AphroChic Magazine: Issue No. 11
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SOUNDS<br />
Music to Free Your Spirit: John Tyler Reimagines<br />
the Music of the Moment<br />
Making the music of the moment is not just about topping the charts<br />
or changing the game. It’s not becoming a trend or a meme or a mood.<br />
It’s music that goes beyond the typical to place a lens on society, shine<br />
a light on its tragedies and its ills and inspire us all to march further,<br />
do better or just hang on.<br />
As Black people, we’ve seen a lot of moments, and our<br />
music has always been there for us. Whether it was a hum<br />
in the fields, jazz on Saturday, gospel on Sunday, or the<br />
blues every day of the week. Whether we were being told to<br />
fight the power, asked what’s going on, or commanded to say<br />
it loud, our music has been there to give us what we need<br />
to make it to the other side. And while we are still waiting<br />
patiently, eagerly, even desperately for our chart toppers<br />
and game changers to take a serious run at COVID, climate<br />
change, or any of the million other “moments” that are<br />
shaping our lives and weighing us down right now, John<br />
Tyler has another idea.<br />
At 22 years old, the Baltimore-born and -based<br />
artist has an impressive array of accomplishments,<br />
most recently playing on stage with Robert Glasper and<br />
Dave Chapelle. As a solo creator, he has several albums<br />
to his credit, as well as having produced more than 100<br />
DMV-area artists. He is also the founder of the Love Groove<br />
Festival, an annual showcase for Baltimore’s emerging<br />
musical and visual artists, combining performances, educational<br />
workshops and networking opportunities — that<br />
Words by Bryan Mason<br />
Photos furnished by John Tyler<br />
108 aphrochic
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