// INTERVIEW
A true musician, who not only sings but pens his own lyrics, that's Tyler Hilton, one of the newest talents, sure to topple record sales. He has a classic, acoustic sound that fits like a glove on the contemporary music scene. His soft, deep voice and obvious talent is undoubtedly going to be a reoccurring name within the music circle.
Who does he sound like? You might ask well he sounds like, ?Him? that?s 100%, original. So while we wait for the release of The Tracks Of, his new album on Maverick, (due out in summer), he took a breather between sets while on tour to let us in on his take on the varying facets of music, the one musician he?d love to work with and much, read on?..
Stylinzine.com: Hi Tyler, it?s great to have you with us. Well first of all tell us a little bit about you.
Tyler Hilton: I?m a performing songwriter from the Southern California area. I finished my first album with a major label last year and its set to be released by Maverick on June 15.
SZ: How would you describe your music?
Tyler: Oh, it's pop. I'll try to get around that word as much as I can but... It's very acoustic and the writing comes from a real "back then" place. I love that folk or blues or country of the 30's and 40's and such.
SZ: How do you think your creative style stands out or defers from the rest?
Tyler: I don't know, creative style can differ with every person you meet, every book you read, and every family member you have. No one's got the same combination of those things as I do. That's the difference...
SZ: Tell us a little bit about your upcoming album?
Tyler: I'm hoping it'll really help set a mood for this summer for everyone. I love the mellow stuff and it's mostly all I've been buying, but in looking for that more up at album stores, I couldn't really find one I was really into. I tried to pick the songs that bring me up for most of this one.
SZ: How would you compare it to your previously released independent ?self titled? album?
Tyler: I was really on an Americana kick around that time. Same guy, different moods.
SZ: You taught yourself to play instruments right? Tell us a little bit more about that.
Tyler: My family all plays everything. I learned guitar from my dad's side and piano from my mom's. You know, when we're all together I'd be tinkering on something and they'd show me a little more which I'd take home and build on. It was just all fun until I started writing and then it became a whole different game!
SZ: How much do you incorporate instruments into your music?
Tyler: I really start with the melody or music first. Since different instruments talk differently, they play a big part in writing for me.
SZ: As a songwriter what are your points of inspiration?
Tyler: Anticipation...of anything. I write on edge the best.
SZ: Tell us about some of the artists you admire and look up to most.
Tyler: It's the artists who lived what they were singing and sang what they were living. Mississippi John Hurt, Robert Johnson, even Jerry Lee Lewis, you know? I really got into Muddy Waters for a while but when I was real young I just couldn't get enough of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Those two...whew.
SZ: Tell us about your most exciting performance to date.
Tyler: When I was 16 or so Mark and Brian, the radio hosts from LA, asked me to play their Christmas show. I was such a huge fan of theirs...it was unreal to be on a show I had listened to for so long!
SZ: What would be your one wish in reference to your career?
Tyler: That inspiration never leaves me.
SZ: What are your thoughts on true talent and Hype?
Tyler: There's a saying I can't recall but it deals something with how liars talk louder and longer then those who are telling the truth. You really have to hype something with no talent, or else how is everyone going to make all their money off it? Fans won't find something terrible and start spreading the word. Talent is undeniable even if not appreciated, you know?
SZ: If there was one thing you could change/improve about the music industry, what would it be?
Tyler: I think the guys with the money should be more picky, and spend their money and time on finding a good artist instead of promoting the next thing that walks by. But I've only been on the business end of things for a short while. Something's gotta change though...
SZ: If you were to collaborate with another artist who would it be?
Tyler: Jack White...in a second.
SZ: What do you thing is the most important aspect of music, particularly yours?
Tyler: Entertainment. It's not a life style, it's not a collectible, and it's never a have to thing. It's to make you feel better...it's to entertain you.
SZ: Well thanks for hanging out with Stylinzine.com. Before we wrap up what would you like to share with your fans?
Tyler: My songs. I've got clips on my website www.TylerHilton.com. Hope everyone has fun with it and I'll see you soon, I'm sure...!
