We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tyler Gilbert a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tyler, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
The creative drive has fortunately always come easy to me. I suppose being a natural observer and people watcher played a big part of this. I’m constantly observing people and asking myself why they do the things they do, even if its down to the smallest of details, like the words they chose to use. You could say I am an over thinker. Over the years this has always offered up so much lyrical content and imagery within the tonality of my songs that I always had an abundance of ideas that I wanted to produce into music.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a singer, guitarist and singer/songwriter, which means I spend my days writing, recording and playing live shows on tour. My sound falls within the Rock, Hard Rock genres for the most part but also incorporates softer acoustic songs as well. I have been in the music industry for over 20+ years now. To date I have released 7 albums and 2 EPs. I have toured all across America and Canada playing shows and festivals.
To me the most exciting part of all of what I do is the song writing and recording phase. It is here where the most creativity is. Starting from a blank slate and working to create an audible song is a process that has always astounded me, and I am very grateful that I am able to do this.
I just released a new album this year titled “The Dreamer” it is available on all streaming services. This album features drummer Chris Dimas (Bleeker) and Mike Young (Mother Mother) as well as Mark Ennis, Aaron Edgar (Drumeo), and Rob Dakiniewich.
I am also nominated for 4 Josie Music Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry on Oct 22.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The lesson to never give up no matter how hard the road ahead seems, be it financially, confidence and fear, keep pushing forward to do what you do. Not everyone is going to like what you create and it certainly wont be easy, so you have to build yourself up in your own mind so that you don’t just fall apart at the first sign of trouble.
The other advice for anyone just getting into the business is, be as self sufficient as you can. Learn how to do the things you need like graphic design, booking, writing, producing, recording software. Do as much as you can on your own in the beginning because the budget wont be there to hire these out. Not only that but having control over your art and presentation to me is important for delivering your message.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I have to list a couple people here, first would be my influences. It all started with the musicians I looked up to in the first place who made me want to do what they do. They have given me the drive in courage to live a life of music and they continue to do so on a daily basis.
Secondly would be my parents for aiding me in this pursuit not only financially but supporting my albums and shows. Their vocal support always kept me standing when I may have felt incapable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tylergilbert.net
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/tylergilbertmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tgilbertmusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tgilbertmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/tylergilbertmusic
- SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/tylergilbertmusic
Image Credits
Kamiki Piks Photography Rick Duke
