doing it themselves as well.โจ
3. As a proud Gamilaroi man, how do your cultural roots and identity influence your music and the themes you choose to explore?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: Storytelling is a big part of our culture and always has been. As a songwriter, I focus so heavily on the lyrical content and the narrative. Iโm definitely NOT a โstyle over substanceโ music maker. I will ultimately throw out entire finished songs if I think the story isnโt getting to where it needs to be.โจ
4. The name โThe Terrifying Lowsโ is evocative and memorable. Can you share the story behind how you chose it and how it reflects your artistic vision?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: I really wanted a name that reflects the music and more so what I sing about. I almost always write about heavy themes like depression and addiction so I wanted something to reflect the overall mood of the music that adhered to the classic โThe Something Somethingsโ band name style. A la The Flaming Lips.โจ
5. Your previous singles like โBlackoutโ and โLove is a Weaponโ have resonated deeply with fans. How does โWhen I Feel Like Giving Upโ build on or contrast with these earlier releases?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: I really wanted to change things up a little sonically. I gravitate naturally to minor keys so I felt like a tiny detour was in order. The piano hook came first and that really set the tone for the nostalgic, however still melancholic, vibe of the songโจ
6. Youโve shared the stage with iconic artists like Dan Sultan and Hayley Mary. How have these live experiences influenced your approach to songwriting and performing?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: Both I hold in high regard as incredible performers. Inspiring to watch. Iโd say that anytime I see an artist give a captivating performance like they can Iโm reminded by the magic of a phenomenal live show and how your stage presence is a big part of that. โจ
7. You describe โWhen I Feel Like Giving Upโ as a cathartic anthem for navigating dark moments. What do you hope listeners take away from this track, especially those who maybe struggling themselves?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: I really hope just to show people that theyโre not alone in those emotions if thatโs what theyโre feeling. I definitely donโt offer any answers to those emotions in the lyrics but I feel like just being aware that everyone is struggling in their own way, whether itโs entirely different or exactly the same can be consoling in itโs own way. You are not alone.โจ
8. Your debut LP earned significant acclaim, including a top 40 finish in the Vanda and Young Global Songwriting Competition. How did that recognition shape your confidence and ambitions for your sophomore album, โInto the Dark Divideโ?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: I think during my career as an artist, any and all recognition has been amazing motivation to keep going. Whether itโs as small as a kind word from a friend or as big as something like the Vanda and Young song comp. Every little bit helps and Iโm the kinda guy who is stoked on even the whisper of a compliment.โจ
9. Youโve built a reputation for hypnotic rhythms and intricate guitars. Can you walk us through your creative process, from the first spark of an idea to completing a track like this one?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: I feel like itโs changed over time. On my first LP, I wrote almost every track the same way which was starting with a drum groove, then a bass line, then the vocal melodies and lyrics, and after that everything else would fall into place. These days I try to diversify as much as possible as I think it helps expand my range as a writer. Like how I started with piano on this latest single.โจ
10.ย ย Reflecting on your career so far, whatโs been your proudest moment, and how does your latest release, โWhen I Feel Like Giving Up,โ align with the goals youโve set for yourself?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: Honestly, all accolades aside I think my proudest moment so far was releasing my debut album. Continuing to release music and working on another LP is just keeping the dream alive. Besides every artists dream of their own version of success, my goal is to create meaningful art that others can connect with and that I also love myself. So far, I feel like Iโm nailing it haha
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