TearsxJoy Interview

Meet TNT TYB, an artist hailing from Brooklyn New York. Within the underground community, he has been making a name for himself with tracks like, “ DONT” ft KK.WNB, “ GOODByE” and “ RUNNIN’ OUTTA TIME” ft Jah-Sol. Dive into the captivating journey of music artist TNT TYB, as he shares his unique path, musical influences, and creative aspirations. I am fascinated by their steadfast commitment to their art and their skill in creating emotionally evocative musical stories. Their unquestionable talent and ceaseless drive for artistic perfection guarantee that TNT is bound for a remarkable journey in the music industry. Come along on a journey to delve into TNT TYB’s artistic realm, uncovering the intricacies of their creativity and gaining a profound insight into the mesmerizing artist they’ve become. The adventure is set to unfold, and I’m eagerly anticipating the extraordinary peaks they’ll attain as they continue to enthrall us with their powerful and captivating music.

Can you tell us about your journey as a music artist and how you got started?

I feel as though my journey as a music artist and creator of art in general is never-ending. I’ve been captivated by art ever since I was little. My parents used to take me to small live shows and DJ parties all over the city as a kid, which I think peaked a lot of my interest in music, especially in terms of diversity, which is why I tend to experiment with different sounds even now, further in only the beginning of this journey.

Brooklyn has a rich musical history. How has growing up in NYC influenced your music and style?

Growing up in Brooklyn has influenced my style to an extent. As a fan of music in general and someone who listens to almost everything, I’m influenced by a lot of different things. Some of which have nothing to do with my music stylistically, but maybe content wise. For example, there are current trends in music stemming from New York City and those trends may not be what I gravitate to making. However, my neighborhood and environment has allowed me to see and experience different things that I might write a song about. The language and phrases I grew up around definitely impact what I say and how I say it, especially in the art form I use to express myself. Just happens that you and a couple other people also get to listen to these “sessions of self expression” if you will.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

When I think about my musical influences, it’s hard for me to compile that list. I listen to a lot of music all the time and go in and out of eras where I’m inspired by one artist or the next. Person A might have a song that moved me and fed me what I needed in order to inspire something I worked on a month ago. However, Person B might have an album that influences creative decisions In making what I’m currently working on as I type this. Though I will say, some people that have been in rotation for as of recently would be Sonder (Brent Faiyaz, D-Pat, Atu), Dro Kenji, Souly Had, LIFEOFTHOM, BLK ODYSSEY, Brakence, Greek, King Krule, Labrinth, Aziya, and a couple more. These are all mostly either upcoming artists and groups / artists and groups that aren’t A/B-listed yet.

Your stage name, TNT TYB, is unique. What does it symbolize, and how does it reflect your artistic persona?

Despite what a lot of people think of “TYB” to stand for, my name TNT TYB stands for Time Neglects The Thoughts You’re Burying. As humans we see, experience, and grow. I want to give myself and others a sense of hope that we’re never stagnant, even if it seems like things aren’t changing or evolving, they are even if the change is subtle. I’d like to think the music I make, especially what I’m currently working to release in the near future reflects that in a way that people can resonate with and believe. Not because that’s my name, but for themselves.

Your first album “Deception” Can you share the inspiration behind it and the story you wanted to convey through the songs?

My first project, DECEPTION is somewhat of a compilation of my thoughts and feelings in response to traumas I was trying to heal from and recognizing at the time. I didn’t really know it at the time, but that project was mostly for the sake of my own expression and venting. I was 14 when I first started writing and building that project conceptually, which feels kind of weird for me now because I wish I would’ve just kept it a personal thing. I don’t regret it at all but looking back, I’m realizing how many of these themes, thoughts, feelings, and vulnerable expressions were premature since I was so young and still learning about myself and my own mental health. Therefore, still learning that I probably shouldn’t share these things to an audience without having a good enough grasp on healing from them for my own sake if that makes sense.

Brooklyn has a diverse music scene. How do you distinguish yourself from other artists, and what makes your music stand out?

Since Brooklyn does have a diverse music scene, it’s easy to be influenced and find inspiration through everything you’ll hear here. I definitely find myself pulling inspiration from what Brooklyn has to offer musically, especially from the underground artists who are pioneering the scene at the moment. Respectfully though, my music is too weird and abstract to be even slightly compared to anyone from here. Honestly speaking, I don’t even know what I’m making half the time while I’m making it and that just has to do with letting my imagination run wild while creating, which I’d like to think is what sets me apart from most artists from New York in general.

As an independent artist, what challenges have you faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?

As an independent artist, I wouldn’t say I have too many challenges yet, maybe because my goals and “success” looks different than a lot of artists, especially those from where I’m from. However, funding everything from music videos to events, to transportation, to equipment, etc. is definitely not easy all the time and takes some meticulous planning sometimes, financially. Which is something I’m still learning to do because it is the first time I’m doing it, you know?

Your music often tackles social issues and personal experiences. How do you balance sharing your authentic voice while still appealing to a broad audience?

The honest answer is, I don’t. When I’m creating, I say what I feel needs to be said in the moment, usually for my own therapeutic purposes. Whoever can resonate, can resonate. Whoever, can’t, can’t. However, either way as an artist I did my job because I created something genuine. Maybe not to you every time, but to me always.

When you’re not making music, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

When I’m not making music, I like to paint and tap into other creative things that captivate me, like make clothes or journal. I honestly just really love making things. Doesn’t really matter what it is. Music just happens to be what most people know me for at the moment but that’ll probably change.

Collaborations with other artists can be powerful. Are there any artists you dream of working with, and why?

There’s definitely a few artists, bands and especially producers I’d love to work with in the future. Sonder, being one of my favorite groups because of their stylistic production elements, which in my opinion take R&B and soulful music to the next level — is definitely a group I’d love to work with and soak in production tips from. Another person I’m thinking of at the moment would be James Blake, an artist and producer who’s for sure influenced a lot of my sound selection and music for the past year and a half with his psychedelic elements, using his voice as an instrument along with every unique sound he uses in his songs. There’s many more but those two are definitely my ideal collabs, especially with the ideas I have in mind right now that I’d like to pursue in the future.

Live performances are an integral part of connecting with fans. How do you prepare for your shows, and what’s the most memorable performance you’ve had so far?

For starters I love performing and it’s become one of my favorite ways to connect with people, generally. I’m still at the stage of this musician thing, where even though I’m doing shows frequently, I’m usually performing for people who don’t know me yet, which is cool right now because there’s no real expectation, just good energy. I prepare for different shows in different ways but something I always make sure to do is warm up my voice, using vocal warmups I do repeatedly for atleast 15 minutes and warm tea with honey, lemon and ginger because I’m classy. Recently I’ve started praying and meditating before I go on stage just to set an intention of the energy I want to share. There were a lot of times where I felt the love and energy from the crowd. Too many to count, really. However, I vividly remember my set at Senecas Village Festival on June 2022 at the Brooklyn Art Wall. There were a lot of people in the crowd who were just starting to get into my music while following the collective group I was heavily invovled with at the time. Also, my first project DECEPTION had just dropped maybe two months beforehand, which I was super stoked to perform. At the time that set was a huge deal to me. Sleepy Hallow, Eli Fross, and a bunch of other artists from Brooklyn also perfromed later that night too, which was also really cool, seeing that those are other artists I’ve drawn inspiration from.

The music landscape is constantly evolving, especially with the rise of digital platforms. How do you adapt to these changes to reach your audience effectively?

I don’t plan to adapt. I plan to experiment. Art is art and there’s no rules or regulations to it. That being said, there are loopholes to following trends and giving people what their “used to” listening to/ “familiar” with consuming, while still staying true to yourself and creating for your own satisfaction first. The key to this is literally just doing it. Being creative and thinking outside the box can take you a long way, especially when all the box has in it is simply just what everyone listens to on the internet. It’s easy to know what changes are happening in music, what trends are popular, what sounds people use, what styles get attention and from where. It’s a true artist’s job to take in and seek this knowledge, then creatively use it to your advantage however that may look or sound for you personally.

Beyond your musical talents, you also seem to have a strong online presence. How do you engage with your fans on social media, and how has it impacted your career?

I just like connecting with people and sharing my art, especially when I know others are inspired by what I make. To be very honest, I’m not really a social media person. I’m not into

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals as an artist, and what legacy do you hope to leave through music?

My goal as an artist is simply to create art that both I, and the people listening can resonate with. I wanna make things that stick with people, whether that’s a song, a video, a canvas, a photo, etc. You know that feeling when you hear a song for the first time and it speaks the truth you’ve been feeling? That’s what I want to make for different instances of my life and others.

Anything else you want the audience to know about you?

Not so much about me, but about themselves: If you have a dream or aspire to be or do something, do it. Don’t wait on others or “the right time” . If you express yourself freely and live within your truth, your creations will do the same.

TNT TYB Socials

https://www.instagram.com/tnttyb_/