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 Up’ 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 I’m not immortal and being a little less resilient to life’s challenges. I spent my 20’s in a state of blissful ignorance. Like most of us I guess. It’s not all negative though, I feel like I’ve 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 couldn’t 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-hop…the electronic songwriters… 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.
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. I’m definitely NOT a “style over substance” music maker. I will ultimately throw out entire finished songs if I think the story isn’t getting to where it needs to be.
4. The name ‘The Terrifying Lows’ 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 “The Something Somethings” band name style. A la The Flaming Lips.
5. Your previous singles like ‘Blackout’ and ‘Love is a Weapon’ have resonated deeply with fans. How does ‘When I Feel Like Giving Up’ 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 song
6. You’ve 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. I’d say that anytime I see an artist give a captivating performance like they can I’m reminded by the magic of a phenomenal live show and how your stage presence is a big part of that.
7. You describe ‘When I Feel Like Giving Up’ 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 they’re not alone in those emotions if that’s what they’re feeling. I definitely don’t 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 it’s entirely different or exactly the same can be consoling in it’s own way. You are not alone.
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, ‘Into the Dark Divide’?
THE TERRIFYING LOWS: I think during my career as an artist, any and all recognition has been amazing motivation to keep going. Whether it’s 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 I’m the kinda guy who is stoked on even the whisper of a compliment.
9. You’ve 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 it’s 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.
10. Reflecting on your career so far, what’s been your proudest moment, and how does your latest release, ‘When I Feel Like Giving Up,’ align with the goals you’ve 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 I’m nailing it haha
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