Advertisement
Photo credit: Zach Whitford
__________________________________________________________________________________
For every artist, one of the most crucial decisions isn’t what to create, but how to create it. Choosing a genre that aligns with your abilities, personality, and passion can make the difference between work that feels authentic and work that feels forced. Your genre isn’t just a label—it’s a framework that shapes your voice, your audience, and ultimately, your legacy.
Understand Your Strengths
Every artist has natural inclinations and skills. Some are drawn to the raw energy and technical challenges of rock or metal, while others thrive in the introspective storytelling of folk or singer-songwriter music. Assess your abilities honestly: Are you a master of melody, lyricism, rhythm, or improvisation? Matching your strengths with the right genre allows your talent to shine rather than struggle against the constraints of a style that doesn’t suit you.
Follow Your Passion
Skill alone isn’t enough; passion fuels longevity. If you love jazz, blues, or hip-hop, immersing yourself in that genre will keep you motivated even through creative slumps or industry setbacks. Audiences can sense authenticity—when your work reflects genuine enthusiasm, it resonates more deeply. Foregoing passion for popularity often leads to work that feels hollow, even if it achieves temporary attention.
Experiment, Then Refine
Early in your career, it’s natural to explore multiple styles. Many successful artists—like Tyler Bryant, who merges blues and rock, or Foreigner, who blended British and American rock influences—found their unique sound by experimenting, combining genres, and observing which resonated most with their skills and audience. Use experimentation as a learning tool, then refine your approach to focus on the genre that feels natural and sustainable.
Consider Your Audience
While your personal fit and passion come first, understanding your audience is also important. Different genres attract different listeners, and aligning your music with the expectations and habits of your target audience can amplify your impact. That doesn’t mean compromising authenticity—it means presenting your talent in a way that reaches the people who will truly appreciate it.
Evolve Without Losing Yourself
Even after finding your ideal genre, evolution is key. Great artists grow within their genre, experimenting with new techniques, sounds, and collaborations while maintaining their core identity. Foreigner’s decades-long career shows how evolution within a defined genre can keep a band relevant, while Tyler Bryant demonstrates how blending influences can create a fresh voice without losing authenticity.
Ultimately, choosing the right genre is about honesty with yourself. It’s about recognizing your strengths, embracing your passions, and building a framework that allows your creativity to flourish. When you find the intersection of ability and passion, your work becomes not just music or art, but an expression that’s uniquely and powerfully yours.
ABOUT TYLER BRYANT
Tyler Bryant is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as the frontman of Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, a band that blends modern rock energy with classic blues influences. Born in 1991 in Honey Grove, Texas, Bryant began playing guitar at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigious talent. Influenced by legendary musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Led Zeppelin, he honed a style that combines soulful blues with powerful rock riffs.
Bryant formed Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown and released several albums, including Wild Child (2013), Truth and Lies (2019), and Pressure (2020). The band has toured extensively with major acts like Jeff Beck, ZZ Top, Guns N’ Roses, and AC/DC, earning acclaim for their high-energy live performances. Fans and critics alike praise Bryant for his fiery guitar work, dynamic vocals, and the raw intensity he brings to every show.
Musically, Tyler Bryant is known for guitar-driven rock with strong blues roots. His vocals are soulful and gritty, complementing his intricate guitar solos and commanding stage presence. The combination of classic blues influences and contemporary rock hooks allows him to appeal to fans of both traditional and modern rock music. Beyond his recordings, Bryant has made a mark on the rock and blues scene by keeping the spirit of blues alive in contemporary music. He is considered one of the leading young guitarists of his generation, inspiring emerging artists through both his albums and live performances. With his talent, dedication, and evolving sound, Tyler Bryant continues to cement his place in the modern rock and blues landscape
INTERVIEW WITH TYLER BRYANT AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: How did you first discover your musical or artistic style, and what drew you to it?
Tyler Bryant: I heard Elvis in the first grade. I was instantly obsessed. I then heard a blues man named Roosevelt Twitty in a local music store. We befriended each other and started sharing music. It became my entire existence before I even knew what happened. I listened to anything and everything like some sort of professional appreciator… Still do to this day.
Guitar Thrills: Did you experiment with multiple genres before finding the one that fit your abilities and passion?
Tyler: My dad listened to country. My friends listened to rock. The blues was the first music that captivated me, but I was bouncing around between AC/DC, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rancid, and Guy Clark… I loved it all. I think understanding multiple genres has benefited me in my musical career. Know the rules before ya break ‘em, I suppose.
Guitar Thrills: How do you balance personal artistic expression with audience expectations?
Tyler: Cool question. I don’t know that I’ve ever thought about it like that. The things that have seemed to most resonate with my audience have been the songs I was the most honest in. I’m trying to do more of that these days.
Guitar Thrills: Were there any early influences—artists, bands, or experiences—that shaped your approach to your genre?
Tyler: Definitely. My main influences are Jeff Beck, Muddy Waters, Tom Waits, Tom Petty, Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Johnny Winter, George Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Haggard, Hank, Townes, SRV, AC/DC, The Black Crowes, Robert Johnson, etc… like I said… I’m a professional appreciator.
Guitar Thrills: How do you know when a particular genre truly fits your strengths and creative voice?
Tyler: For me personally, I have always tried to follow my heart and play what feels true. I have probably bounced between genres to my own detriment, but my thought has always been, “If I dig this, maybe someone else will.”
Guitar Thrills: Has your preferred genre evolved over time, and what prompted that evolution?
Tyler: I can honestly say that I’ve never preferred one genre over the other. For me, if I eat chicken every night for a week, I might want something different. Music is no different. I love loud ass rock and roll when I need it. It makes me feel powerful. When I miss my Texas home, I listen the great Texas artists I grew up on. When I think about my wife or my son, I’ll put on “Take It with Me” by Tom Waits or “To Build A Home” by the Cinematic Orchestra. I love it all.
Guitar Thrills: What challenges did you face in pursuing a genre that wasn’t mainstream or widely recognized?
Tyler: I barely thought about the mainstream of I’m being honest. I never started playing music because I thought I could make a living doing it. Everyone I knew who it worked multiple jobs. I always just did it to do it because it made me happy.
Guitar Thrills: How important is authenticity when choosing a genre, and how do you maintain it in your work?
Tyler: If you’re not authentic, I think the audience will catch on at some point. I’d rather be authentic and have longevity than pretend to be something to catch a wave that’s just gonna fizzle anyways.
Guitar Thrills: Have collaborations with other artists influenced the way you approach your genre?
Tyler: I’ve felt like a sponge my whole life. I wrote big riff tunes when I was out on tour opening for AC/DC. When I was producing Rodney Crowell’s latest record, I often found myself on the front porch trying to write better lyrics. When I was out with Jeff Beck, I’d spend every night after the show trying to figure out how the hell, he was doing what he was doing. Ya are what ya eat.
Guitar Thrills: What advice would you give emerging artists who are struggling to find the genre that best fits them?
Tyler: If you can’t find a lane to fit into, create your own. There might be rules when it comes to old school radio, but there are no rules when it comes to art. Genres were originally formed by fearless innovators and we always need bold creators to push the limits of what’s possible.
CONCLUSION
Finding the genre that aligns with your abilities and passion is one of the most important steps in building a lasting artistic identity. It’s not just about trends or popularity—it’s about honesty, authenticity, and creating work that resonates with both you and your audience. By understanding your strengths, following your passion, experimenting thoughtfully, and staying true to your voice, you set the foundation for a career that is both fulfilling and enduring. When you choose a genre that truly fits, your art becomes more than just performance—it becomes a reflection of who you are and a legacy that can inspire others for years to come.
A RECAP OF WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
