'5 Questions With': TYSON
“I like the idea of combining sweet love songs and straight up R’n’B with fantasy ideas and magic; I think you need that juxtaposition – it can’t be too sweet or too normal otherwise it wouldn’t be me.”
TYSON is creating a legacy in music that lingers on the fantasy of alternative R’n’B. Since embarking upon her solo music endeavour after departing from the electro-pop duo PANES in 2014, every offering we’ve heard from the West-London-hailing songstress feels balanced on an artful desire to build worlds whilst simultaneously illuminating life’s harsh realities.
On 2020’s “Moonlight Mixtape” TYSON gave us stripped back, airy acoustics with melancholic lyricism; all sealed together by a series of affecting ‘interludes’, which emanated the mundane hustle-and-bustle of city life whilst also capturing the people and connections that make it so special. Now cementing her re-emergence as one of UK R’n’B’s most promising underground voices, on her new EP ‘Pisces Problems’ TYSON is deconstructing the relationship between isolation and mental health through the light-hearted lens of the zodiac.
Below, EQUATE catch up with the ethereal singer-songwriter to learn more about how the astrological signs aligned for the release of this new project. Touching on her process for creating a daydream-like aura around everything she produces musically and her hopes for creating a future in the music industry that’s feels like a safe space for women to thrive via her girl-power-fuelled, female-led label collective Ladies Music Pub.
Read the full interview below…
Words & Interview by Tahirah Thomas
EQ: Hey Tyson! We want to know – what are ‘Pisces Problems’ and why is your sophomore EP named after them?
TM: I think us Pisces people definitely think we’re the only sign to have problems; we often think our problems are way harder than anyone else’s - which ironically, is a problem in itself [laughs]. I named the new EP ‘Pisces Problems’ because my producer (Oscar Scheller) and I have the same birthday. We work a lot in the same ways and sometimes we feel like we have to just shut ourselves away and reset in order to deal with life – the drama! I guess that Pisces trait is something we have in common so we’d joke about it during the process of recording, but the wider idea of the project is for the lyricism to feel like it can apply to everyone who has felt like they need to recharge in their own time and their own space before they’re able to focus on other people.
“In truth, the symbolism of the zodiac is light-hearted and satirical, whilst there are loads of wider underlying themes on the project about being open and honest about one’s feelings.”
EQ: It feels like most of the songs on “Pisces Problems” are really reflective and touches on feelings of isolation. Are there any inherent messages you want listeners to take away from the project?
TM: Yeah – you’re right on the mark! I guess, loads of people can relate right now in our current situation, but I’ve struggled with anxiety and mental health issues for a while and still do; so, I think naturally those themes come through in the music. In truth, the symbolism of the zodiac is light-hearted and satirical, whilst there are loads of wider underlying themes on the project about being open and honest about one’s feelings. Ultimately, I feel the best way to find release from mental struggles is to let them all out. I’d say that’s what I want listeners to take away; like here’s one version of the story, hopefully, others can relate to it somehow.
EQ: I know you’re dedicated to helping other women in the music industry find a creative safe space to do just that – let it all out! Can you tell us a little more about your involvement with the label ‘Ladies Music Pub”?
TM: I co-founded LMP with one of my closest friends Hannah TW back in 2015. We both worked in music at the time, Hannah on the label side and I was in a band. I guess, back then we just felt like we needed a support network and safe space within the industry. It’s grown and developed ever since to become a support system for the careers of other female artists- which we’re super proud of. Marina GB and Nellie Owusu joined us a few years ago, so – within the little music community we’ve built up – we’ve been able to do more work with regards to challenging patriarchal hierarchy in our industry, as well as offering advice and supporting women and gender minorities in music. Over time, we realised it was only natural to branch out and start releasing music and managing artists in the LMP network as well. Right now, we’re very much music focused with everything else going on, but we’re hoping to take on some more artists in the near future.
EQ: That’s amazing! I saw LMP also commissioned the team that worked on your most recent music video for “Tuesday”. Can you tell us more about the pink animal you’re riding through the clouds in the video? It’s very ethereal looking – what’s the story?
TM: ‘Tuesday’ is one of the first songs Oscar and I wrote for ‘Pisces Problems’ so it holds a special place on the project for sure. I really feel like that track has its own life and sound. Akinola Davies Jr. directed the video and came up with the idea of me flying around over London on a pink-fluffy-dragon-puppy-thing; I love it [laughs]! I like the idea of combining sweet love songs and straight-up R’n’B with fantasy ideas and magic; I think you need that juxtaposition – it can’t be too sweet or too normal otherwise it wouldn’t be me.
EQ: It’s sick – it sort of creates an aura of escapism around the whole visual. That being said, what would you say is the perfect setting for people to listen to all this new music?
TM: You know? I honestly think anywhere – whatever feels good for you in the moment!
YouTube/TYSON
Stream ‘Pieces Problems’ HERE
Follow TYSON on socials:
Instagram:@_tyson
Facebook: TYSON
Twitter:@tysonmcvey
