HEAD SHOTS CAREER MOVES If nothing else, it has been an eventful and eye opening year for Detroit, MI born songster Ray Tyler. In addition to recording one of the most popular songs on NCCU's campus, the infamous "Certified Fiend" (which played on computers all over the Triangle since last spring), he won over the masses with his charm and instant familiarity.
"So much has happened in my life, I feel like I've grown five years in a year," he states. No doubt, by the time So Real Ink. released Ray Tyler's debut album Notebook Songs , it will be obvious that this young man is more than a one-hit wonder. With a work ethic reminiscent of Motown greats back in the day when soul reigned supreme, Ray Tyler traveled the East Coast.
2006 saw Ray Tyler rocking the mic in the B.N. Duke Auditorium, making audiences sweat in 202, posing for multiple pictures and soon shoot his first music video. This is a long way from the dangerous, poverty stricken, life he led in Michigan. And now he is poised for everything that 2007 may hold as he readies for his "Chapter One" release of Notebook Songs .
"2006 taught me the dedication and responsibility it takes to make this dream a reality. Waking up at 5:00 am to start rehearsals, the training, the schoolwork, interviews, going all day; it always seemed glamorous but it is real work. My love for music and singing will never change but the rose colored glasses are no longer so rosy."
"Many times over the past year, I didn't have anyone that I felt could relate to me. When recording this album, I wanted it to seem like I was having a personal internal conversation with myself," says the singer. "People think, because I am a laid back person, I am not complex, but that's not true. I deal with life and love and broken hearts in the same way as anyone else. I have a lot on my mind and I wanted to express it, thoroughly. My goal on Notebook Songs was to find songs that express the many things that not only me, but everyone feels and thinks about, but might not know how to express."
Dropping from the harmonic heavens to the groovalistic dance floor, Ray Tyler has returned with another song that could have listeners begging the DJ to play it one more time. Produced by him, the sizzling "Krunk Musik." is bringing the summer heat to the fall this year. With its hypnotic beat and in your face lyrics, "Krunk Musik." utilizes all of the elements of a great down south anthem.
"I got excited when I first heard this track and three hours later, it was recorded," Ray Tyler says. Turning heads with its rebel sound, "Krunk Musik." has been used as the profile songs of hundreds of Myspace users. "Making that impact was yet another new experience," he says jokingly. "It took a little while for people to pay attention, but once they did they were hooked."
Focusing on progressing as an artist, Ray Tyler has recorded a compelling track of heart reach called "If You." Penned and played by his own hands, the song documents the finding of love through his audience as he cries out to them to let him know he is on the right path musically.
Perhaps the most surprising track is the rock meets rap vibe of "Jus Listen." Produced by himself, with a track provided by E Jones, its uses a mixture of hard hitting drums, electric guitar and a mesmerizing bass line." Coming from the hood, I really hadn't heard that much rock music," Ray Tyler confesses. "Being a member of Show Choir at Hillside High School introduced me to various genres of music. So, when I was debating on directions to go musically, I made sure to create music with some rock underline."
During the recording of Notebook Songs , Ray Tyler visited various clubs to see people reactions to different music. He realized that there was a lack in on particualr area of female focus in the music world and thus recorded "Tongue Kiss." Smiling, Ray Tyler explains, "I have so much respect and love for women. I also understand that there are few women who do not like to get that good culluningus treatment." He says with a laugh. "Therefore, why not make a song about wanting to do it. I know it has been done before, but not like I did it."
With Notebook Songs, Chapter One: My Thoughts , the talented singer is sure to prove that his following is no fluke. And we will all get a taste of what is on Ray Tyler's mind.