Artist Biography:
Tyler was born and raised in the beautiful state of West Virginia. Growing up in a home filled with constant humming and singing from his mom, it was only a matter of time before Tyler found his own love for music. Although raised around music and the church as a child, it wasn’t until his late teenage years that both faith and songwriting became significant parts of Tyler’s life and began to intertwine. Discovering diverse and more creative forms of Christian music during his college years brought unexpected inspiration and clarity about the kind of songs he wanted to create himself.
After three and a half years writing and recording several songs that were never made public, he released his debut single “Toil,” followed by several other releases since then. Tyler is currently in the process of writing and recording his debut album, “Help Me Try,” releasing in 2025. Tyler has worked as a social worker in Appalachia for over six years and currently works as a therapist. Tyler has also spent the last four years working in college ministry through his local church. It’s these experiences that have shaped and played a major role in the themes addressed in his music.
Musical Style & Genre:
Tyler’s music has been classified under different styles and genres. Most often, his music has been categorized under the broad “Indie Christian” genre, with specifications including folk. In the Born and Bred Best of 2024 Reader’s Poll Awards, he was nominated for best artist in the “Americana” category in West Virginia’s music scene. Tyler is continuing to find his sound and is not aiming to follow any particular set of rules or criteria to fit into a certain genre.
Upcoming Projects:
Tyler is currently in the process of writing and recording his debut album, titled “Help Me Try,” set to release in 2025. This project will aim to explore unrealistic & flawed expectations of faith, reflect on God’s provision over time, and highlight the need for dependence on Christ for those trying to follow Him this side of heaven. “Help Me Try” will include collaborations with multiple artists and bands who have become both strong influences on Tyler’s music, as well as good friends. This project will consist of fourteen songs written over the course of three years. Pre-released singles that will play a part in the album include, “Pioneer Drive,” “Feelings & Faith,” “You Don’t Need Me,” and “Orange Streetlights.”
Musical influences include: John Lucas, Jess Ray, Chris Renzema, Taylor Armstrong, Lizzy McAlpine, Jonathan Ogden, Phoebe Bridgers, Liv Douglas, Hailaker, Ethan Nathaniel, Thomas Austin, Novo Amor, & many more.
Personal Interests and Hobbies:
Outside of music, Tyler has a deep love for drawing and creating other forms of art. If you find yourself thrifting, it’s not unlikely that you could see him hunched over in the book section searching for anything written by C.S. Lewis. Tyler is also a lifelong Manchester United fan and an avid football (soccer) lover. Other interests and hobbies include: watching Survivor, reading, collecting blu-ray Marvel movies, hiking, and trying new foods.
Mundane things, such as walking through a movie theater hallway, driving under orange streetlights, or an impromptu encounter with a friendly stranger are reminders to Tyler of God’s kindness and goodness, even in difficult seasons.