Minnesota acoustic artist Tyler Herwig will take the stage of Arts + Rec this week, but before he plays his music live in Uptown on March 14, I had the chance to learn more about his creative process and the journey he has taken as an artist. Tyler has also been known to play at Troubadour Wine Bar -- one of my favorite Uptown spots to hear music -- and lots of other local venues. If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing Tyler before this, his music has been praised for its authenticity and raw emotion, which is a reflection of his personal experiences and personal struggles (read more below.) If you are interested in local independent music, songwriting, and using art to express complex emotions then this exclusive interview is for you! And if you are an artist or aspiring artist Tyler has some words of wisdom about where "the magic happens" so enjoy this artist Q&A and sign-up for Artfully Engaging email updates for more inspiring words from local creative entrepreneurs.
As an acoustic pop artist, how do you keep your performances fresh and unique for your audience?
As an acoustic pop artist, how do you keep your performances fresh and unique for your audience?
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I love exploring different ways to cover songs, both old and new. It's fun to take a song people haven't heard in a while and give it a new flair - it keeps things fresh for returning fans. But I'm also sensitive to bringing newer pop songs an acoustic feel. It keeps the unique vibe of my performances up and is really fun for me to show people an acoustic spin on a song they're familiar with.
How has your journey as an artist evolved, and what have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced along the way? My journey as an artist has been a roller-coaster, to say the least. I started off gigging casually as a teenager and in my early twenties struggled with a drug and alcohol addiction that was, by far, my biggest challenge. That journey, in itself, is now the main reason I do what I do and why I share my story during my shows. I've been sober for 3 years now, gig full time, and find purpose in sharing my story with my fans so I have the opportunity to give someone hope that might be out there searching for it. |
Tyler Herwig, Minneapolis Acoustic Musician
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Collaboration is often an important aspect of creativity. Have you collaborated with any other artists in the past, and if so, how did that influence your music?
Yes! I love collaborations and am currently exploring more and more of them with different artists all over the area. Collaborations help me expand my views of the possibilities and diversity of music. The different interpretations have allowed me to create my own songs and perfect them in a way that wouldn't have been possible without sharing talents with other artists.
Yes! I love collaborations and am currently exploring more and more of them with different artists all over the area. Collaborations help me expand my views of the possibilities and diversity of music. The different interpretations have allowed me to create my own songs and perfect them in a way that wouldn't have been possible without sharing talents with other artists.
Tyler Herwig
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You have been performing over 250 shows every year. How do you manage to maintain such a high level of energy and enthusiasm for each performance?
Regardless of doing 250 shows per year, each one is so different! It's easy to have such a high level of enthusiasm for every show I do throughout the year because not only is this my absolute dream job, but the people at the shows vary so much. I love meeting new people and getting to know my fans. I find they always bring a level of energy that I love to feed into and bring to another level. Your music covers a wide range of genres. How do you select the songs you perform, and what inspires you to explore different styles? Personally, I'm drawn to the lyrics of music over a particular genre when selecting songs to perform. Taking lyrics and transforming them into a style of music that feels natural is what inspires me to constantly keep exploring and sharing different songs. I feel that covering a song differently gives me an opportunity to help the lyrics land with someone in a way they may never have before. |
What can audiences expect from your upcoming shows, and do you have any exciting events or performances coming up?
I'm looking forward to performing at new venues all over the Twin Cities area this summer. Not only have I added new venues, but I'm also in the process of adding new, original music to my sets because I am working on the release of a new album this year. Keep watching close!
Your social media pages feature a lot of original music. What inspires you to keep creating new songs and sharing them with others?
My history with a drug and alcohol addiction keeps me writing original music because it's how I share my story best with others. I know people experience things like loss and heart ache and, if they're anything like me, it can be hard to handle emotions like that. During my use, I struggled with expressing my emotions properly and music became the only outlet that allowed me to do so; I want to be relatable on that level with others going through a similar struggle. I want them to know that they aren't alone with their emotions and writing my own music to touch them keeps me inspired.
I'm looking forward to performing at new venues all over the Twin Cities area this summer. Not only have I added new venues, but I'm also in the process of adding new, original music to my sets because I am working on the release of a new album this year. Keep watching close!
Your social media pages feature a lot of original music. What inspires you to keep creating new songs and sharing them with others?
My history with a drug and alcohol addiction keeps me writing original music because it's how I share my story best with others. I know people experience things like loss and heart ache and, if they're anything like me, it can be hard to handle emotions like that. During my use, I struggled with expressing my emotions properly and music became the only outlet that allowed me to do so; I want to be relatable on that level with others going through a similar struggle. I want them to know that they aren't alone with their emotions and writing my own music to touch them keeps me inspired.
Artfully Engaging is a Twin Cities Arts Blog by Technologist & Arts Advocate Kendra Plant
How has your involvement with organizations like the Midwest Country Music Association (CMO) and the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) impacted your career as a musician?
The support from local music organizations is unparalleled. It can be daunting trying to start a career as an artist, but being involved with the Midwest CMO and ISSA makes the intimidating world of music less so. I feel the organizations give artists the support and backing they need for their career to flourish with connections to other musicians, mentors, and so much more.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting out in their careers?
I would encourage them to say "yes" to all opportunities that come their way. You never know which venue or gig might change the course of your entire career or where you might perform for that one person who really needs to hear your work. Keep the grind and seek support from others in the area. Bouncing ideas off other artists is what keeps things fresh in your performance, and it will never hurt to take an opportunity regardless of how "small" it may seem in the moment. In my experience, it's where the magic happens.
The support from local music organizations is unparalleled. It can be daunting trying to start a career as an artist, but being involved with the Midwest CMO and ISSA makes the intimidating world of music less so. I feel the organizations give artists the support and backing they need for their career to flourish with connections to other musicians, mentors, and so much more.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting out in their careers?
I would encourage them to say "yes" to all opportunities that come their way. You never know which venue or gig might change the course of your entire career or where you might perform for that one person who really needs to hear your work. Keep the grind and seek support from others in the area. Bouncing ideas off other artists is what keeps things fresh in your performance, and it will never hurt to take an opportunity regardless of how "small" it may seem in the moment. In my experience, it's where the magic happens.
Finally, how can fans support your work and stay up-to-date with your music and performances?
Following me on social media is the best way to keep up! I'm on everything: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and everything in between @tylerherwigmusic. You can also check out any new music, check my tour schedule, and let me know where you'd like to see me next on my website: tylerherwigmusic.com. I look forward to connecting with fans and getting to know each of them even better!
Following me on social media is the best way to keep up! I'm on everything: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and everything in between @tylerherwigmusic. You can also check out any new music, check my tour schedule, and let me know where you'd like to see me next on my website: tylerherwigmusic.com. I look forward to connecting with fans and getting to know each of them even better!
Tyler's Next Arts + Rec Performance:
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Thanks to Arts + Rec for sponsoring this post! If you have upcoming events to promote, local Twin Cities businesses to advertise, or want to support these conversations please reach out.
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