Across the Midwest, Tyler Herwig is known as the preferred acoustic artist. With over two decades of passion that all started with a Breedlove in the trunk of his car, Tyler has developed a reputation for high-energy performances with deep, emotional musical interpretations that captivate all audiences.
As an influential leader in the industry, he keeps variety in his work through collaborations. From his solo career to features with other artists, and leading vocals with his band: Ocean’s Still, Tyler Herwig’s passion shines through. Attend one of Tyler’s 250+ public shows each year, corporate events, or weddings, and you’ll find yourself singing along to his masterful original pieces, along with styling from all genres.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Throughout my career, I’ve found the music I typically create doesn’t fit into one genre. I would consider myself a multi-genre artist simply because in the past, I’ve struggled fitting into “a box” with my music. I’ve tried to stick to creating within the walls of a particularity, and it just doesn’t feel right. For example, when I first started writing, I wanted to create ballads, which you can hear in my early EP album. As I began collaborating with others in the area and writing more as I dove further into my art, I was surprised that other genres came naturally as well. I began experimenting with as many as I could and found my creativity in the diversity.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
It would be Ed Sheeran, hands down. As a mainly acoustic performing single artist, I’ve looked up to him for a while. He has really set the stage, in my opinion, for being the top producer in that area of music. His looping skills and ability to write are unmatched. I love how he can go from ballads to upbeat pop songs while being so lyrical at the same time. It would be my greatest dream to open for him someday!
What lead you to become a music artist, and what advice can you give to others aspiring to make a hit?
I started off my career singing in the back of my truck with my guitar during breaks at my summer job in high school. To my amazement, a woman approached me and asked me if I would sing in her wedding. I then realized people would actually pay to have me sing for them, either at their private event or at local restaurants. It was a great hobby until I started writing and sharing my story of sobriety took over. From then on, I have dedicated my time fully to sharing that part of my life through music and writings of my own.
For others aspiring to write the “next big hit” or even take their artist career full time, I’d recommend they keep writing. As artists, we all produce things we love, and things we hate. But in such a vastly unique world, it’s sometimes hard to remember that something you hate-someone else might love. Just like something you love-someone else might hate. And that’s okay! The important thing is to keep writing and keep true to yourself, while never compromising your morals to fit what someone else might think is going to perform on the top charts. Audiences feel the authenticity and that is what makes for a hit song.
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What is the secret to making yourself noticed?
I always encourage collaborations. There are so many talented artists in this industry, and I think it’s silly to see them as competitors. When I see an artist rocking their game, I simply reach out and ask if we can collab on a song or if I could feature on one of theirs or if we could co-write. Not only are you creating new, exciting music for your audiences, but you’re also constantly expanding your own understanding of music and growing as an artist. It keeps you relevant and noticed in such a saturated industry. Plus, making more new friends never hurt anyone!
What can we expect from you within the next 6 months? Any releases planned? Future gigs?
So much is planned in these next six months! Where to start? Of course, you can expect tons of new music popping up all over my social media, so be sure you’re following. This new music will be some of my own work and collaborations, so you’ll see a vast array of genres coming out very soon. I’m also excited to continue to meet other artists in the area and create music with them too, it’s something I’m always striving to stay current in. Very soon, you should be hearing me on your local country station since my new single: “Living in the last days” just hit airplay. Lastly, I’m wrapping up my 2024 tour scheduling; I’m hopeful that will be available to fans near the end of the year, making it so that they can check where I’ll be playing all over the Midwest since I love making those new connections in person!
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be and your superhero name?
Without a doubt, I would be Spiderman. I’ve always loved the idea of swinging around the city and fighting crime, just like my favorite superhero. I wouldn’t even change my name because I’d love to pay ohmage to my superhero idol.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Tom Holland. Slightly because he is Spiderman, but mostly because I think he has a unique way of embodying his characters, and I think he could really connect with my story of addiction and recovery.
Which fictional character do you wish was real?
Yoda! So much wisdom in a small package. I would love to be able to ask him questions about life, and I welcome the challenge of interpreting his unique speech.
Would you rather be the one in a movie who gets the hero/heroine or the baddie with all the good lines?
The Hero. While the baddies may have good lines, the character arc is normally thought out better for the hero. I think I would have a lot of fun traveling the heroes journey and getting to experience all of the ups and downs of not only their emotions- but their interactions with other characters.
If you were captain of a ship, what would you call it?
“The New Rebellion”. It’s definitely a reference to Starwars which was a major influence for me growing up. I pick this name over others in the films because I grew up a rebellious kid, having had my struggles with addiction. I think “Rebellion” fits my personality!
