Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Lucas.
Tyler, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My love for music all began as I grew up in Chino Hills, California and started playing the drums in 7th grade. Specifically, I loved jamming to Led Zeppelin and all the classic rock tunes. John Bonham is my favorite drummer. I moved to Texas when I was 14, and my dad got a job for the Houston Astros. When I first got here, I had trouble fitting in, so I turned to music and learned how to play the guitar. I’ve been playing ever since. For 6 years, I played in a rock band called Vanilla Whale, where we were able to record at the sound emporium in Nashville and opened up for bands like Living Color, Radio Moscow, Lita Ford and many more amazing bands all over Texas and surrounding states. As well, we had a few songs on the Texas buzz radio, which is always fun to hear yourself on. As I faded from the rock seen, I wanted to concentrate on more country/blues sounding tunes with of course a rock influence.
That is how I would categorize my current style. But, my family’s world came to a holt last June when I lost my niece, Sadie, in a tragic accident. She was 2 years old and the sweetest, most beautiful girl. We miss her terribly. After that, I stopped playing music altogether and wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue it as a profession. Until one day as I was driving home and a song for Sadie played in my head. I could see her at peace and the lyrics and sound came easily to paint the picture. Immediately I knew, I needed to play again and record it as soon as possible. Not only was this therapeutic for me, but I also wanted to donate as much money as I could to a charity my sister became involved in called, Hope Family Care, who helps families that have lost a child. Currently, this goal has come to fruition, my song, “Castle of White” is now on iTunes and Spotify and all proceeds go to the charity! Just like that my passion was back and bigger than ever. I am currently finishing a 5 song EP and am going give this solo thing a try. I’m married with 3 dogs living in Spring, Texas and teach music 6-12 at a private school. My EP should be coming out the first week of June – stay tuned! Also, at my website, tylerlucasmusic.com, you can find more of a biography and schedule of my upcoming shows!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I consider myself a singer/songwriter that incorporates a unique guitar finger picking style with music that is heartfelt and tells a story. Personally, I write music as a therapeutic tool to help me cope with everyday life, especially this last year. As people listen to my songs, I want them to not only feel the passion in my voice and through the music itself but be able to use it to relate to them as well. It important to me to be honest and talk about the everyday struggles, stresses, and anxieties a lot of us go through, but in my own view. With each song, I hope people can take away something that can help them in their life.
Currently, a lot of my inspiration and passion comes from my late niece and the strength I have seen my family build within the community in the past year. Out of such a tragic event, somehow, so much good has unveiled. This tremendous loss has shown me that my purpose is to share my music with people. To comfort and create the music someone turns to when they need that extra lift, empowerment, or good cry. Another aspect is that as a musician, being broke at some point is almost inevitable. It is tough to make it in the business, and regardless of how much hard work you put in, you might come up short time and time again. Some of my recent songs are about this struggle. Although, there is a twist in that regardless of the struggle, the journey is the most important part.
How can artists connect with other artists?
I do find this true, being an artist can be lonely, but I personally enjoy the loneliness. It’s my time to write, meditate, and create. Although, I think the most important advice to fight feeling lonely as an artist is to support other artists. Go out to a show, go see a local artist, join Facebook groups (there are a ton!), and be involved in the Houston area. I have found that everyone is really supportive of one another and it’s a good feeling to know that. There is a ton of stuff, you just have to be willing to put yourself out there. Being an artist, is marketing yourself, and the best way to do that is to be involved wherever you can.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
They can follow my Instagram page @tylerlucasmusic, also on Facebook as Tyler Lucas Music, and my website www.tylerlucasmusic.com!
My song “Castle of white” is on iTunes and when purchased proceeds go to Hope Family Care. I will be updating on all platforms for my upcoming shows and release of my EP in June!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tylerlucasmusic.com
- Phone: 281-785-7995
- Email: tylerlucas22@gmail.com
- Instagram: @tylerlucasmusic
- Facebook: Tyler Lucas Music
Image Credit:
Reel Teel Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.