Tyler Rich Interview
by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International
Christian Lamitschka: Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?
Tyler Rich: All my friends from Europe always picture California the exact same way. Sunshine, palm trees, happiness, big dreams, exciting, fun, energetic and bright. I like to think that’s what people hear when they listen to my music. I want people to listen to my music and FEEL something, and hopefully that something is “good.”
Christian Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? How did you spend the time without on tour?
Tyler Rich: Last year was trying to say the least. Many had it much worse than my wife and me, but it was such an interesting time to learn a lot about myself, my creativity, and how to expand that even further. I used the down time to write a ton, and really focus on getting better. I used IG Live and TikTok, to find new crowds, since I couldn’t play to any in person. Although It was boring being stuck at home, it really took my relationship with fans to new depths spending so much time online with them. And, I think I’ve made a lot more overseas fans during the pandemic! Which is truly so special to me. Touring Europe once a year is a massive goal of mine.
Christian Lamitschka: You have just released a new song called “Better Than You’re Used To.” What do you feel is special about this song that makes people want to hear it?
Tyler Rich: I think this song resonates with everyone because we have all at one point felt that we deserved to be treated better. The song is about self love, and knowing your worth. It’s easy to meet someone and feel they deserve to be loved better than they are used to. But, it’s not as easy for that person to realize their full potential and how much happier they could be. Ultimately this song is a “hey your bf sucks, break up with him and come this way” theme haha but it’s so much more than that. It’s an anthem for the heartbroken, past or present.
Christian Lamitschka: What is the difference between your albums “Live at Home” and “Two Thousand Miles?
Tyler Rich: “Live at Home” is stripped down with me performing at my house. All of 2020, my concerts were performed from home on my couch, to online audiences, rather than in person, like other artists. I knew in a year or two, when life is back to normal, that I wanted to have something that represented that year’s performances. For the fans to always have a little piece of 2020, and for myself. It’s literally just me with a guitar, live at home, no production … as stripped as it could possibly be! “Two Thousand Miles” is my debut album that I finished at the end of 2020! A collection of all the music I had put out slowly over 2-3 years, as a complete finished product! “Live at Home” is meant for coffee and wine, “Two Thousand Miles” is meant to turn up loud and party!
Christian Lamitschka: Before you became a star, were your friends and family supportive or was it a struggle?
Tyler Rich: I am so, so lucky to have been surrounded by the family and friends I have. I’ve been playing in bands since high school, and touring since I was 19 years old. The entire time, everyone I know has been such a huge champion in my corner. Even after going back to college, getting my degree, and then deciding to give a solo career a try at the age of 27. Everyone still believed as much as me, and pushed me toward my goals.
Christian Lamitschka: In 2018 your song “The Difference” has charted on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay and was certified Gold by Music Canada and the US. What has it done for your career?
Tyler Rich: “The Difference” was and is everything to me. We spent two years after signing my deal, looking for that perfect song to kick start my career. I wrote 150+ songs, listened to hundreds of outside songs I didn’t write. We loved so many of them, but hadn’t landed on that first one we wanted to put out until we heard “The Difference.” From where I was in my life, to the clever lyric, the unique delivery and arrangement. Everything about the song hit me like a train the first time I heard it. I finally understood what it meant to find an outside song that was written for you. It paved the way for me to release songs I had written like “Leave Her Wild” and “Rather Be us,” and now, “Better Than You’re Used to!”
Christian Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music scene versus its past and where do you see it going in the future?
Tyler Rich: The music scene is forever changing. I love where it is headed though. It’s scary seeing all these social media platforms deciding an artist’s fate. But, it’s equally as exciting. Everything in life and business will change and mold as time progresses, but adversity makes sure none of us are ever too comfortable, and constantly pushing for more. I think streaming and social media, has widened my audience across borders, and into Europe, so I am all for the way the industry is changing.
Christian Lamitschka: Many music fans today get their information about artists online. Where can fans find you (website/socials) and what do you hope they take away from your posts?
Tyler Rich: All of my social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, etc.) are under my name “Tyler Rich!” Just look for the bluecheck mark so you don’t talk to a fake account selling VIP tickets lol. I hope my pages show positivity, love, happiness, hope, and nothing but good, infectious energy! My pages are full of my music, my wife, my dogs, my travels, and Disneyland (once it opens back up). The website is simply www.TylerRich.com.
Fans are always hungry for good road stories. Do you have one you can share with us?
Tyler Rich: This one sucked lol. Driving through Texas years ago, it was one of the first rains and the roads were oily and very slick. At an intersection, a truck slammed into the back of our trailer. The hitch and tongue of the trailer came into the back of the van, and through us off the bench seat in the back up to the middle of the van. We were poor touring musicians, barley making gas money at the time. So, we went at bought a bunch of gorilla tape, and taped the back door shut, and then (hold your breath) taped the trailer back to the hitch, (I know) and continued our tour. It lasted a whole week leading up to us having two days off to get it fixed! Didn’t have cancel a single show. But, maybe had a couple heart attacks on the highway that week.
“Better Than You’re Used To” | https://tylerrich.lnk.to/betterPR
TWO THOUSAND MILES | https://tylerrich.lnk.to/TwoThousandMilesPR
Live at Home EP | https://tylerrich.lnk.to/LiveAtHomePR
Photo: Credit: Zack Napier