There was something magical about growing up in the late ‘90s/early ‘00s. It was right before the internet took over our existence, so there were still things like listening to the radio or watching MTV for music instead of reality. People my age knew nothing mattered more after school than running home from school and pretending to do homework while Carson Daly highlighted the most popular videos of the day. That was the reality for most of us, including Daisy Tyler.

The California singer-songwriter’s love of music grew immensely because of MTV’s best countdown show, and from there so did her voice and style. Now she’s putting all of that inspo and then some into her upcoming release, ‘Rebirth.’ We talked about the EP, boy bands, and building music scenes back up after an unforgettable year.

Kendra: First off, I’m not going to hold the N’SYNC shirt you rocked on your IG against you as I’m a diehard Backstreet Boys fan. But from them to your “Inspo” playlist that includes everyone from Linkin Park to Tracy Chapman, it’s safe to say you love variety on your musical plate. With that, who were some of the artists you listened to that didn’t just spark joy because they were great, but inspired you to start creating your sound?

Daisy Tyler: I am a N’SYNC girl for life! However, I love every late 80’s – early 90’s boy band, even the Backstreet Boys! In my opinion “Everybody (Backstreets Back)”, is their best music video! Like you mentioned my taste in music varies, I was exposed to R&B, rap, and Hip Hop at a very young age and I fell in love with the sound and how raw it was, especially in the ‘90s. I truly believe that was the best era for every genre of music.

By the time I was five I figured out how to use the TV guide and I found my source of where I would be exposed to almost every genre of music, which was ‘TRL’ and I never looked back. ‘TRL’ really helped me discover artists who I would not hear on Radio Disney, and these artists would forever impact the kind of music I aspired to make. Artists like Linkin Park, Gorillaz, Mac Miller, Green Day, Tupac, Aaliyah, Paramore, Oasis, Radiohead, Yellow Card, Demi Lovato, and the list goes on. Other artists that also inspire are Teena Marie, Donna Summer, Mariah Carey, and Minnie Riperton. These artists truly made me believe that you can be vulnerable and real in your music! I would say in my music you are going to find a lil bit of each flavor.

Kendra: Haha, I did learn to accept N’SYNC into my life sooner than later, and like them – your debut single has a very pop meets R&B sound, and lyrically it’s on a universal level. “Liability” is all about your journey with inner peace, which is something I think many of us have struggled with this past year because well, this year has been A LOT. Would you say writing and recording helped in this journey of yours?

Daisy Tyler: Hahaha! I mean who would NOT eventually let N’SYNC into their lives? Have you heard “Dirty Pop?” And yes, I agree this year has been quite rough. But yes, writing and recording have helped me! Writing is my favorite part of the process! When I was a kid, I would use writing as an escape, and I would write short stories. As I got older and the more I became serious about music it would eventually be the place where I felt like I can be more honest with myself.

Kendra: “Liability” is the lead single from your upcoming release, ‘Rebirth.’ I’m starting to sense a theme. Will we find more songs inspired by your struggles on the record?

Daisy Tyler: Yes! “Rebirth”, is about the process of learning, letting go, and healing. This EP for me is about the journey of self-love and discovering your worth! However, not through the eyes of other people but yourself.

Kendra: Being raised in Los Angeles, you know all too well how great the music scene is here. How do you feel it’ll recover from the lack of live music due to COVID?

Daisy Tyler: LA has some of the most iconic music venues! And it saddens me that the future of live music is unforeseeable because of the indefinite timeline of COVID. However, YouTube and the NIVA (The National Independent Association) recently did an online music festival called #SOSFEST to raise money for independent music venues. I believe if more artists continue to get involved and help raise money to keep the venues alive, we will have a place to go and enjoy live music safely once the pandemic is under control.

Kendra: With all that has transpired this year, how do you feel 2020 has shaped your creativity and drive moving forward?

Daisy Tyler: To be honest, at the end of 2019 I made a goal for myself to put out music this year! When the pandemic first hit, I was bummed at first because I did not know if I would ever be able to perform my songs live. However, it made me stop and think about what kind of direction I wanted to take my music in. I have slowed down my creative process, have had time to write, and explore this EP. I am proud of what I have been able to write and record! It has been a very healing experience for me, and I cannot wait to release it next year.

Kendra: Kendra: Usually, this is where I ask people what they have planned in the coming months but with the world in a strange place right now, plans aren’t as concrete as they typically are. You can go ahead and let us know what you have tentatively planned in terms of live streams and whatnot, but can you also share a song that never fails to get you through when the world around you feels like a mess?

Daisy Tyler: Yes! Because of COVID and just because I wanted to truly put my heart into this EP, I will be releasing it next year! There are more songs than expected LOL. I would say the one song that never fails to put me in a bad mood would be “Move Your Feet” by Junior Senior. It is an oldie but a goody!