Tyriana Smith aka T.Y. born in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to North Carolina at a young age. Started singing R&B around the house when family & friends noticed she had a very unique voice and singing style. Motivated by her environment she started writing and after graduating high school she started singing, featuring on rap songs with other upcoming artist, and solo as an R&B singer on her own. After 2 years of college she had to stop going to help take care of family. While back in N.C. she didn’t stop pursuing her music career and after overcoming stage fright she starting performing live opening up for solo R&B legends such as Case, she decided to take a leap of faith and moved to Atlanta, GA signing her first deal with Royal Legacy Muzik Group ran by CEO Rob Rich Bey.
Without wasting any time the label put her under the direction of 2 time platinum plaque producer Thy Will B Don, who produced artist and ATL legends Outkast and World renowned Carlos Santana, to name a few. Within weeks T.Y. took her R&B style to another level and started rapping. Now as a multi-talented Hip Hop and R&B artist she completed her first E.P. called Tyriana vs T.Y. displaying her alter-ego with a new style & music genre. As a female artist she’s about to set a new standard raising the bar with bars that paints a picture and musical tones that resemble mainstream artists from back in the day to the present.
- Tell us something about how you got started making music seriously?
T.Y.: I started at home when I was young and I got serious when I attended college
- Who were your first and strongest musical influences that you can remember?
T.Y. Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim,
- If I was to turn on your media player right now, which artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?
T.Y.: Megan thee Stallion, City Girls, Lil Baby, Da Baby
- What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners?
T.Y.: There’s definitely no easy way to put it. It takes that vision, hard work, dedication and being able to stand out from the norm. I believe in being able to cross different barriers. I’m sending a message to the men if the universe. I believe that behind every good man there’s a strong women.
- As a female artist, in what is usually viewed as a male dominated genre, how determined are you to fight your way to the top?
T.Y.: There’s definitely no easy way to put it. It takes that vision, hard work, dedication and being able to stand out from the norm. I believe in being able to entertain and making that connection with the audience.
- Do you ever write a song with current musical trends or pure listener satisfaction in mind, or do you only compose what comes directly from your heart?
T.Y.: I don’t follow trends, even though I don’t knock those that do. I write what comes from my heart.
- What is your process when recording and producing your music? Do you collaborate with others or outsource any of the tasks involved. Or are you a do-it-yourself artist?
T.Y.: I strictly write my own music. I started as an R&B artist and within the last year or so when I sign to Royal Legacy Muzik I started working with a real platinum plaque producer by the name of B Don and that’s when I started rapping. I have collaborated with other artist and there is definitely ones I would love to work with in the future.
- If someone has never heard your music, which keywords would you personally use to describe your overall sound and style?
T.Y.: Poetic! I’m definitely a story teller
- What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your career or life so far, and how did you overcome the event?
T.Y.: Having to leave college early to take care of family, but everything happen for a reason, I intend on going back at some point.
- What would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your career so far?
T.Y.: Right now it’s about hard work. I haven’t made it to that point thus far but when I do you will definitely know about it… lol!!
- What is the best piece of advice regarding the music business that you actually followed so far, and what is the advice you didn’t follow, but now know for sure that you should have?
T.Y.: Stay working hard and don’t be afraid to try different things
- How do you handle criticism and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
T.Y.: Criticism is good for the soul. I believe if you can vision it you can achieve it. There’s a difference in constructive and pure hating. I invite both. Without haters there couldn’t be balance.
- Which aspects of being an independent artist excites you most and which aspects discourages you most?
T.Y.: I’m just trying to establish my presence as an independent but there’s so many people nowadays trying to achieve success. I believe that as a female artist my music stands out. I’m not discouraged by it, I love what I do!
- What is your relationship with visual media? Do you think videos are important for your music, and do have a specific video clip you would like to recommend that fans watch to find out more about your craft?
T.Y.: This is a visual world now and I believe imagery allows the audience to see things that couldn’t be seen just from music. Check out my interview on my YouTube channel, Royal Legacy Muzik Group.
- In general, do you consider the Internet and all of the social media platforms as fundamental in building your career in music today, and what is your personal relationship with the new technology at hand?
T.Y.: This is a visual world and different platforms allows the viewer to see the artistry and connect to the audience. Without social media than that would be hard to do in this day and age.
- What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural and/or social vehicles? Are these themes you affront in your music, or are you more interested bringing pure entertainment values to the table?
T.Y.: I believe music is political, cultural and social. I talking about things that’s going on in today’s society, whether it’s the struggle or pure feelings. I try to encompass all that and at the same time entertaining my fan base.
- Creative work in studio environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two do you ultimately prefer and why? Live audience simply because I love connecting with my audience
T.Y.: That’s a hard one because I believe my creativity in the studio allows me to connect with the audience. Both are a necessity to my craft!!
- Do you have a personal favorite track in your catalog that has a specific backstory and/or message and meaning that’s very special to you?
T.Y.: Free!! It was a point that I battled with anxiety and coming face to face with it and overcoming it. That’s just one I can think of, I have so many lol!!
- Could you tell us something about the inspiration and work behind your latest single release YO YO ft. Zuwop Lunarr?
T.Y.: I was in the studio recording tracks on my upcoming EP Tyriana vs T.Y., in which the theme is based on my alter-ego of R&B and Rap being in a constant battle within myself. The CEO of Royal Legacy Muzik has me working with a multi-platinum plaque producer ThyWillBDon and Zuwop is signed under his label GGAlightyMusic. Anyway, my manager told B Don that we need a bomb club beat and as soon as he put the beat on that’s when Zuwop came up with the hook and the rest is history. While I’m speaking on that Zuwop and I also have another club banger we’re working on. If you like Yo Yo then you will love this new record!!
- What do you find most rewarding about what you do? And do you have a specific vision or goal that you would like to achieve in 2020?
T.Y.: I love singing!! It’s something I’ve always envisioned myself doing….entertaining and allowing others to see life through my eyes or thoughts. I’m just trying to break through so I can allow the world to see how talented of an artist I am. I believe everyone gets the chance through hard work and sacrifice. I working toward that in 2020!!
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