Tyrin is a forever evolving creative mind, who’s never afraid to reflect on what keeps him up at night. Check out the exclusive Interview below:
1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?
TYRIN: On my 8th birthday, my uncle bought me the first Guitar Hero, quickly changing everything. I became obsessed with performing on stage in front of wild crowds. I wish I was kidding or that there was a more unique moment, like being picked from the crowd to come on stage with Kendrick, but the thrill and energy even in the digital world were intoxicating. While Guitar Hero did not perfect my guitar skills, it did welcome me with open arms into the world of Punk Rock.
2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?
TYRIN: I wasn’t bred to embrace formal education on any account, but since I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with any musical instrument I can get my hands on. Discovering the ability to electronically produce my own music opened doors I didn’t even know existed during my brain’s most formative years (shout out Gary Langol).
Most of the “music teachers” I had were making their own music while they “taught me”. It was less about wanting to be them, and more about connecting with them on a level that inspired me to develop my passion in my own way. It felt more like a collaboration than it did a dynamic of expert and pupil. Which is funny because, at the end of the day that taught me the value of self-expression.
Attention spans are 5 seconds, so most people tend to emulate other people music rather than do the hard work to express themselves. Listen, I’ve come a long way, and have a long way to go. But I’ve spent my whole life evolving who I am to find something unique. I hope Blue Hour feels that way for all the listeners as much as it does for me.
3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, what’s the story behind choosing the name ‘TYRIN’?
TYRIN: I’m drawn to artists who take a moment and belt out a lyric that really hits you in the heart. My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Blink 182, Lil Wayne, Outcast, and The Killers, are a few of many artists that have stuck with me over the years. I want people to feel that same sensation when they listen to my music. They may be dancing at a club, or in a bar, or at home alone shouting the lyrics, but they’re also so keyed into the thoughts and stories that line evokes.
I wanted to keep my artist name true to myself… so I stuck with my own name. It only feels right and speaks to how interwoven my music is with my identity.
4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?
TYRIN: It’s rare to find the fusion of Pop, Indie Rap, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Punk Rock all in one song. In life, it’s rare for me to remember moments with just one emotion tied to them. The inclusion of different sounds helps me express and resonate with a wide range of emotions.
Most artists sound the same. I hope that my personal journey and unique blend of styles have created a special niche for my audience to transcend into a new space. A space where they can embrace a wide range of emotions with the assurance that they’re not alone.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as HIPHOP?
TYRIN: I grew up in the YouTube generation, so every artist and sound I could imagine was at my fingertips. I was especially drawn to Chance The Rapper. “Hey Ma” fed families. His sound was so fearless and unique. Like most curious kids, I emulated artists like Chance to test out my own sound, but I quickly realized that I didn’t want to sound like Chance. I wanted to sound like Tyrin. To this day, I still study how artists I admire crafted their careers. That curiosity has led me down numerous paths that helped to define my unique voice.
6. Music often transcends entertainment. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
TYRIN: Music is the most immediately powerful form of artistic expression. It can form lasting bonds or radically drive people apart within a few beats. I don’t intentionally tackle any specific themes in my craft, but with the world being filled with debate, controversy, and discord, if one of my pieces resonates with someone allowing them to better understand themselves and their peers, then I’ve done my job.
7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment you’re still seeking?
TYRIN: I always want the most from my craft. But something small like my little sister texting me saying my EP got her through her biology final is enough for me to keep going. I write in hopes it’ll help others in whatever way they need as well. It depends on what your definition of a reward is…
8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?
TYRIN: It’s a journey. Sometimes it’s a full psychological transformation and other times it’s as simple as a therapy session with my Notes App. It depends on the day , depends on the beat, depends on the topic. Line by line or verse by verse – no two days look the same.
9. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
TYRIN: No, I think it’s far from the most important thing. I love hearing how people interpret my songs. “Enough about me, tell me about you!” Ultimately, all I want is to have the listener put on a song and have it help them in some way or another.
10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And let’s talk about your latest release and future plans.
TYRIN: I feel like any artist could relate when I say that the “what if” is always lingering in the back of my head. But any great artist has to overcome those nagging thoughts and learn to ride the rollacoaster that is the creative process.
I’ve put out a couple of projects since i started to make music and before putting out “Blue Hour”. I went back and listened to every single one in the order I made them in. They’ve all been different versions of myself, quite literally, because they were all written far apart from each other. Blue Hour’s definitely the type of music ten-year-old me wished he could be making back then. It’s the music I’ve honestly always wanted to be making but I felt I had to be making other types of music because it was what was expected of me. I think about the past and it reminds me of the journey it took to get here. Blue Hour was sprinkled in everything. Sometimes I wonder what it would have looked like if I were where I am today, but I never let it get to me too much because I recognize how all those moments led to me building my unique voice. It was always there. Blue Hour is my favorite project I’ve ever made, and just as I felt with everyone in the past, I’m sure I will feel that of all of them in the future.
There’s a lot of music to be released but in the future… I plan on collaborating a lot more with artists from all around the world. I’m excited to continue inspiring kids through their Biology final and making ten-year-old me proud.
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