Deuce Tyrell of Durham on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Deuce Tyrell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Deuce, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are usually about grounding myself before the chaos starts. I always begin with prayer — just giving thanks, asking for guidance, and setting my intentions. That’s my reset button every morning. After that, I’ll usually sit in silence for a bit, maybe meditate or journal a couple of quick notes about what I need to focus on creatively or personally.

Once I feel centered, I’ll move into some movement — stretching, light exercise, or even just walking my dog if that’s the vibe. Then it’s straight to fueling up: water, coffee, and something light to eat. By the time that first hour and a half is up, I’ve touched my spirit, my mind, and my body — so when I dive into music, writing, or business, I’m not scattered. I’m already aligned.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Deuce Tyrell, and I’m a music producer, engineer, and creative director based in North Carolina. I lead as Music Director and Lead Engineer for 4 Phones Ent. at The Phone Booth studio, and I’m also building out my own creative imprint, BNM Media and Dirty Harris Comics. What makes my brand unique is how it bridges worlds — I treat music, comics, and film as one ecosystem, using storytelling to create art that lives on multiple platforms.

Right now, I’m producing records with Team Blume, developing live events like RDU Live: Curators Edition, and finishing the first season of my horror-noir comic Mandy, which will launch on Webtoon this fall. My work is about giving voice to stories and communities that don’t always get the spotlight — whether that’s through a beat, a performance, or a comic panel.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that shaped me most is the one with my parents. My mother gave me confidence — she made sure I knew my worth and carried myself with belief, even when the world tried to tell me otherwise. My father gave me responsibility and accountability — he taught me that your word and your work ethic define you. Together, those lessons created the balance I lean on today: the drive to go after big goals, and the discipline to actually see them through.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time I did give up — between 2013 and 2016. I had just come back from Atlanta after a release that didn’t land the way I hoped. The disappointment hit hard, and I walked away from music for a few years. But the truth is, those years were miserable because I wasn’t living in my purpose.

When I came back, it wasn’t just a return — it was a reinvention. I became a better artist, more honest, more authentic. That climb back has been exhausting but also beautiful. Music is my baby, and entertainment is in my DNA, so I know now I’ll never truly quit. The difference is I’m on a new path, one I’ve carved out for the next 20 years of my life, and I want them to look amazing.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think a lot of smart people today get it wrong by believing that calling out every flaw or mistake is more important than unifying. Social media has made it so that every misstep is amplified, and people spend more time tearing each other down than building something together. If the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement had lived in this era, a lot of them would’ve been “canceled” before they ever had the chance to lead. Malcolm X had a past, Martin Luther King wasn’t perfect, the Panthers had their faults — but their impact outweighed their imperfections.

Most people aren’t totally evil, but we’ve created a culture where mistakes are treated as the whole story. I believe progress comes from grace, accountability, and unity. If we keep fighting each other, the real power stays untouched. If we learn to stand together, we can actually move forward.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had 10 years left, I’d start living with even more urgency and intention. I’d double down on creating — music, comics, films — and make sure every story and every project I’ve carried inside me sees the light of day. I’d spend more time with the people I love, travel to the places I’ve only dreamed about, and stop putting energy into anything that doesn’t align with my purpose.

Most of all, I’d focus on legacy — leaving behind art, memories, and impact that my family and community can hold onto long after I’m gone.

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