Tyler Cain – This Is All There Is: Vol 1

By starrymag | January 31, 2019

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as country/Americana influenced singer-songwriter music.  I came up as a guitar player in Nashville, so that’s a big influence on my music too.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I love so many artists for so many reasons.  I’m a lifelong student and fan of amazing songwriters like Willie Nelson to Kris Kristofferson who can tell a deep story using simple, conversational lyrics that just hit you in the chest.  As a young guitarist, I was also inspired by incredible jazz guitarists like George Benson and Grant Green.  I love their ability to speak with their instrument like it’s telling a story.  I always try to replicate that with my playing.  I have also been really influenced by amazing producer/artists who can bridge the gap between releasing their own music as well as producing and developing other artists.  These influences include Butch Walker, Ryan Tedder and Pharrell [Williams].

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Back to Me.”

A) I co-wrote the song “Back to Me” with a great artist named Jeremy Messersmith.  We had literally just met each other thirty minutes earlier and that song was the first thing we ever sat down to write together.  It came out surprisingly quick and effortlessly at my old recording studio on Music Row.  For me, that song speaks to the lonesome feeling of letting someone you care about go out into the world.  You want what’s best for them, so you encourage them to see the world despite the lonesome feeling of saying goodbye.  It was important to me that the sentiment of the song was universal, in that you could be singing it to your child, a friend, or a lover.  I love when songs can be interpreted in different ways to fit the life story of the listener as well as the writer.

 

Q) You also have the track “Suitcase Heart” out. What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) The response to “Suitcase Heart” has been very humbling.  I co-wrote that song with my friends Tiffany Goss and Ashley Campbell.  There is something magical about the way certain chord progressions sit with a simple and honest lyrical idea.  I think people resonate with that song because we have all felt that feeling at one time or another like we may never want to settle down.  We all want love, but there’s a bit of a rambling spirit in a lot of us that is drawn to the life on the go, especially in today’s fast world.  I’ve spent years on the road as a touring musician, so this song was definitely from experience (although I am in a very happy relationship now). [smiles]

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) I tend to be drawn to chord progressions first.  Usually the feeling a chord progression gives me will help me to channel a lyrical idea.  Sometimes it’s a melody that will spark an idea.  It always starts with a feeling from somewhere, and then I just fill in the blanks with chords, melodies, and lyrics.

 

Q) You are a music producer as well. How much of hand do you have in the production of your own music?

A) I actually produced and played all the instruments on my latest EP This Is All There Is: Vol 1.  I don’t know if I’d do that again, as I love what other musicians, engineers and creative people can add to a project.  However, for this project I spent a lot of time alone just trying focus on what I wanted to say and contribute to the world with my music.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Tyler Cain performance?

A) Lately, most of my performances have been acoustic.  I love the intimacy of playing a great theater or listening room with just an acoustic guitar.  It’s a real and raw way to bring the songs to life, and that is probably how I will be performing mostly this year.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) Yes!  I plan to start working on my next EP this year.  I plan to do a string of five or six song EPs so I can release music more frequently!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

A) As a musician, I’ve gotten to play some really incredible venues from clubs to theaters to arenas and amphitheaters.  Performing at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville was pretty magical.  It’s an old church and there is just something spiritual about how the music just reverberates through that hall.  It’s like it’s alive.  Also, playing both the Hampton Coliseum and the Virginia Beach Amphitheatre in my hometown on tour was a really great feeling because I used to go see all my favorite bands play there as a kid.  It was a full circle moment.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Ryan Tedder.  I think he’s a genius as a songwriter and artist and I love how he bridges the gap between being an artist and producer.  Also, my girlfriend Meghan Linsey.  I’m in awe of her talent daily.  She’s one of the best singers and songwriters I’ve ever met, and I love collaborating with her.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’ve actually been on a big G Love & Special Sauce kick!  They say music is the soundtrack of your life, and I’ve been getting real sentimental with their music because I used to love them in high school!!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Social media is a fun way to share snapshots of the creative process, my life and my art on a daily basis.  I love the connection it makes me feel with people and it has been a big reason why some of my music has gotten the traction it has.  Also, it is really fulfilling to me when someone messages me from a different part of the world and tells me they discovered my music online.  That connection really gives me a deeper sense of purpose with my art.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) As artists, we’re always insecure about our work. However, this last year in particular I have received so much love and support from people and it has really inspired me to keep creating from an honest place.  I am truly grateful, and I only hope that I can continue to make music that people can connect to and find enjoyment from.  I am so thankful for everyone!