Ty Brasel
8th February 2023
Interview & Editor-in-chief: Owen James Vincent
Memphis-born hip-hop artist Ty Brasel describes his recent album 'TRANSCENDENT' as "a blessing," he says feeling relieved it's already out for people to listen to. The wordsmith Ty Brasel is, he was able to produce an outstanding compilation of highs and lows representing the sense of completeness and tranquility.
In a conversation with ReVamp, Ty Brasel opens up about inspiration, taking breaks, vulnerability, and collaborating with Jay-Way.
Where did we catch you today?
Thanks for having me! I’m currently on a flight back from working in Hawaii, feeling inspired and refreshed.
What were some of the highlights of last year?
Definitely releasing my new album. We worked so hard on it for so long, it was such a blessing and a relief to finally see it out for people to listen and live with. I also experienced a lot of personal growth last year which means the most to me.
Any new life lessons?
Too many to count lol, the one that’s been on my mind the most lately is just the importance of being present in the moment and trying to experience and process my emotions as they are instead of storing them away. I can easily get stuck in the past sometimes or be so focused on my dreams for the future that I forget to just be in the here and now.
When/where do you feel the most inspired?
I get the most inspiration from having real life experiences so sometimes I have to take breaks from music to just be able to live and get new thoughts and ideas. I also love being around creative and inspiring people, it’s easy to feed off of their energy.
How did you get into music in the first place?
I’ve noticed that most people who do music for a living aren’t able to escape it. It’s a gift and a part of who you are beginning at a young age. Melodies and cadences have always flowed out of me since I was young but it wasn’t until my sports career was over in college that I decided to try and take it serious. I fell in love with it immediately and never looked back
Your impressive discography includes four studio albums full of introspective lyricism , how did you become comfortable in sharing your vulnerable moments?
It has honestly always been a struggle for me because you’re really putting yourself out there, but I’ve witnessed the impact that being vulnerable can have on people with whatever they’re going through and to help them know that they’re not alone. I try to be honourable about what and how much I share, but I try to open up as much as possible because I want to help people through my story.
‘TRANSCENDENT’ is your fourth album, what does this project represent for you?
To me it represents wholeness. It takes you through a series of highs and lows in order to reach this sense of completeness and tranquility. I‘ve been through some amazing times in my life as well as some very rough times, but without that I wouldn’t have the mindset and perspective that I have now, so I’m grateful for it all.
What can you tell us about working with Jay-Way?
Many people know how dope Jay-Way is as an artist, but they don’t know how cool he is as a person. He’s very down to earth and he has a heart for people. I’m a fan of his music but knowing him personally makes me an even bigger fan.
What is the backstory behind ‘MAD 2 THE MAX’?
At the time in my life that I wrote that song, I felt like I was hitting a plateau in my career and running into ceilings, so I went mad on the beat and tried to break the ceiling wide open lol
What are you manifesting for 2023?
I would say lots of love and good times with friends and family. Lots of continued growth as a person, & much more dope music and fly art.