Ty Mathis has a sound and look reminiscent of a time when free love, higher consciousness, and loud guitars were all the rage. His image and musical stylings aren’t just a nod to a time he idolizes but a true expression of his life’s passion. With his 5th studio album, Rising, recently released on all major streaming platforms, this young, Newark, Delaware-born and bred singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist shows no signs of slowing down. We chatted with Ty to discuss his start in music, his latest release, and his message to the masses.

How did you get your start in music?

I feel like I was born with music in my blood, I gravitated to music at a very young age. I began to explore lots of classic rock, and all of the beautiful music from the 60s/70s such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, Tom Petty, etc. I joined School Of Rock when I was 11 and started Guitar and Drum lessons. Shortly after that I taught myself how to play Piano and Bass, as well as singing!

What motivates you to keep making music when you feel like you’re in a slump?

A lot of my passion as a music artist is to uplift and inspire others and I write a lot about that in my music. I feel that a lot of the substance of my music has come from me looking deeper within myself to strengthen the relationship I have with myself and the world. If I’m feeling down I like to reflect on the sincerity of the lyrics I have written, as well as remember how the music makes others feel. Thinking of the shows and how the energy uplifts others grounds me back to the creative space as well. One of the biggest things is being Grateful to experience life itself and to be able to share the music with the world!I believe in the power of music to revitalize and set the soul free! It’s also great to keep in mind that life has a lot of contrast, ups and downs and I try my best to embrace that so I don’t get too caught up in the downs or the ups but have a deep level of inner satisfaction.

What influenced Rising?

Rising was inspired by my life journey, spirituality, and profound sense of connection with the world. I wanted to capture the love that I’ve found both within myself and the wonderful humans that I’ve had the pleasure to connect with! The Delaware music scene as well as the Delaware community itself has welcomed me with such open arms and I am forever grateful for that and I believe a lot of my inspiration came from that as well!

My favorite memory creating rising:

I have to say one of my favorite memories is actually how the song Rising came about! I was taking a Power Nap before a show and while I was sleeping I dreamt that I was singing and writing out a new song and in the dream I was trying to record a demo but my phone wouldn’t record it. I eventually woke up and rushed to my phone and recorded a quick demo and then ran off to play my show. I came back home afterwards and finished the lyrics and then I was like “ wow I love the feeling behind this, maybe this can be a concept album” so from that point onward I started working on my 5th studio album and the whole creative process was such an amazing chapter in my life that I remember so vividly and I feel like it was so important for me. I would write and record the songs in between my shows! A lot of the inspiration came from the folks I connected with at my shows and the moments I had off stage with friends and family in day to day life!

Most challenging part:

I’d have to say the most challenging part of writing the album was deciding when the songs are finished! Since I’m a one man band in the studio, it’s up to me to make all of the decisions so sometimes I can over analyze things and try to keep re - doing songs/ alternate takes. Eventually I get to a point where I’m satisfied with the songs and that’s a great feeling.

One thing I hope my audience will take away from my performance:

I hope that my audience will feel a supreme feeling of Joy, Love, Peace, Worthiness, Hope, and unity/ harmony with the world. I like to send out the most love in my performance as I possibly can!

Upcoming shows

July 22 - Nomad Bar Wilmington, Delaware

July 24 - Rockford Park Wilmington, Delaware

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