An Interview with Victoria Tyler
In the world of music, every artist’s journey is unique, shaped by their personal experiences and passions. For Victoria Tyler, music has always been a part of her life, from childhood piano recitals to her current endeavors as a singer, songwriter, and voiceover actress. In this interview, we dive into her creative process, inspirations, and the path that has brought her to where she is today, as she embarks on the exciting next chapter of her musical career.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, a little won’t cover most of it, but to put it simply, I like to think that I’m beginning phase three of my adult life…the first was consumed by my two kids, who are now teenagers; the second was my life as an academic and educator (I have a master’s degree from Harvard and was a private tutor for six years); and now my creative side is awakening – in addition to singing and songwriting professionally, I am also working as a voiceover actress and a fitness model. I guess I told you more than a little.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
I started singing when I was five years old. It just came naturally. At the same age, my mom enrolled me in piano lessons, which I hated until the recitals came around. Those afternoons were magical; feeling like a star as the audience watched me play Fur Elise at age 8 or 9, Satie’s Gymnopedie a few years later, and finally the quite challenging pieces like Beethoven’s Pathetique 13 years later. Even though I was born with a voice that can carry a tune, studying classical piano taught me how pieces of music are structured and how the notes in the scales can both complement and repel one another. Although I abandoned the study when I started college, my ability to read music has stuck with me, and that has made all of my singing experiences easier over the years.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Deciding what I want to say to the world. A song, to me, is about the messages I place in the lyrics. I am a writer, so each word I sing is deliberately chosen… and re-chosen, and sometimes even scrapped altogether. My lyrics go through so much editing before they even become songs because the message evolves and comes to life through the process – it’s like working with clay: the more I knead and mold it, the more new and unexpected shapes and angles pop out at me and guide the message where it needs to go.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
Personally, I prefer Cushion to Stories but they are so different that it’s hard to really compare. And I’ve written 14 songs total and my favorites are actually tucked in there, so hopefully that is exciting to readers who are liking what they are hearing so far!
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
I was raised on the greats like BIlly Joel, Elton John, Jimmy Buffett, the Beatles, Tom Petty, the Carpenters, and Patsy Cline. Eclectic, I know. But I have a wide range and can sing tenor, so as long as it was a good song, I was singing along. Then as I got older and could choose my own music, I gravitated to the angsty and passionate females like Alanis, Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, and then the “cerebral” alternative bands like Ben Folds Five, Weezer, and Green Day. I use that term to mean lyrical, as when I listen to a song, I’m not just listening for a solid beat and that “click” when the music just works for you. I want meaning behind the lyrics. Something I can take with me beyond those 3 or 4 minutes that I spend entrenched in the song. Some artists today who can do that for me are Eminem, AWOLNATION, and Hozier.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
Like I mentioned before, I am at my core a lyricist. My songs start with the lyrics and then a melody is built around them through collaboration with my bandmates and producers. It becomes a team effort and really is a lovely process. Every lyric in my songs is written by me, and I am devoted to this statement because I need my listeners to believe me when I sing. Anyone can say they’ve been through fire, but when you know that the person saying it actually has, you might just stop and pay attention to what they have to say. I’m hoping that will be the case with my music because I think I have some wisdom to impart on those who have a little time to listen.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
The long and winding road of my life has inspired my music, The rest of the songs that will become our full-length album range in subject and style from bitter rock anthem to sweet, wistful country love song to f*** you party track. Life isn’t all one style, so why should an album be?
What are your plans for 2024?
My bandmates and I are excited to record the rest of the songs and to start performing in the Boston area for our listeners as soon as we are ready!
Have any shoutouts?
To my early Reverbnation fans: thank you for showing me love from day 1. And to those of you who have heard “Stories” and “Cushion” and liked them enough to make it to the end of this interview, wait until you hear what we have in store for you. We are just getting started.
As Victoria looks ahead to 2024, she’s more determined than ever to share her voice with the world. With new music on the horizon and plans to perform live, she and her band are ready to captivate audiences with their authentic sound. Victoria’s message is clear: the journey is just beginning, and there’s much more to come. Stay tuned for what promises to be a year of powerful and heartfelt music from an artist who’s only scratching the surface of her potential. Tune in to her music on Spotify or wherever you stream music.