Tyler Shaw has recently been taking the music scene by storm, and he just dropped a new track that is going to launch him even further. Beyond The Stage had the privilege to catch up with the singer-songwriter and talk all things music. From his journey in music to the details of his latest release as well as his post-pandemic plans. Read on to get to know Tyler Shaw even better.
Beyond The Stage: How did you get started in music?
Tyler Shaw: I think I gravitated towards music when I was young. Around age 10 or 11. Music was always around in my house growing up. My mom was a piano teacher and was always encouraging my interests in arts and athletics. I always juggled playing sports, primarily soccer, and found reprieve in music or vice versa.
I played in high school bands at talent shows and coffee houses over the years. It wasn’t until University, while on a soccer scholarship, that others had picked up on my interests in music and encouraged me to pursue it even further. Music and Soccer have always been my main interests. I’m self-taught on most instruments and have always found music to be healing and the easiest way of articulating my thoughts, feelings and perspectives. It seems strange, but I can write a song better than explaining verbally how I feel.
BTS: Who/what are some of your musical influences and inspirations?
TS: So many influences over the years but most recently for my new album I would say some of my top influences would be James Arthur in terms of melodies and lyrics, The Jonas Brothers and their recent album in terms of production and Coldplay – always. I wanted to create larger-than-life music that would work well in an arena setting. Very anthemic music, even if it is a ballad. I love storytelling in my songwriting and I think all of these artists are great storytellers in their own way.
BTS: You released a piano version of your single, “When You’re Home.” What’s different about the new rendition?
TS: This was coincidentally where the song actually started. When I wrote the song that would later become a single, it was written on piano and I had always envisioned a really beautiful string arrangement to fill it out. When we produced it out a bit more it filled out and we added some tempo and swing to the original version. After releasing the single earlier this year, a lot of fans had been messaging me about using this song for their wedding and it felt warranted to share a stripped-down version of the song with piano and strings to add to the intimacy of the song and what it has meant to others.
Stream “When You’re Home” by Tyler Shaw on Spotify below.
BTS: “When You’re Home” has a remix too. What made you want to release different versions of the single?
TS: I think there’s always a challenge in releasing a ballad as a single. A great song always prevails, but given the place people have collectively been in over this past year with this pandemic, I think we’re all in need of something uplifting. We released the original version earlier this year and followed up with a remix by Dzeko and also a Pop version as well to give people different options of tempo and to showcase the versatility of the lyrics and melody. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written and I’m glad it can exist across so many different formats and genres.
BTS: Tell us about “North Star” – what’s the story?
TS: “North Star” is one of my favorite songs from the new album. It combines this tempo and instrumentation that I love.
The song was written in Toronto along with Nate Ferraro and Mike Sonier and produced with my long-time collaborator Alex ‘Pilz’ Vujic. It has a retro feel about it. The song is ultimately about perspective, finding something that excites you and helps make you better.
I would also describe it as a summarized timeline of a relationship, where you’re going through the motions of life and then come across someone or something that stops you in your tracks grabs you by surprise and becomes a new direction or force in your own story. The North Star is metaphorically an anchor that guides you in the right direction.
See the music video for “North Star” by Tyler Shaw below.
BTS: What are you most excited about when it’s safe to tour and travel again?
TS: Human connection. I’ve been tucked away in my home studio working on all of this new music, reeling in feelings and emotion and pouring it into this new album. I want to bring it to life in a live show. I think we’re all really looking forward to live entertainment in general. This new album is very exciting for me. Getting out on the road, when it’s safe to do so, is on top of my list! I miss traveling, taking photos, making memories, exploring.
BTS: What artists have you had on repeat recently?
TS: The new Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak Silk Sonic project, Drake, Justin Bieber and any time my mind is racing I like to unwind to Lo-Fi beats playlists to relax. I’m really looking forward to Justin Bieber’s new album. I love Bieber’s big pop records and melodies.
BTS: What does 2021 have in store for you?
TS: Lots of new music. My third studio album is coming in early Spring and we’ve got some exciting new music projects on the horizon. That’s on my immediate radar, sharing these songs with the world. I wrote this album between LA, London and Toronto both before and during the pandemic. I’d love to do some collaborations with other artists whether it be writing with or for someone, or even working on a duet release. I haven’t done too many in the past and I think it would be a great way to reach new audiences around the world. I am remaining as optimistic as possible for a brighter year ahead.
To keep up with Tyler Shaw, follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
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