Tyrone Wells Interview: It all Begins and Ends with a Song

Tyrone Wells’ fourth full-length album, Where We Meet, ushers in a new beginning for the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter. Not only is it his first full-length release since leaving a major label, it signifies his next evolution.

Tyrone seamlessly balances acoustic vulnerability and pop rock irresistibility over the course of eleven unforgettable anthems. Ultimately, Where We Meet is the perfect place for Tyrone to start anew, while keeping the same ethic that has won him his loyal fan base from his early independent days.

Tyrone also has countless high-profile film and TV placements including American Idol, One Tree Hill, Vampire Diaries, Rescue Me, Grey’s Anatomy, My Sister’s Keeper, Something Borrowed and more. I had the chance to speak with Tyrone about his new CD and about being “indie”.

Robert Cavuoto: You said that your new CD, Where We Meet, is the meeting of intimacy and big rock sound can you explain?

Tyrone Wells: I listen to songs and artists who are intimate and sparsely arranged as well as the big epic rock songs with plush production. I feel like I want to make a record that address both of those things and capture those moments.

Robert: You have worked with a major label and indie label – what are the differences as well as the benefits?

Tyrone Wells: I think the obvious thing is the budgets that major labels give to the artists. That you’re not spending the money yourself and you don’t have to worry about the different marketing angles.

At an indie label, if we get play off the radio, than we are the ones benefiting from the sales since we hire our own radio promoters. One of the things that I love about being with an indie label is that you’re not at the whim of being the flavor of the month or out chasing trends. As an artist, I never wanted to chase a genera or trend. When I was with a major label, they have their priories and you have to fit within them. It can turn into a bit of competition with other artists. Being indie now, I’m liberated and can release a CD, make plan, and then go after it.

Robert: How important is it to connect with fans via social media outlets?

Tyrone Wells: I think it is really important for you to interact with fans. I’m trying to be better at that as it is not natural for me. I would rather be playing guitar or being a home buddy versus posting a tweet. I also like the interconnectivity of it all and being able to hear the feedback of the fans. It is a nice thing, with that said; you should concentrate more on your craft than that.

Robert: How did you get involved with getting your songs on so many TV shows?

Tyrone Wells: I work with a great publishing company and they have done a bang up job of getting me everywhere. I live right outside of L.A., and do a lot of showcases for reps so that helps. I hear all the time that the music I make has dramatic quality. Not all of it, but some of it really does. It seems that TV is the new radio when it comes to promoting music. People are discovering new music when they watch their favorite shows.

Robert: What do you want fans to take away after listening to your CD?

Tyrone Wells: I think music takes on what they need to hear. One song could mean so many good things to so many people. I hope it provides them with inspiration and uplifts them in some way.

Robert: With all your career experiences, if a young musician was to come to you for advice, what would you tell him or her?

Tyrone Wells: It all begins and ends with the song. You cab spend all your time marketing and getting people out to the shows, it’s important, but not nearly as import as crafting songs. There is lot of talented artists that are more concerned with marketing which makes the music secondary. Once they focus on the songs; the songs will do all the work for them.