Local hip-hop artist Tyler Williams is getting ready to launch his first album this summer. The album, titled Verse One, is set for an August 25 release. The record has a total of 15 songs including the title track, “Verse One.”
“For the most part, I try to take an uplifting beat and try to make light of the darkness in our world,” says Williams.
Last August, he became a father to a little girl. When he’s not in the studio, he enjoys spending time with his 11-month-old daughter and long-time girlfriend.
In 2013, Williams performed at the Niverville Olde Tyme Country Fair with a few songs of his own. His music has transformed since then, as well as his life.
“The inspiration [for this album] sparked from making a few wrong life choices in which I ended up being a drug- and alcohol-fuelled teenager,” Williams says. “I watched some of my friends die, which really made me want to find some sort of hope for people going through similar things. To show them that there is some sort of light at the end of the tunnel, and just because we’ve gone down the wrong path doesn’t mean we can’t find our way back.”
The album was recorded locally at Arcade Studios.
“I’ve recorded in other studios in the past, and this is by far the most professional recording studio,” says Williams. “[Gerry and Evan St. Cyr] really know how to guide you and know how to get the product and outcome you want.”
He is planning on opening up for a few artists in Winnipeg, but also hopes to take his music on the road and play at venues across Canada to get his name out there.
“Music is a way for me to give hope to the underdog, which I was once upon a time. Now things are looking up, and I have God to thank for that.”
Once the album is released, it will be available for purchase locally, as well as on any downloading forum.
