By: Mike Cohane//

Meet pop music’s next superstar, Tyler.V! With belting vocals and catchy hooks, you won’t be able to get her voice out of your mind. We recently got the chance to talk to her about her latest EP, Unlocked, and what exactly it was that propelled her career forward.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?

I always knew from a young age. I was about 3 years old when I first realized music moved me in a certain way. It wasn’t until I was about 10 years old that I started to develop my craft by taking vocal lessons and writing songs.

Did your upbringing have anything to do with your musical goals?

Definitely! My grandfather also sings and was the lead singer of a music group in Jamaica. My dad co-owned a record store on 125th Street in Harlem that promoted up and coming hip hop artists, so I was always surrounded by music and its creative process.

Which artists do you take inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from a lot of artists for different reasons. Vocalists I’m inspired by are Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Jazmine Sullivan, Toni Braxton and Celine Dion. I love Maxwell for his soulfulness, groove and penmanship. The list really goes on and on.

In the writing process, what do you think of first? The lyrics, the beat, the melody, etc?

I always write down concepts or little ideas that come to me, which are quite often. Most of the time it’s a lyric that then later develops into a song. But I draw inspiration from everything around me. Once my light bulb goes off I write it down or record a quick voice note before I forget.

“Young & Free” is such a catchy and fun song to listen to. Where did you come up with the idea for it?

I’m just naturally a fun, social person and I love to see everyone come together and have a good time. I threw a lot of house parties and get-togethers when I was in high school and college and I just wanted to showcase my free spirit in the song.

Is there any personal message or meaning behind your music?

My entire EP, Unlocked, shows a more vulnerable side to me. I wanted to talk about things that I never really talked about, which I was afraid of doing for years because I knew I was automatically judged on how I look. Being a curvy girl people couldn’t get past it. That’s all they saw. So, my EP is more of testament to the world of me saying, “Here I am, Tyler.V, being open and honest with all of my truths, regardless of what you think I should like. I’m still going to tell my story.”

Do you have any plans of releasing new music within the next few months?

Yes! A new single and visual will be dropping soon.

Do you have any plans of touring in the near future? Do you have any shows coming up?

Yeah, definitely have to make it out to tour to the west coast. My birthday show is coming up October 8th at Silvana in Harlem where I grew up. I’m bringing other artists as well to perform. All details will be on my social media.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Everyone can stay connected with me on my Instagram: @sheistylerv.