28.10.2020
This week’s guest mix is by TYLR_ , a well-known DJ and promoter staple in the Detroit electronic music scene, including the underground scene. He is one of my favorites to see live, as he always sets the right vibe on the dancefloor. I’ll never forget the time that he dropped “Make It Hot” by Knox, and it became one of my favorite tracks. (You should listen to it if you don’t know it already!)
He’s played at Movement Electronic Music Festival on the Red Bull Stage, Charivari Detroit Music Festival, and places like Tangent Gallery, Grenadier, The Works, Motor City Wine, and many others.
I’m excited to finally have him on as a guest, he is one of the sweetest humans ever and so is his husband, Steven Reaume (The Detroit I Love). Their chocolate lab RØN is the cutest.
In his interview we talk about things like his view on the after hours culture vs. the regular party culture, their decision to not do parties during COVID, what he’s been up to in the production studio, his opinion on playing parties to people not dancing during COVID, things on his bucket list, a rainy day playlist, and more.
I hope you enjoy his mix, on SoundCloud now!
detroit.dance: In your opinion, what is the difference between the regular party crowd and the after hours crowd ? And why are you drawn to the after hours part of it?
TYLR_: The after hours party scene is a much more intimate and curated affair for us. It is rare that we don’t know everyone at one of our parties, and that is intentional. People also tend to be less inhibited at an afters party. They dance more and feel a lot more comfortable with themselves and those around them.
detroit.dance: Since COVID-19 has been going on, you haven’t been throwing parties – talk about that decision.
TYLR_: We have always taken the safety of our guests at our parties very seriously. Our parties tend to be intimate affairs in small spaces. We don’t think it is safe to bring our guests together in that environment and risk anyone getting sick. As soon as it is safe we will be back at it. We miss it a lot.
detroit.dance: When you do throw parties, what is your intention when you put them together?
TYLR_: We want to curate a complete experience for our guests. We put a lot of thought into decorations and such. We want everyone to feel safe and beautiful.
detroit.dance: What’s your view on playing gigs right now to people not dancing?
TYLR_: I have to admit it is very strange. I draw a lot of energy from the dance floor. That being said, it does feel good to be in the booth again.
detroit.dance: So you’ve been working on some tracks lately; talk about what you’ve been cooking up in the production studio!
TYLR_: Besides the tracks I have doing by myself, I have been working with my friend Robert Barnette on an EP. He is an amazing vocalist and lyricist. I can’t wait to share what we are doing with everyone.
detroit.dance: What draws you to producing music?
TYLR_: When I was in school I was in the orchestra and choir. I’ve always been curious about what it would be like to make music, not just perform or play it. I also get inspired by what makes people dance, what captures them.
detroit.dance: What is a dream b2b you haven’t done yet?
TYLR_: It is rare that I do a b2b set. When I do, it is usually with people I have a history with where we know each other’s style and are good friends. I always love going b2b with DJ Holographic and Loren.
detroit.dance: What’s one thing that people may not know about you?
TYLR_: I’m pretty much an open book. For many years before I was a DJ I was a stripper, but I think most everyone knows that by now. Lol. Oh…and my father is a baptist minister.
detroit.dance: What is one thing on your personal bucket list and one thing on your music bucket list?
TYLR_: Musically, I am looking forward to one day playing gigs outside of the US when we are allowed to travel again. Personally, I am blessed to have a lot of what I have dreamt about already in my life.
detroit.dance: What do you do outside of music?
TYLR_: I have worked in the service industry doing everything from serving, to bartending, to management.
detroit.dance: What are your hobbies?
TYLR_: I like to travel, but that hasn’t happened this year because of the pandemic. I enjoy biking, jogging, yoga, playing with our new puppy, and video games.
detroit.dance: Are there any movies or tv shows you’d recommend to people since we’ve got some free time?
TYLR_: HBO has had some great content lately. Lovecraft, Raised By Wolves, and Watchmen to name a few.
detroit.dance: Do you have a go – to shoe style?
TYLR_: Love me some great heels! 😉
detroit.dance: East coast vs. West coast?
TYLR_: Love them both. May lean towards West, only because I had the pleasure of playing at The Stud in San Francisco, and it was one of the best gigs so far.
detroit.dance: If you had a rainy day playlist, what would 3 of the songs on it be?
TYLR_: Anything by Dianna Ross, Luomo, or Laurie Anderson
detroit.dance: What was your first live music concert and first rave you went to?
TYLR_: First live music concert was Miley Cyrus…lol. First rave I can’t really remember…It is all a blur.
Make sure you check out TYLR_’s Destination Detroit (After Hours), and his Recipe by Request (Rigatoni Mezzogiorno) that will be posted Friday.
Keep up with TYLR_ on his socials :