Hello Rockstars!
Today’s Artist of the Week is Artist TYMAY!
Here’s her story in her own words! She also has a new album and an EP out now that you should check out! The album is called “The Gift of Discernment” and her EP is called “Becoming“! Both are amazing, please check them out! xoxoxoxoxoxo
All photo’s by the amazing Tiffany Salerno! (@halfstop on Instagram!)
Enjoy! 😉
VMS:
When did you start writing and performing your music.
What’s your backstory.
TYMAY:
My introduction to vegas music came shortly after graduating highschool. I was a professional photographer and videographer and immediately started working with different artists all over the city. One day I was playing my friend’s beats in my car & immediately started freestyling. He encouraged me to record it and gave me the beat. I put out my first mixtape in 2012. I changed my rap name and my subject matter in 2016 and have been putting out music consistently since 2024. This year, I plan to perform live as much as possible.
VMS:
What artist or bands inspire you and your sound.
TYMAY:
I really love music, all genres have had a good effect on me but hip-hop has a special place in my heart. Listening to legends like Common, Kanye, Mos Def, Yo-Yo, Digable Planets, Missy Elliot, Lauryn Hill. I naturally found my own sound by selecting and making beats that I feel give me that same nostalgia.
VMS:
What’s your writing process and inspiration for your lyrics.
TYMAY:
I am inspired by everyday life. My pain, my children and my dreams inspire me to express myself. When I listen to a beat, I listen to feel. There’s always so much on my mind that I can’t articulate in day to day conversations. Then there’s a beat that calls me and the words just flow. That has been my process, going with the flow.
VMS:
I love your songs “Forward”, “Backseat Soliloquy” and “Born Prophecy”. What is the inspiration or story behind these songs.
TYMAY:
Thank you! “Forward” is about battling the challenges in life and learning when it’s best to reflect in solitude or lean on those who love and support you. “Backseat Soliloquy” is about my transformation from feeling like the underdog to feeling like a goddess. Being underestimated puts a fire in your back, locking in unleashed a level of courage I’ve only dreamt of.
“Born Prophecy” is about encountering someone who’s spirit and light is so empowering that it encourages growth and improvement in your own life.
Listen to TYMAY on Spotify:
VMS:
Tell me about your Album: “Uncharted“. What was the inspiration and process of writing it.
TYMAY:
One day I made a connection via Instagram with this cool producer named BeatMasterBoyce from Scotland. I started working on a song as soon as I got a new beat, then the next one came weekly until we were done. I wrote bars in the middle of traffic on receipt paper, in doctor appointments and waiting in school pick-up lines. Everyday there was something new to overcome and the collection of beats turned each song into a therapy session.
I am the rubber duck in the pink cowgirl hat, floating in a sea of chaos. Glowing.
Listen to “Uncharted” on Spotify:
VMS:
Which local artist would you like to work with and why.
TYMAY:
I’d love to work with Trade Voorhees, I think he makes incredible beats and has great energy. I’d also like to work with the band Overnight Celebrity and rapper JerryTheBlack.
VMS:
What’s your overall theme or message of your music.
TYMAY:
To be true to yourself. Being authentic makes people uncomfortable but setting the example has a ripple effect. I try to encourage people that no matter how dark or heavy life can get, there’s light with you always – not just at the end of the tunnel.
VMS:
Do you have a favorite song that you like to perform.
TYMAY:
ATP it might be “Not Similar” it instantly puts me in dance mode. It’s a wonderful affirmation and confidence booster.
Listen to “Not Similar” on Spotify:
VMS:
Do you have any crazy or interesting stories from working in the music scene.
TYMAY:
Hmm not too many crazy things but I think maybe the underground battle rap scene caught me off guard. I used to watch battle rap videos on worldstar when i was young but I never thought i’d witness it in person or the severity of how important it is to lyricists competing. It’s really a misunderstood art.
VMS:
What does the future hold for TYMAY.
TYMAY:
Growth, consistency and connection! New music videos, live performances, community events and a lot of new music.
VMS:
What have been your personal pros and cons of being a band here in Las Vegas. What do you think the scene could improve on and what are your hopes for the future of the Vegas Music Scene.
TYMAY:
A major pro of being an artist in Las Vegas is the potential. Our scene is small enough that we can really build community and grow into recognizable artists in our own city. A con is that local artists are often undervalued, since many events prioritize big-name acts due to Vegas being the entertainment capital of the world. I’d love to see more events outside of downtown and more intentional support for local talent. My hope is that the Vegas music scene continues to grow, uplift its artists, and create space for the community to thrive together.
VMS:
What do you want your audience to feel and experience at one of your live shows.
TYMAY:
I want them to feel the passion and emotion behind my words. I don’t just write to sound cool, I am expressing something bigger than myself.
For more information about TYMAY please visit her website!
—–VMS 😉