Photography // Tyrer – press
Peachy Magazine had the chance to talk with the London-based artist, Tyrer, about her newly released EP ‘This Is’ and the importance of using one’s platform as an artist to address important issues within as well as outside the creative industries.
How would you characterize the musical direction of your newly released EP ‘This Is’?
I would say there is a raw quality to the EP. I wanted it to be completely true to myself and my journey up until this point. I also feel like there is a bit of experimenting with the sound in a few of the songs. I feel that each song has a different vibe, but it’s all a story and all about connecting together sonically. There is a melancholic feel throughout with the theme of the EP but also a brightness and comfort in the feel of the songs too.
Photography // tyrer – Press
Listen to Tyrer’s new single ‘Helpless’ while reading the interview:
What’s the most important or learning aspect of creating this EP that you take with you for your future projects?
I think the most important thing for me was just being patient with the process. I learned a lot about writing and be able to express myself through that. I wanted to outline the importance of being honest in your art and expressing that in the best way. Also, I’ve learnt a lot about collaborating and working as a team to build a project, this for sure I will carry with me through my career. I’ve gained a lot of confidence throughout the last couple of years, which has moulded me into who I am today.
PHOTOGRAPHY // TYRER – PRESS
Can you tell us about the visuals for Helpless?
Helpless explores being in a situation where you’re watching someone very close to you repeatedly make self-destructive choices. After being there to support them over a period of time, you get to a point where they are directly hurting you and are so in denial that they’re not able to acknowledge or recognise it. I think that the choice of theme for the video was incredibly personal because it’s a life path that I could have been on, had I stayed in a wrong relationship. The use of familial imagery and children was important to me because it signifies unity and family, against that environment. I think that it really resonates with younger people who may be going through a similar thing. The role I played felt very existential and emotive because it is essentially a ‘what-could-have-been’ life, had I made different choices.
Watch the video for ‘Helpless’ below
“I hope that listeners, most importantly take from this project is that they are not alone in whatever they are going through. I really found music at a tough time for me, and it opened my eyes and made me feel purpose again”
You’ve previously addressed the issue of sexual harassment that some young women in the creative industries have to deal with in your track “Showgirl”; could you put a few words on the importance of using one’s platform as an artist to shine a light upon issues like that from your perspective?
I think it’s so important to use your platform and portray important messages through your art. It’s subjects that aren’t really talked about, and people may find it uncomfortable to watch – but that (in my opinion) is what art is about! It’s about making people feel something and seeing a certain perspective that they might not have thought about before. Recently I’m seeing a lot more openness in this subject which is so amazing and positive to see!
In relation to the above, you touch upon topics like mental health, vulnerability, but also empowerment in your work; what do you hope for the audience to take away from listening to your music?
I hope that listeners, most importantly take from this project is that they are not alone in whatever they are going through. I really found music at a tough time for me, and it opened my eyes and made me feel purpose again. I would love for my audience to find something positive and find purpose in what they listen to or even outside of the music just find perspective in something that they are passionate about like I did. I urge listeners to talk about what they have experienced and share if they are feeling something because a problem shared is a problem halved, I truly do believe that. Even if you feel alone, just know that I am here, just a message or a call away. I also want my work to bring people together and create a supportive, empowering community! I think it’s so important to supporter peers and encourage individuality and expression! There are songs of all different moods, Helpless is a song that I would want my audience to share with friends and have a dance to! It’s important to embrace happiness as well as touch upon subjects that may leave a melancholy feel.
PHOTOGRAPHY // TYRER – PRESS
What’re your plans for this year?
Hopefully, a lot of performances! A few more releases, and I’m currently working on another project, which is exciting. Lots of things to be excited for!!