Breaking Sonic Boundaries & Building a Legacy: The Rise of Ricky Tyler
In a music dispensation where tune-smithery reigns supreme, finding artists with idiosyncratic talents that set them miles apart from their peers is astounding. Notorious for unearthing euphonious tracks, propelled by a genre-bending signature, multifaceted musician, Ricky Tyler is one such rare jewel.
Securing his spot as a mainstay in the music scene, the muso recently unveiled his sophomore album entitled ‘Happy 2 Be Alive.’ The LP navigates a spectrum of emotions, from gratitude and love to grief and frustration, painting a paradoxical soundscape of Ricky’s latest life chapter. It seamlessly blends elements of R&B with electro music, as well as afro-pop, trap, and Amapiano, crafting an intricate tapestry of sound that invites listeners into Ricky’s eclectic world.
At its core, the album is not just a collection of songs; it’s a musical time capsule and a resilient love letter to life itself, leaving a lasting impression on every listener.
In the spirit of Youth Day, and celebrating young people building a lasting legacy, we catch up with Ricky Tyler about his musical roots, the inspirations behind ‘Happy 2 Be Alive’, future aspirations, and more.
Tell us about how you first discovered your passion for music. What inspired your interest in it?
My inspiration for getting into music definitely comes from my mom. From an early age, she was a huge fan of live performances and often took me to concerts and theatre productions whenever we could afford it. Watching artists like Casey and Jojo, Janet Jackson, and Seal, and seeing shows like Beauty and the Beast, Footloose, and Rent sparked my passion for performing. Experiencing these amazing performances with my mom made me fall in love with music and inspired me to pursue it myself. It was during these moments that I realized this is what I want to do with my life—I want to be a performing artist.
You are a genre-bending artist who effortlessly creates various sounds. What would you say inspires the kind of music that you make?
My diversity in music comes from a blend of influences from my family and friends. My mom introduced me to artists like John Legend, R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, and Josh Groban, while my brother got me into hip-hop with artists like Notorious B.I.G., Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Tupac, and Eminem. Additionally, I had many different friends who exposed me to a variety of genres, from Drake and Lil Wayne to indie artists like Toro y Moi and Kaytranada. Growing up with such a rich mix of musical influences, I naturally developed a love for blending genres in my own music. I’ve always been passionate about exploring different sounds and styles, never limiting myself to just one genre.
Aside from music, what are your other interests? Who is Ricky Tyler outside of being a musician?
Outside of music, I’m someone who enjoys the simple things in life. I love spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and trying different foods. I’m a big foodie, and I also enjoy activities like playing chess, hitting the gym, and engaging in anything therapeutic for my mental well-being. I’m passionate about film and photography, and I work for a company creating content. I enjoy reading books, especially on philosophy, and I’m a huge fan of football and UFC. Overall, I’m just a normal person who appreciates life’s simplicity and constantly learns new things about myself and the world.
Your sophomore album is titled “Happy 2 Be Alive” alluding to an attitude of gratitude for life. Why this particular album title?
I named my album ‘Happy to Be Alive’ to reflect my journey of gratitude amidst immense loss and challenges. After releasing my debut album ‘Small World’ in 2021, my life took a drastic turn—I lost my mom, experienced the loss of friends, and faced the imminent threat of losing our home. Amidst this turmoil and my family’s separation, I took a break from music to address these hardships. Everything felt overwhelming, and I struggled to find fulfillment while also pursuing my music career.
Additionally, the loss of my father, whom I never had the chance to build a relationship with, deeply affected me. Discovering I had two new half-brothers after his passing added another layer of complexity to my journey. However, through this darkness, I learned to appreciate the gift of life and shifted my focus to gratitude for the small joys. This album represents my journey towards finding peace and happiness amidst adversity.
“No More Discos” featuring Tyson Sybateli has a more rap feel to it. What inspired you to craft a a rap-esque style for the song?
Before singing, I actually wanted to pursue rap. It was my first love in music. Hip-hop has always been my favorite way to express myself. ‘No More Discos’ featuring ‘Tyson Sybateli’showcase my roots in rap. These tracks pay homage to the genre that initially inspired me. I’ve always wanted to be a hip-hop superstar and these songs remind listeners that I’m also a rapper at heart.
Staying on the subject of features, how do you go about selecting artists to collaborate with for your music? What, in your opinion, is required to make a great collaboration?
When I pick features for my music, I look for artists who can bring something special to the song. We talk about how their style fits with mine and how they can add their own twist to the message. I pay attention to things like rhythm and how well their voice matches the vibe of the song. It’s all about finding someone who can make the music even better and bring a fresh perspective to the table.
Making music is an artistic process that surely takes a lot of time. Which part of the creative process did you enjoy most while working on the album?
My favorite part of creating this album? Definitely the recording process. Picture me in the studio, just vibing with the mic, pouring out melodies and lyrics – it’s like therapy for me. I get to dive deep into my thoughts and emotions, figuring out how to express myself in the most authentic way. Writing and recording allow me to connect with the music and with myself on a whole other level. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore my creative side and see what comes out.
What message do you aim to convey through “Happy 2 Be Alive?”
It’s a musical journey inspired by the genres that have shaped my life. From 90s R&B, 80s disco, hip-hop, and modern R&B. It’s a diverse mix of sounds that reflect my influences and passions. As for the message, it’s about gratitude. I’m sharing the idea of finding happiness in the little things and embracing life’s journey, flaws, and all. It’s a reminder that none of us are perfect, but being grateful for each day is what really matters.
Youth Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the courage shown by the youth of 1976 in the fight for democracy. As a young person, why is this day significant to you? Youth Day is significant to me because it reminds us that as young people, we have a voice. It’s a day that shows we can be catalysts for change, no matter our age. For me, it’s about carrying on that legacy and passing it down to the next generation. So, in essence, it’s a simple reminder that our voices matter and can make a difference.
What is your advice for young people who aspire to pursue a career in the arts, like yourself?
My advice to young people pursuing the arts is all about consistency. Learn not just about the arts but also the business side. Talent is crucial, but so is understanding the business behind it. Learn from those who inspire you and even from those who inspire them. Don’t fixate on results; instead, fall in love with the process. Results are beyond our control. Stay consistent, and keep going, because if you stop, you’ll never know how close you were to reaching your goal. Keep learning, keep creating, and keep practicing your craft. It’s all about the journey, so enjoy it and embrace the process.
