We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tyler Seton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tyler, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Easy answer, it started with choir and musical theatre in high school. I always got into the shows, had lead roles, and I loved the challenge of learning new ways to sing and express myself artistically. So after that, I decided to go to college and got my BFA in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University in 2014.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Well, if you don’t know me, hey, I’m Tyler Seton. I originate from New Jersey. After moving around the US for a few years, I finally settled in Rhode Island at the beginning of the pandemic.
I started making music as a singer-songwriter in 2014 when I lost my father abruptly to suicide. I used this as a way to cope with pausing my Musical Theatre career and emotionally healing from trauma that ensued as a result of that.
I got into the industry by starting off with open mics after I wrote my first EP. It all started at Trenton Social in NJ when my friend Benny, rest in peace, said that I could really make it with my music. When I moved to RI the first time, Gene Parise was there running the Open Mic at Perks and Corks in Westerly. Since then I’ve been performing in random bars and venues around New Jersey and New England as well as a few small shows in Colorado. That’s when I picked up singing for the band Three Times Distilled.
Over the last few years I started writing solo again, recovering, honing in on my craft, and released two singles (Floating Fleeting and Grounded). It was at this point when I truly started to work on healing from the years prior. I started to learn some discipline, how I’d want to present myself, and be able to have actual adult conversations. But, I am not perfect. No one is. I make mistakes some times and you should too. It’s an opportunity to learn.
Eventually once the world opened back up, my musical endeavors got the attention of my friend Big Lux. He got me involved in the Next Up Music Festival in Westerly and during another one of his shows and I got to play with his band. This led me to meeting my manager which got me onto BigLuxEntertainment’s artist roster. From there I finally invested in myself, raised $10,000 with help from friends and family to write and record my next album, created my own LLC (Tyler Seton Music), and opened up myself to more music-centric art forms and other creative outlets.
Here’s the secret. You have to face your fears, do the shadow work, invest in yourself, write a check for $1,000,000 to yourself in the future like Jim Carey. Manifest your future. You can and will make your dreams come true. You have to know that what you want is coming, not maybe, not one day, but IS coming. You have to believe. I know that’s how I got to where I am today.
What type of products/services/creative works you provide?
Right now I provide musical entertainment for various bars, venues, private shows, festivals, grand opening events with BigLux Entertainment. I tend to blend folky, jazzy, and funky elements into my vocal and guitar performances and collaborate here and there with my fellow artists. I am also learning how to DJ for events as well and can’t wait to add that to the services I can provide.
Now, the latest services and work I’ve started to provide are:
*Personalized Cover Songs/Original Song Creation and Composition
*Backing Track Creation and Composition (Podcasts and Film)
*Singer-Songwriting, Vocal, and Guitar Lessons
What problems do you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others?
Well, I am myself, you are you. We are all tiny universes floating on a rock hurtling through space. Every one of us unique. I know that I have my own sound and I make sure to show my true self, mistakes and all. But, I think what sets me apart is that my motivation to create is to connect with those like myself with mental health issues and trauma. I want them to know they’re not alone. It’s also not limited to them but I want to help the listener process and feel emotions. Music is the best medicine and honestly, it’s just a damn good time.
What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.
Honestly, I’m most proud of surviving what life has thrown my way and being alive today. It’s time to ‘Clean House.’ I’m proud that I can be here, right now, and share my story with you. Years ago, I was a different person. I would’ve retreated into the back of my mind in fear isolated myself. I’m proud that today, I can show up, do the work, learn, and move forward a day at a time. I will always remember what my dad used to say. “You cannot succeed without learning from your failures.”
When it comes to how I approach my music business I follow this mantra: Open Mind, Open Heart, Open Arms. I’ll always go in with an open mind with what service is required of me, working closely with my client to understand what they want and where they are coming from. I will have an open heart with and for those who experience this journey with me. Finally, I will always greet those I work with and for with open arms, working with them on what they want and need. This mantra is one I made back in 2014 and I rediscovered what it truly meant to me when I started this journey over.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative artist is developing a true connection with others through your art. Connecting with their souls, their hearts, and through their own interpretations of what you create.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I used to think money was the key to happiness. I was obsessed with getting more, always wanting more. Watching my father constantly worry about money and how it affected him made me realize I didn’t want that for myself.
I learned to trust that my finances would work out, even when I was anxious and worried. I had to let go and trust the powers that be. But, I’ve also realized, that money doesn’t give you TRUE happiness—not for me, anyway. Just gets you tons of cool stuff. Regardless, it’s all about letting go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tylersetonmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerseton_omohoa/?hl=de
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TylerSeton/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Schneck117
- Other: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tyler-seton/1181724881
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/1219969073
Image Credits
Joshua Herzer
Rose Gold Visual Co.
Allison Pillari
Kiera Kelly