tyDi has taken the world by storm with his album Shooting Stars. We chatted with the 24-year-old from down under who describes himself as a “songwriter, producer, engineer, musician, radio
host and all-round music freak who likes to travel the world and
perform loud crazy electronic music events to thousands party people” about headlining Love Groove this upcoming weekend and his career so far.
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OC Weekly: Your music is not a traditional EDM sound. What do you call your type of music?
TyDi: I'm not sure how to describe my style because I could write an essay on it. Instead, I'd just encourage you to listen to my album Shooting Stars. My music is always very melodic, it's powerful and emotive. Some of my songs have big catchy lyrics. Others are more dark and ambient movie soundtrack type pieces.
Who are your influences?
My influence and inspiration comes from everywhere. I've always been into music since I could walk, and I've listened to everything. There's new artists every day who inspire me.
What was your reaction when Armada Music asked to sign you?
I think I was 16 when Armada first signed me, it was one of those “dream moments.” I felt like suddenly everything in my life made sense, and I finally had a way to reach my goal. Knowing me, I probably went out partying and chasing girls.
Where is your favorite place to play in California? Do you have any Orange County dates scheduled?
I really love playing in LA. I have an amazing following of fans in Cali, who go crazy at my shows. On NYE, I played to 5,000 people in LA who didn't stop jumping for my entire show, it was off the hook! I don't have any dates for Orange County yet, but I'm going to chat to my agent about this. I love the beach, and I'd love to spend some time in the OC.
When and what was your break out song and performance?
My big break song was probably “Vanilla.” It gathered a cult following, who became my strongest fans and still are. The first break out show that I did was at Sensation White, where I headlined a stadium to 45,000 people. After that, I went on to perform in Holland to another 20,000 people. Since then things have been non-stop for me.
What do you want the fans to feel when they see a tyDi set?
Everything. A TyDi show has everything from those intense climaxes, where it feels like the walls will fall down, to those calm lose yourself moments that take you somewhere else. I want my fans to walk away fulfilled, like they've seen and felt something that they won't get from another artist.
You have mentioned on your Facebook that your new music video, “Talking To Myself” is getting mixed reviews. What are some things people have said?
It's not getting mixed reviews, it's getting confused viewers who can't work out what it's about. It's that's exactly what I wanted! There's several underlying stories to the music video. Everybody seems to have a different interpretation of it.
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What was the idea behind your video?
The basic theme is about a group of people who are trapped. They are lost in a world of snobby higher class, self delusions, where they think they run the show. We have slight references to the Illuminati (new world order, etc.). Basically I come into the party and destroy everything. I ultimately free the beautiful girl from her boring snobby boyfriend, who is cheating on her.
Shooting Stars has topped charts worldwide. What do you feel contributed to this?
There's a lot of aspects (and some luck) that all came together at once. First and foremost, I spent two years writing the best album that I possibly could; I wanted it to be unique, yet within reach of any music lover. It had to be diverse, and it had to have moments that would catch everyone's attention. I put everything into Shooting Stars. After that, it was mainly to do with my incredible fans around the world, who support my music on another level. They don't just listen to my tracks, they post them on their FaceBook pages and share it with everyone. I have such amazing fans. Without them, this album wouldn't have had the global reach that it ended up getting.
Are you excited to headline the Temple of Love Stage and Love Groove?
Aha! Absolutely! I LOVE California, and I just know that this crowd is going to be up for it. I've planned some pretty exciting stuff!
What do you have in store for the California ravers?
I've got a lot new remixes and originals that I've never played out before. I'm already into writing a new album, so I'll be testing some new stuff out on the crowd. Also, there's an insanely big remix that I just finished for Emma Hewitt. The song is called, “Re-Wind”, and I think it's going to tear the building down.
What is something most people do not know about your music career?
I studied and completed a four year music degree at the Conservatorium of Music.I also play piano, drums and I used to be in rock band!
Are you aware that OC Weekly has named you one of the Top 5 DJs Under 25, and your album was in our EDM Albums That Should Have Been Nominated For The Grammys? If so, what was your reaction, and what is the next list you think we should put you on?
REALLY?! WOW!! That's insane! No, I only just found out then, and honestly that means so much to me 🙂 Do you have a list for “Artist who would be most welcomed in OC?”, Because I'd love to visit you soon!
What did you do on Valentines day?
I've spent most Valentines days traveling or playing a show somewhere around the world. This time, I drank red wine and worked on music.
See also
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tyDi's latest music video, “Talking To Myself”
