Interview: Santa Cruz, CA Rap Artist Tyler Austin Brown Talks About His Debut Song "Allocate"
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“Like an athlete seeking to better their game, I’ve always sought to rhyme the most syllables and find the most obscure metaphors. ”
If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you select?
Raw. Cinematic. Introspective.
Who were some artists that influenced your creativity as a lyricist when you first became interested in pursuing music?
When I first started writing verses in my teenage years, I was all about the clever wordplay, the metaphors, and the punchlines, and it was so satisfying to find this in the rap music form.
I found myself listening to Big L’s “Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous” on repeat, along with Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter.” I shouldn’t fail to mention Philadelphia-based rapper Cassidy and his eight-minute freestyles, spitting line after line.
Like an athlete seeking to better their game, I’ve always sought to rhyme the most syllables and find the most obscure metaphors. This focus on technical rhyme, and the manipulation of the English language is a central feature of the music I create.
Congratulations on the release of your debut single and video "Allocate". What are you most proud of with this release and what does the single/video represent to you?
Yes, thank you! I think what I’m most excited about with this first release is the chance to introduce myself and my vibe and to see how people react to it.
“Allocate” paints the picture of a personal struggle with mental illness, and what one must do to overcome their own mind. I think the emotion comes through in a visceral way and that’s my hope every single time. I want people to feel.
You mentioned that you have a lyrical archive 15 years in the making. What makes now the best time to release your debut single and why did you select "Allocate" as the first?
It took me a long time to find someone who could produce music for me that really fit my style, but when I moved back to California a couple years ago, I began working with my brother recording tracks at his studio.
After many recording sessions and back and forth with new beats and vocal tracks, “Allocate” emerged as the song best suited to introduce myself to listeners looking for a new voice.
With 2020 winding down, what are some of your goals musically for 2021?
As it stands now, I got another single coming down the line and a music video to go with it. I think the main goal is to keep grinding, keep releasing these singles and high quality music videos that people can really get into.