- Words Maria Mukaranda
The 22-year-old artist reveals her musical firsts, after releasing the powerful debut single, 'downtime'.
Meet Tyler Lewis, a 22-year-old artist establishing her musical narrative. The west Londoner’s roots trace a fascinating journey across Sri Lankan, Dutch, Portuguese, and South African heritage, which is mirrored in her diverse musical palette.
Picture a prodigious talent whose journey began at the tender age of nine. This was the genesis of Tyler, winning hearts and a school talent contest with a rendition of Mariah Carey’s ‘Hero.’ Fast forward to now, and she finds herself sharing the limelight with luminaries like Kiana Ledé, Becky Hill, Tyla, Yebba, Jessie J, and the ever-inspiring Mahalia, who acknowledged just what this young talent had to offer, propelling her into the spotlight.
With her debut single, ‘downtime,’ releasing this week, Tyler invites listeners into her world: a realm where pop and R&B converge in perfect harmony. Directed by the visionary Ray Fiasco, known for his work with Pa Salieu, Knucks, and Dizzee Rascal, the accompanying video promises a visual spectacle that mirrors the track’s cool and vibey essence.
Collaborating intimately with Grammy Award-winning artist and producer MNEK, Tyler’s creative metamorphosis makes her a one-to-watch, fusing nostalgia and innovation that echoes influences ranging from Luther Vandross to SZA.
Beyond the stage, Tyler commands a formidable presence on social media, boasting over 170,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram. Her powerful covers resonate with fans, showcasing not only her vocal prowess but also her ability to breathe new life into established classics.
As anticipation builds for ‘downtime,’ Tyler Lewis emerges not just as an artist but as a curator of musical experiences. So, buckle up for a journey that traverses the past, embraces the present, and hints at an exciting musical future.
First song you ever made?
‘No enemies’ in January 2021, which was written in my first session with MNEK, Iain James and Jade Thirwall. It was the first time hearing myself recorded properly, so I listened to it like 20 times a day for two months.
First time you fell in love with music?
Music has been a constant throughout my life, so I can’t really pinpoint a moment. Growing up my mum played a lot of Usher, Mariah Carey, and Luther Vandross, but because it was the norm, I never really thought about it. I now appreciate the role music played growing up in my household because my life really wouldn’t be the same as it is now.
First CD or record you owned?
The Pussycat Dolls – Doll Domination. It was actually a gift from the tooth fairy when I lost my first tooth.
First time you realised you wanted to be an artist?
I first realised I wanted to be an artist after Little Mix: The Search ended. I always intended to go back to a regular job, but when it was done, I couldn’t imagine doing anything other than singing.
First gig you went to?
Justin Bieber for the All Around the World tour. I wore a Justin Bieber t-shirt and had a Justin Bieber lunchbox. I also remember genuinely thinking I was going to be his ‘One Less Lonely Girl’, and when I wasn’t, it was like I was dealing with a breakup in real-time.
First time you faced an obstacle in your career?
I think confidence was the biggest obstacle. I didn’t think I could write music, and I hated recording in the booth so sessions, even though they were so fun initially, were also really scary, and I could never sleep the night before them. That in turn made me not present at all in those sessions because I was so in my head the whole time.
First instrument you owned?
A little silver Casio keyboard.
First time you felt like giving up?
When I first started doing live performances, the nerves were unbearable. I would literally feel sick for days before and would only feel that relief when it was done. The anxiety was so bad I contemplated if I really was meant to be a singer. But after so much more experience singing live, I love it like nothing else. I still get anxious but I love doing it.
First time you felt starstruck?
Through social media, when Jessie J sent me a voicenote. I grew up listening to her and just being in awe of her vocal ability, so hearing her compliment my voice was crazy. I have never sweated that much in my life. I also had a session with JP Cooper in January of this year, and when he called to ask where to park, I fully couldn’t even string a sentence together. Really embarrassing.
First time you ticked off a bucket list goal?
Being able to sing at KOKO Camden as Tyler was definitely a bucket list moment. I performed there with a jazz duo in 2022, and I remember loving the venue and thinking, next time I come back I want it to be for me. Opening up for Kiana Ledé in December 2023 felt very full circle. Also, Mahalia Presents was a big deal; Mahalia is an R&B girlie that I’ve loved for a long time and to be able to perform at her event as well as chatting with her behind the scenes was truly amazing!