Michael Tyler Interview

Michael Tyler is a young artist from Missouri who’s quickly making an impact on the country music scene. He’s an incredibly nice and funny guy, and we had the opportunity to chat with him about his experiences as a musician and to get the scoop on his upcoming album.

Thanks for playing a show with us back in November, we had a great time! What did you think of the Grizzly Rose?

It was my first time playing at the Rose and I had an excellent time. I’m not just saying this because you are interviewing me, but honestly I think it was my favorite show on the whole tour. It was one of our last shows and we got to bring out a whole camera show. The audience was great and it was just a lot of fun.

Did you get some time to hangout in Denver?

I didn’t have a ton of time, but I enjoyed myself, it’s always a fun time. I’ve only been to Denver once before, but Colorado is one of my favorite places in the country to travel to. Aspen is another really great place to be.

We heard you’re dropping a new album this month. What’s the inspiration behind the album and what can we expect?

I grew up in a small town in Missouri and this album is supposed to show what that world is like. The album is called ‘317’ and that number is one that has a lot of meaning to me. The first time I drove out to Nashville from my hometown in Thayer, MO was a really important trip for me. When I pulled into Nashville, I noticed that the odometer read exactly 317 miles. That number was permanently imprinted in my memory and I wanted to dedicate this album to that experience which is the story behind the name. Overall, this whole thing just take me back to my roots which I want to share with everyone.

What’s your favorite song on the album?

There are a lot of songs that I really like, but the one that sticks out that I’m really excited to show people is ‘Songs about Missouri.’ This song is about what my life was like back home in MO which is what I’m trying to do with the album.

What’s the most difficult part about being a musician?

That’s easy, it’s flying… My mom, my grandpa, and my uncle were all pilots. You’d think I would be into it, but I hate being on airplanes, I’m a nervous reck. I find myself flying to shows and I absolutely hate it every time. For me that’s the toughest part about being a musician, because going on tour is essential which means I have to fly a lot.

Whether your on the road or relaxing at home, what are you listening to these days?

I like a variety of stuff and it’s always changing. I really like the whole album ‘All Day’ by Locash that’s a good one. Been listening to a lot of Jason Aldean, Machine Gun Kelly, and some old school stuff like the Capris. A super random artist I listen to is One Direction. I feel like a lot of their songs have a strong 80s influence and I really like that.

How do you spend your his free time?

I like going back home to Missouri and I really love the Spring turkey hunting season. I try to get back for that as much as I can. Other than that I just try to be outside as much as I can. Get into the river, go fishing, or even out playing golf.

Who influenced you to become an artist?

Jason Aldean. He was my biggest influence and I still love all his stuff. My brother and I got into it and he was a big part in getting us into country music. When he came out it was the bridge between country and rock music with a lot of guitar.

You are a young artist. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

That seems like a long way out, but hopefully I will be on a massive tour. I want to play in the biggest arenas in front of big crowds of people. My dream is to travel the world and play music. If that’s what I’m doing then I will be very happy!

If you couldn’t play music anymore, what would you do instead?

That’s tough, I have no idea really. Real jobs probably require going to College, haha. I suppose I would just be working with Dad and brother at the glass company in our hometown. I love spending time with my family back home, so that would make the most sense.

Michael Tyler’s new album ‘317’ drops on March 17th. Make sure to check it out!