Emerging artist Tyra steps into the music scene with striking vulnerability and strength. Her debut “Thank You For Leaving” set the tone for a fearless artistic journey that blends raw emotion with Darkpop textures. In this conversation, Tyra opens up about heartbreak, resilience, psychology’s role in her craft, and how she hopes to inspire listeners with honesty and hope.
Tyra, “Thank You For Leaving” is such a powerful debut. Can you walk us through the emotional moment or turning point that inspired the song?
Thank you! The turning point was a realization that I was giving my energy to someone who wasn’t valuing it, and that I deserved better. It wasn’t one specific event, but a gradual accumulation of feeling drained and unappreciated. There was a moment of clear thinking where I saw what was happening, felt all the hurt, but also knew that it was time to choose myself. That was when the song started to form.
It’s often said that the best work comes from personal experience. Do you agree? And how does that idea shape your creative process?
Absolutely. I can only write about what I know, what I’ve felt, what I’ve lived. That’s what makes my music and me authentic (hopefully, hahah). For me, songwriting is a way of processing my emotions, making sense of the world, and connecting with others who have similar experiences. My creative process either starts with an emotion or a memory – something that I need to explore and understand and on this the music is built or we just randomly play chords or play around with all instruments we find and then it wakes up a feeling in me and then we have the topic. I actually prefer the second way since this comes more naturally.
The line “I used to miss you but now you’re a stranger full time” has resonated with many listeners. What does that lyric mean to you today, when the song is out in the world?
It’s amazing that that line resonated with so many people. For me, it represents a complete shift in perspective. It’s about getting to a point where you’re no longer defined by that relationship. The person you thought you knew is gone, and you’ve moved on. There’s peace in that – in acknowledging that chapter is closed and embracing the future without them.
As you begin your journey with original music, how do you see yourself evolving artistically? Some artists stick to a defined genre and voice, while others reinvent themselves with every project: changing sound, themes, even vocal delivery. Which path feels more natural to you right now?
I definitely don’t want to stay static. I think evolution is essential for any artist. I’m always open to experimenting with new sounds, themes, and collaborations. While I’ll always stay true to my core – that Darkpop blend with raw emotion – I also want to push myself and try new things. I see my music evolving naturally as I grow and change as a person. I also think there is so much to learn and to explore, and with my head full of millions of ideas, I’ll never out learn and definitely don’t want to. So I am already sorry for every person who ever gets to work with me. I will be sending you random voice notes in the middle of the night.
You have a background in psychology, which clearly informs your songwriting. How does that academic lens influence the way you tell emotional stories in music?
Studying psychology has definitely given me a deeper understanding of human emotions, motivations, and behaviors. It helps me to analyze my own experiences and the experiences of others with a more critical eye. Also psychology provides me tools on helping other with their own problems. It is so great when people can hear my music and get help to life a better life and understand their actions. But I also gotta admit that it’s not so fun when you reflect on a situation and you realize that I was the problem, now I need to say I am sorry, even though I don’t always want to. hahah
You’ve cited influences like Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Queen. What have you learned from them about building a lasting artistic identity? Were there any specific songs that completely blew you away, changed how you approached songwriting or instantly sparked your creative ideas?
From Billie Eilish, I’ve learned the power of authenticity and staying true to yourself. From Taylor Swift, I’ve learned the importance of storytelling and connecting with your audience on a personal level. And from Queen, I’ve learned the importance of pushing boundaries and creating music that is both epic and timeless, and of course the performance of Freddie Mercury, wow.. And all those artists helped me to keep pushing and trying again and to just do more than “just” music. I would love to start a movement in the world, so that people accept themselves and realize they are not alone.
So much of your story — your father’s accident, your own health journey — could’ve led you away from music. What made you decide to turn pain into purpose instead? Was it therapeutic for you?
It’s interesting because those experiences initially didn’t lead me to music immediately. There was a period of shock, grief, and just trying to cope. But as I started to process everything, I realized that I couldn’t keep pushing my dream aside. It felt like a ‘now or never’ moment. Music became my outlet, my way of processing the pain and finding meaning in what had happened. The night after my first studio session I cried out of happiness, relieved by the fact that I had found my meaning. I also realized that I could use my experiences to help others, to inspire them to never give up, and to show them that it’s possible to find light even in the darkest of times.
Tyra, your lyric video for “Thank You For Leaving” is very memorable and cinematic. How important is the visual side of your artistry in telling the full story?
The visual side is incredibly important. I see my music videos as extensions of my songs, as a way to create a complete and immersive experience for my listeners. The visuals help to bring my stories to life, to enhance the emotions, and to create a world that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. I would love to do proper Music videos but it’s hard to find good people and also really expensive.. So for now I prefer to spend my hardworked money on the Music itself.
What personal themes or struggles are you diving into with “Light Me Up” release?
With ‘Light Me Up,’ I’m exploring the theme of finding your inner spark and believing in yourself, even when you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed. It’s about overcoming self-doubt, embracing your imperfections, and recognizing your own potential. It’s also about the power of human connection and the importance of having people in your life who believe in you and support you.
What kind of audience would you like to reach with your new song “Light Me Up”? Tell us more about the song.
I hope ‘Light Me Up’ reaches anyone who has ever felt lost, alone, or discouraged. I want to connect with people who are struggling to find their way and to remind them that they are not alone. The song is meant to be a source of hope, inspiration, and empowerment. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found, and that we all have the power to shine.