By: Tammy Curtis, Managing Editor
As with most dream careers the recipe for success is a tough one. It begins with with a little talent, adding cups of practice and perfection, a quart of perseverance and a two gallons of pure luck. Nothing is more true over the last decade of Thayer native Michael Tyler’s music career. Last week, just months after turning 30, and a decade after moving to Nashville, Tyler signed a songwriting deal with CTM Outlander and Young Guns Publishing. This young self taught musician has music notes pulsing through his blood as he began making music when he was only eight years old. By 13, he had been discovered for his songwriting skills on My Space. That blood runs very deeply because Tyler is ironically related to Jimmy Rodgers, who is known as “The Father of Country Music. ”Tyler began his career like most, who are great at what they do, perfecting his skill. He sent songs back and forth to Nashville since he was 13after meeting award-winning producer Michael Knox online. Then, Knox was hired by peer music Nashville to restructure the company’s creative department. They are the largest independent music publisher in the world, founded over 90 years ago with 38offices in 31 countries. Knox has produced for country greats Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Clay Walker, Jon Pardi, Laine Hardy, LOCASH, Thomas Rhett, Kelly Clarkson and Trace Adkins, among others. Success comes slowly, but after sending songs and ideas to the producer for a few years and soaking up every bit of advice he could get from the respected producer, he made his way to Nashville in 2012. It was there when Tyler played his first Nashville show in the world famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge, undoubtedly a reality check for him. This is where a large percent-age of country stars get their first career breaks. While at Tootsies performing, he finally got to meet the man he had communicated through email and social media with for years. Knox encouraged him and told him that his talent was exceptional and that he should consider making the move to Nashville. He then helped get Tyler on as a songwriter for peer music. Tyler’s early influences were as diverse as his songwriting skill. From Johnny Cash to Poison and Def Leppard, Tyler loved country but also has a rock edge, like many of his song lyrics display. While at peer music, Tyler wrote “Laid Back” for his hero and now friend, Jason Aldean’s platinum-selling record “Old Boots New Dirt.” He then wrote two songs on the LOCASH album “The Fighters” . “Ship-wrecked” and “Ain’t Startin’ Tonight,” as well the Platinum certified two-week Number one single “Somewhere On A Beach” performed by Dierks Bentley. In 2016, his career advanced even further when he landed a recording contract with Reviver Music, and re-leased his first single, “Crazy Last Night.” After Tyler quickly traded the slow, small town Thayer, Mo. life for the fast paced country mu-sic lifestyle he began living his dream touring the nation. Tyler’s luck continued to blossom as he gained vital experience from the duo LOCASH, who he went on tour with in 2016.In a 2017 interview with CMT’s Samantha Stephens, he credited them with helping him grasp the perseverance it takes to succeed in country music and the fact it doesn’t happen in months but years, often decades. In 2017, he released his debut album “317”with songs that are near and dear to his heart. The collection’s lead single “They Can’t See” was his personal favorite and at only 23,the depth of his lyrics delve into the personal pressures and struggles young girls and women face in today’s society. This is a prime example of this multi talented artist. Tyler is also responsible for writing six of the songs on Aldean’s album “9”. These include “Got What I Got” and “Blame It On You.” He remained with peer-music until his contract was signed with the collaboration of CTM Out-lander and Young Guns Publishing on Feb. 12.Laura Wright Alexander, Senior Vice President of Young Guns Publishing said in a re-lease, “We are beyond excited to start this relationship with CTM and to welcome Michael Tyler into the Young Guns family. As we’ve gotten to know Michael personally, there’s just that something about him– the songs continue to impress us. It’s clear that he’s ready to put in the continued work. He is intentional about his growth as a songwriter while still focusing on his family, and he is an all-around great human being. We are so grateful to be on this ride with him. ”Also speaking of the acquisition of Tyler was André de Raaff, CEO of CTM Outlander. “We are very pleased and proud that we have been able to secure this new relationship with such a talented and successful songwriter like Michael Tyler, who has an extensive catalogue full of great songs and big hits. We are excited about his future and happy with the partnership of such a dedicated and successful company as Young Guns. They are one of a kind. Laura Alexander and Young Guns CEO Will Hamrick are great. We are convinced that they will bring exactly what Michael needs to become an even more successful songwriter in the Country music scene. ”Tyler told the SRC,“ I’m looking forward to new and exciting opportunities with this partnership. Of the10 years I’ve been in Nashville I’ve never felt more motivated and in-spired than now. ”Tyler and his wife, Sydney and infant son, Ozzy, make their home in Nashville. Tyler’s family reside in Thayer and Sydney’s family is from Hardy.
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