Newcomer Hip Hop Artist TYLER KRISTIAN Opens Up About His Breakout Single, “Drugs” And More!

Tyler Kristian is more than just a fresh face in hip-hop. This young man is so fit he gives Thor a run for his money while exuding undeniable charm yet remaining completely humble. He’s like the LL Cool J of the Millennial generation. Plus, music is in his blood.

The son of soul diva Sharon Bryant, vocalist for Atlantic Starr and current backup singer for Dave Matthews, and a jazz percussionist Rick Gallwey, Tyler may be a new artist, but he’s got all the goods to have a lasting and impactful career.

Learn more about Tyler in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! Now that we are entering the fall of 2016, what are some words you would use to describe this year? What have been some of the highlights for the band?

This year would be best described as exhilarating, liberating, and most of all educational. Aside from all of the incredible people I’ve met this year, which I strongly consider each encounter to be a highlight. It had to be 3 days after my new single “Drugs” was released. I received a DM from a guy I went to high school with. He told me that he had just made it back to his college for a huge back to school banger (party) and “Drugs” was playing on repeat through the speakers. — Small dream come true right there.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

Always. I’ve been the performer in my family since I could formulate my first word. Earliest memory I have is when I was 4 years old. My favorite movie was Men In Black, so I’d put on a suit and tie and preform the theme song any chance I got in front of a group of people. Just getting those reps in lol.

I’m curious to know how your musical family influenced your musical upbringing?

Growing up, music was amongst, if not the most celebrated aspects in my household. I was exposed to the craft much further back than my memory will allow me to go. My mom would hold me in the recording booth as she recorded songs before I turned 1 year old. My dad would play instruments with me since before I could walk. But above being a family of musicians, they’re a family of true artists.

So I was encouraged to express myself through any artistic medium I chose. But given the exposure by my family and my organic connection to the craft from jump, it was my choice to make music my medium of artistic expression.

You just released your newest single, “Drugs.” Can you talk about the inspiration for it?

I am extremely inspired by beautiful women and amazing sex. “Drugs” is a tribute to all of the women I’ve shared incredible sexual experiences with.

How creatively involved were you with the making of the video for “Drugs”?

I wrote the treatment for Drugs and oversaw the editing process. So I was very much involved creatively.

What if anything has surprised you about the music industry? What do you think has been your biggest challenge? And what do you think has come really naturally to you?

As far as the music industry is concerned, there were no surprises. Learning any new business and then applying that learned information takes time and consistency.  Learning to strategically use my resources to achieve specific goals has been my greatest and most fun challenge. By far, the creative process itself has come the most naturally. Creating art is what I do. Creating a business with my art is a newer venture for me.

Who are some of your favorite artists and what bands continue to inspire you and your music? Who would you still love to work with in the future?

Some of my top favorite artists that come to mind immediately are Stevie Wonder, Andre 3000, Al Di Meola, The Diplomats, and Wu Tang Clan.

When you aren’t performing, working in the studio, what do you like to do for fun? How do you unwind from it all?

Hands down, exercising is my mistress. It allows me to clear my mind, regroup on all physical and mental levels. Definitely my main source of balance aside from creating music.

At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

Simple. I want my music to make people happier than they were before they played it. Life can be hard at times, and if for just 3:30 minutes a song of mine can make this life thing a bit more joyful for someone, I’ve done my job.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

I can’t wait for all of the people to be able to enjoy the music I’ve created. Every song I write comes from a very close place. For my musical expression to be able to resonate with others means the world to me.