Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyrone Tyler.
Tyrone, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started singing at a very young age. Singing all the Disney songs as a kid in my room, I’d listen to musicals all day. My favorite was “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.” I never really sang in front of others until my elementary school had auditions for a choir they were starting.
So I auditioned and sang “Mary Had A little Lamb” and I remember I was so scared, I felt the nerves grab my throat. I managed to get the words out and they impressed my teachers enough to let me join. I sang “A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladdin at my graduation, that was actually my first big solo in front of a crowd. After that, I would spend hours in my room just writing songs. Once I graduated high school I started college, majoring in business with a music minor. I stopped college after two years because my heart just really wasn’t in it. I wanted to focus on being an artist. So I continued to work during the day and record at night. It eventually led me to performing across the city that ranged from cafe’s to clubs, to the Detroit Music Hall. In addition, myself and other local artists did a tour across Michigan performing at local schools to inspire kids to keep their grades up.
In 2012 a mentor of mine had moved to California and asked if I wanted to join him, he thought it would be good for me. I didn’t really see myself growing anymore in Michigan, so I took him up on the offer and made the move. Those first couple of years were some of the most financially challenging times of my life. However, I loved it because it felt like I was finally doing something for me. I worked a lot of odd jobs to make ends meet. I kept going to every open mic that I could to network and meet people. I met up with one of my producers, his name is Life, and we recorded my song “Find You Gone” that was released worldwide digitally. I also got to shoot a music video for it that was directed by my friend Sam Klein. From there, I’ve gone on to be a resident performer at local clubs around the valley. I joined Chris Wade Music Production as a member of Raise.
With them, I’ve done Disney’s Festival of Holidays 2017, Coachella 2019 singing background for OVO Sounds Recording Artist DVSN, DayBreaker with Julianne Hough, A New Balance Commercial and tons of other gigs. I co-headlined a live Christmas show that I also co-produced called, Tyrone Tyler & Alisha Mona’ Presents: A Not-So Silent Night, that was sold out in Glendale, CA. I’ve walked the runway for the 2019 Hollywood African Prestigious Awards. I have an Improv comedy role in a web series called “Guide 2 Hollywood” that’s currently available on YouTube. I’ve had the honor of being able to work on the TV production side with CBS Television Studios and Warner Media. I also released another single in 2019 called “Like I Never Knew Ya” that I wrote with this incredible producer named Sacco that my friend Marc introduced me to. I absolutely love the record and being back in the studio in general. I can’t wait for the world to finally get to experience my art.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not been smooth at all, I’ve had more failures than successes. One of the things that I’ve really struggled with is my sexuality. I’m gay and I realized that at a very young age. Growing up, it was very difficult for me to accept because Detroit wasn’t really a place I felt like I could be myself. I felt alone a lot because no one knew what I was going through. So I’d conceal my personality, and make sure I was never too feminine. Think of it as an Armor. For so many years of my life, I would be conscious of the way that I walked, talked, the music I listened to, the clothes I wore, all of it. I tried to mimic the guys around me to fit in because I really just wanted to be considered “normal” and so I hid everything that was special about myself.
That also came across in my music and shows. I would be on stage constantly thinking about making sure I didn’t come across too flamboyant. I didn’t come out until I moved to Los Angeles, and I had to rediscover myself. I spent so much time trying to be someone else that I didn’t even know who I was. I came out to my mom, dad, and sister and although it did catch them off guard, they made it clear that they loved me. I eventually made the rest of my family and friends aware. I realized how lucky I am to have the people in my life that I do. For that reason, I decided that I would never again hide who I am for anybody. People say it all the time but it really does get better after coming out if you just give it time.
Finances were another struggle of mines. When I first moved here, I slept on floors and had gone weeks where I would just eat one meal a day. I had lived in a hostel with 12 other guys and I took the bus everywhere. I was on food stamps and as an independent artist, I was responsible for paying for everything that I did with my music. That slowed the process down and took a toll on my mental health on top of everything else I was dealing with. It’s only been in recent years that things have turned around. It’s patience and persistence that’s how I’ve been able to get this far and for what I want to do, I still have a long way to go.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I am a singer, songwriter, actor, and model. I specialize in bringing my own unique perspective and creativity to whatever I do. Trying to find the humor in everything, even if I’m telling a sad story, I want to always leave room for hope. If you listen to my song “Like I Never Knew Ya” it’s actually kind of sad, but it’s told in a fun way. Me and my friends used to say, “we have to laugh, to keep from crying” and I feel like I’ve applied that to my life and brand.
The name of my website is TyroneTyler.com. It has all of my work on there and fans can check for updates, music, shows, and anything else I have going on. I’m currently recording new music for an upcoming project and the announcement will be on the site soon.
I’m very proud to be the artist that I wish I would’ve seen growing up. I think I’m different simply because I’m me. What you get from Tyrone Tyler, you won’t get from anyone else.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is being able to make a living doing what you love. Going to work happy everyday and not being complacent but instead feeling fulfilled. Completing your goals you set for yourself and having the freedom to do as you please. Also, being able to give back and help the people and the community that has helped you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TyroneTyler.com
- Email: Contact@TyroneTyler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyronetyler/
Image Credit:
Haley Killam, Andres’ Vargas, Alton Mills.
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