Fuelled by a visionary spirit and relentless drive, NYC’s Tyler Miller breaks free from the conventional mold of a musician, journeying down a road where creativity collides with innovation. Central to his artistic journey is an unyielding devotion to staying true, artfully entwined with a hunger to stretch the limits of traditional songwriting. Influenced by luminaries like Frank Ocean and Brent Faiyaz, Tyler skilfully weaves his iconic sounds and authentic artistry into his own creations, forging an unmistakable and unforgettable musical identity.
“The best compliment I ever received was someone telling me my music doesn’t sound like anyone else. This was exactly my goal in creating my debut album, SOPHIA. I wanted to create the “Tyler Miller” sound that other artists can one day draw influence from the way my favourite artists influenced me and my music.”
1. Tell us a bit about your story: who are you and what has your journey looked like so far?
My name is Tyler Miller. I grew up in Westchester, New York. I’ve been singing and playing piano for as long as I can remember, and I started writing songs when I was 8. As a kid I was surrounded by a lot of pop music, which influenced my style at a young age. As I got older, I started to develop my own taste. I dove into artists like Kanye West and Frank Ocean, who taught me that there aren’t any rules. Music is art - it’s subjective. Being different is a positive. Now at 22 years old, I’ve developed a sound that really resonates with me.
2. Who inspires you musically and creatively?
I resonate with artists who prioritise their creativity and quality of sound above anything else. Some of my all time favourites are Frank Ocean, Kanye, Daniel Caesar, and Brent Faiyaz.
Creatively, I’m really inspired by Tyler, The Creator. His branding and image are one of a kind. In an industry oversaturated with talent, it’s so important to be unique. My goal is to always be evolving. I want every project I put out to be better than the last.
3. What is the creative process behind your music?
When I’m writing a new song, I usually start at the piano. Once I have the chords down, I’ll freestyle melodies until I get something that sticks. From there, I pick the melodies that work and write lyrics over them. I like to write the core of the song before adding additional production or instrumental pieces.
4. What’s the best advice you’ve received during your journey?
If you genuinely believe in something, other people will too. Music is art. It’s subjective. Make something you love.
5. How do you nurture your creativity?
I try to give every idea a chance. If I hear something in my head, I put pen to paper and get the idea out. Sometimes that’s all it takes. Voice memos are a huge tool for me. Being able to take out my phone and record something within seconds is a game changer.
6. What do you hope your music will reveal to your listeners?
If SOPHIA makes someone feel something, I’ve done my job. That’s all I can ask for. I just want people to resonate with the project in the way that I have. Lyrically, I tried not to dive into the specifics of the stories I was telling, but to create imagery through the themes of growth, reflection, and unrequited love that are constant throughout the project.
7. Are there any upcoming shows or projects we can look forward to?
Definitely. I am going to be playing a bunch of shows in NYC over the next few months, and I have a handful of new music on deck. Follow me on instagram @ty1ermiller to stay up to date on everything.
8. Is there any advice you want to give to new artists?
My advice would be to remember that even on Instagram and TikTok, you’re promoting your art. Keep it authentic. Don’t chase the viral moment. If you love the content you’re putting out, odds are somebody else will too.
"Over the course of the last three years, I've put my blood, sweat, and tears into the creation of this album. SOPHIA is a representation of self-reflection and a symbol of my growth. It’s raw, it’s authentic, and it’s genuine. I can only hope it resonates with people the way it has with me.”
Photography Credit: Ari Elgharsi