TYYE shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
TYYE, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
Over the past year I have been connecting and collaborating with other local musicians & artists, and they have taught me so much! KC has such a rich and exciting music community and I am proud to be part of it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Tyler (I write and release music as TYYE) and am based right here in KC. I released my debut album MAKING MOVES in January, and have been busy working on my next project, as well as doing local gigs and connecting with other local artists and musicians. If you like pop music with an R&B/soul feel, then please find and stream my music! And please reach out, I’d love to hear from you 🙂
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I started doing theatre and choir in high school and that experience really inspired me to pursue performing as a career, and also helped boost my self esteem and confidence, onstage and off. The first time I really felt powerful was during my junior year. I taught myself guitar and started writing songs. At the end of the school year, I performed an original song in front of the entire school. I had no fear (just a few nerves) and it showed me that I can command a stage on my own and perform in front of large audiences.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
During the pandemic, I lost all of my theatre work and seriously considered quitting theatre altogether, as there was so much uncertainty about the stability of the career I had chosen. Instead, I dived into creating music. This opened up a whole new world for me, and allowed me to express my frustration, fear and passion into songs. When theatres started opening back up and my acting work resumed, I kept making music and now I do both!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think so! When I started releasing music, I was hesitant to use my real name. I wanted to create an artistic persona that was separate from my real life and with theatre. The names changed a couple times, but I finally settled on TYYE because it respects my birth name, while also giving me creative freedom. While I am most confident onstage, I can be shy and reserved in public, especially when first meeting people. It’s interesting to live in between those two worlds. Since my birthday is in late August, I always say I’m a Leo onstage and a Virgo offstage!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe, as a now fully grown adult, that I was born to sing and make music. I have the best parents and growing up they encouraged me to pursue my passions instead of pushing me into things that did not bring me joy or would make me more money as a career. That has really defined how I live my life. Like other people, I still struggle with expectations from society and my finances especially, but whenever I stop listening to what others think of me, I come back to that thought that I was born to do this.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://solo.to/tyye
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyyedavid/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tyyemusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tyyemusic
- Other: Spotify:
Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tyye/1828438107
Image Credits
Kyle Braun
Dawson Graham
