Tyno is an upcoming artist with amazing performance energy, based in Seoul. He is most well known for his singles ‘Gang’ and ‘Mr Miyagi‘. We interviewed the upcoming artist to get to know more about his music style, experiences on SMTM6, and what we can expect from him as artist. Tyno was raised in London and brings a unique flavor to hip-hop by incorporating aspects of music he was influenced by growing up in England as well as experiences he has had in Korea.
Firstly, can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Yo, what’s good, my name is Tom aka Tyno. I’m 25, from South-West London, I moved out to Seoul a few years back. I was born here but raised in the UK. I do music and also teach here. Livin the lifeee.
I left [Korea] when I was 7 and moved to England and have been there ever since. I also lived in the US for 2 years.
Whereabouts in London did you live?
The South-West, there is an area where a lot of Koreans live, it’s called New Malden.
What led you to pursuing music?
I’ve always enjoyed music, especially hip-hop, since I was young. I was a trainee in Korea and I think that kind of made me get more into music and able to work on my own music as well. I think just the interest in music I’ve had since I was really young is what made me pursue music.
Do you think moving to Korea helped you get into that more?
Yeah definitely. I’ve always been interested in music, dancing, and performing so it was an opportunity for me. In Korea I’ve been able to go to more auditions because the music industry is really big here.
How would you describe your music style?
It’s quite aggressive. I do a lot of grime as well, not so much these days, but I was into the whole grime thing for quite a while. That was because when I was in middle school I listened to grime and American hip-hop but not really any Korean hip-hop.
Which of your songs would you recommend to first time listeners and why?
Definitely ‘Gang’ because that’s the most up to date polished version of me. Other tracks, they are me but I was never confident enough to publish them as singles. I was still trying to find my style and I think with ‘Gang’ I found what I really want and the style which is really me.
If you could collaborate with any artist (Korean or international), who would it be?
Anyone! I would be grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with any artists out there.
Singers or rappers?
If we’re talking about singers or vocalists then maybe someone like Jay Park, my music is quite aggressive so putting those kind of vocals together with my rap could be something quite new. Or perhaps someone else who also has an aggressive rap style.
Where do you get inspiration for your songs?
Music that I listen to, that’s a big one. And just life, hanging out with friends. But mostly from other music I listen to.
In 2018 you released your single ‘Gang’, what is the meaning behind this song?
Gang just means like my friends, my crew, and what we do. We party, enjoy life, make music. It’s just what me and my friends do.
‘Gang’ was remixed, right?
Yeah, with ness and Vanzo. Vanzo is a beat maker as well, and rapper. ness I met from SMTM6 so I think it was a really good chance for me to collab with them.
How did that collaboration happen?
So I actually asked them if they wanted to hop on the track and they were cool with that. Because it was my first single I wanted to have the original one and then have people hop onto the remix so ness was one of the people I asked. I think it went really well.
Would you consider remaking any of your SoundCloud tracks?
Yeah I’ve been thinking about that recently, so one of the tracks I have from the past I might kind of polish it and release it as a single. *watch this space*
Can you tell us about your experiences on SMTM6?
It was good because it was a way for me to get out there and challenge myself and at the same time it was an opportunity to get my name out, so in that sense it was really good. The audition, it was hectic, I didn’t sleep for 40 hours. Some people bring tents and sleep, it’s just like waiting outside and then there are some people who are doing cyphers, rapping, and practicing. I got through the first round, second round (where I met ness), and in the third round I did a one on one battle with ness which is where I got dropped.
Who has been a major role model in your life, how have they influenced you both musically and personally?
I think my brother is a role model to me in terms of music. He is in med school so he has a lot of work. He is always bombarded with work but he actually does music too. He doesn’t rap, he does something completely different. People compare him to Ed Sheeran, he sings and plays guitar. The reason why I respect him is he has so much work on his hands but he always grinds and does his music. He taught himself to play guitar, he does mix mastering himself, he writes lyrics, and he uploads it all on SoundCloud. He has a lot of listeners. His passion, hard work, and attitude are definitely things I look up to.
Can you talk about some of the musical projects you are currently working on?
I have a few lyrics that I’m writing but I’m currently looking for beats so it’s kind of on hold right now. I have a few things in the making but nothing is set in stone yet.
What do you like to do when you aren’t making music or working?
I do jiu jitsu, Brazilian jiu jitsu. I’m really into that, I try to get training in 3 times a week. Training is a big part of my life right now.
If you had to live in another country where would you go?
Can it be America? I was in America for 2 years and I really enjoyed it, I was in California and New Jersey. I really really liked California so if I could I would move back to Cali. Seriously, it was really good.
What’s your go-to late-night snack?
Chicken, pizza, ramyeon. I eat so much these days. Everything.
Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring musicians?
Enjoy what you do, don’t be pressured to succeed and make results. I think you should just enjoy it, enjoy the ride, go with the flow. It’s fine if you’re not making music for a while, you don’t always have to get stuff done. Just enjoy the ride and enjoy the music. I think too many artists feel pressured sometimes, don’t treat it as work!
Lastly, is there anything you want to say to our readers?
I would love it if you check out my music and also thank you to HiphopKR for the interview!
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[icon type=”instagram”] [icon type=”soundcloud”] [icon type=”youtube-square”]Interview, Photography: Amy Benham
Editor: Lena