INTERVIEW: Tyler Shea returns with new single “HOLLY”

Cornwall-based pop artist and producer Tyler Shea has crafted his musical world around candid lyricism, thoughtful contemplation and the small moments of everyday life that often become the biggest emotional discoveries. At 23 years old, he’s developed his own approach to songwriting that transforms personal thoughts into infectious pop music moments that feel at once intimate and instantly relatable. Creating his music from his own bedroom studio, he’s mapped out a sound that balances profoundly personal storytelling with impactful, modern production.

Drawing inspiration from the honesty of Noah Kahan and Taylor Swift alongside the influence of The 1975 and Holly Humberstone, Tyler’s music takes shape in the overlap between emotional reflection and modern pop appeal. His songs capture the complex nature of growing up, relationships and trying to understand the thoughts that often become louder in moments of turbulence. While his lyrics explore emotive subjects, his production brings a sense of movement and energy, creating tracks that are as emotionally compelling as they are ready to be played loud.

His official introduction came in 2019 with the debut EP Hometown and the following year, he expanded his catalogue with his first full-length record Mess, continuing to explore the emotional highs and lows of everyday life through a pop lens. Since then, Tyler has continued to develop his sound through a series of impressive singles, building momentum towards his sophomore EP Still Not Over You, which landed in April last year.

Now, Tyler Shea returns with “HOLLY”, a new single that distils the complicated emotions of stepping back into the world of dating after heartbreak. Combining upbeat, feel-good pop energy with poignant lyrics, the track explores the contrast between excitement and anxiety that can come with new connections. Within its energetic surface, “HOLLY” recounts the tale of someone caught between wanting to move forward and struggling with the tendency to analyse every interaction. Penned in his bedroom after a night out with friends, the song was inspired by Tyler’s own experience of re-entering the dating scene following a real life breakup.

Brought in by the soft strums of muted acoustic guitar and Tyler’s gentle vocal delivery, he casts an intimate folk pop style soundscape that flows with memorable melodies carrying emotive lyrics. As his voice takes flight, the arrangement jumps into a rock-inflected chorus that rolls with pattering drums, jangly guitar textures and bright, impassioned vocals spinning infectious hooks above. With intricate ebb and flow, the song flickers between delicate verses and invigorating bursts of energy to deliver a stunning listening experience from start to finish.

Progressing with layers of overlapping vocals, the song surges in the final chorus before simmering down with tender tones in its closing moments. It’s an epic display of Tyler Shea’s songwriting talent and performance panache, offering a stellar musical moment that’s sure to win over new and existing fans alike. With “HOLLY”, Tyler Shea continues to prove that some of the most relatable songs can come from the most personal places and his ability to transform internal conversations into accessible pop music marks him as an artist with a clear understanding of connection.

We caught up with Tyler Shea to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “HOLLY” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Tyler Shea below.

Hey Tyler, how’s things?

Things are great thank you, I really appreciate you reaching out.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My first memory has got to be from when I was in primary school. I’d written a song on my keyboard about how upset I was to leave my friends and move to a different school than everyone else. I didn’t really know what I was doing at the age of 11, but I just loved that feeling of putting some chords and notes together and finding a melody that belonged to me.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I’m massively inspired by artists who bridge the gap between organic songwriting and pop production. The 1975 are a huge one for me, alongside Holly Humberstone, Joan, and beabadoobee. I love that blend of nostalgic, modern, contemporary pop, indie energy, and really honest, conversational lyricism.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

A lot of it comes from just living life and capturing the moods that stick with me, especially late at night. Sometimes inspiration strikes from a specific conversation, a weirdly nostalgic feeling on a night walk, or just sitting at the piano or guitar playing emotional chord progressions until a line pops into my head.

What do you love about the UK music scene?

The sheer support for independent music. There’s a massive community of bedroom producers and independent artists helping each other out. Platforms like BBC Introducing, especially down in the Southwest, are incredible for giving independent artists an actual voice and a radio platform without needing a massive label behind them.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Either driving down an open road or lying on your bed after midnight. It definitely depends on what track you’re listening to, although if I had to pick one specifically, it has got to be a late-night reflection vibe.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

It started out very stripped-back and acoustic, with just me and a guitar or piano. Over time, I’ve completely fallen in love with the production side of things. I’ve transitioned into a much bigger, more atmospheric indie-pop and synth-pop sound. I do everything myself in my home studio now, so learning how to layer sounds, record real-world elements, and use outboard gear has completely changed the scale and emotion of my tracks.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

It would have to be Matty Healy or George Daniel from The 1975. The way they approach production and sonic textures, as well as their lyrical depth, is brilliant. Collaborating with as many independent artists as possible would also be a brilliant step in the right direction.

How did you find making your new single “HOLLY”?

It was a deeply meaningful writing experience lyrically, but honestly, a lot of fun. I tracked, produced, and mixed the entire thing myself in my bedroom studio. Sonically, I really wanted to capture a vibrant, driving pop energy while keeping the emotional core intact. It took a couple of late nights to dial in the exact mix and vocal layers I wanted, but I’m incredibly proud of how it came together.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

“HOLLY” is all about navigating the blurry, frustrating lines of an after-breakup situationship—that specific feeling of being utterly confused by the newly single dating scene and being struck by someone you’re completely falling for, but being so back and forth on understanding what you want and what you need. I wanted to capture the bittersweet tension of that experience. The name “Holly” is a bit of a fictional disguise, but the emotions behind it are 100% real.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been diving deep into Sombr and Will Linley lately. The songwriting and vocal arrangements from Sombr have really resonated with me, and Will Linley’s production style too, has sparked a lot of inspiration for future music.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Comfort and relatability. I think the best feeling in the world is hearing a song and thinking, “Wow, someone else has felt exactly as weird, conflicted, or heartbroken as I do.” If my music can provide that soundtrack for someone else’s late-night thoughts, I’ve done my job. I want people to really feel these lyrics and step into my shoes, even if they can’t directly relate. That is genuinely my favourite experience when listening to other artists’ music.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Honestly, some of the most intimate, stripped-back acoustic sets have been my favourite. There’s something magical about playing in a packed pub where everyone is quiet and genuinely locked into the lyrics, or even singing at the top of their lungs to a cover of their favourite song. Something about that feels so intimate.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

The 1975, beabadoobee, and Fly By Midnight. As for the location, it would have to be on a beach somewhere overlooking the ocean. The vibe would be unmatched.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Stop caring what people might think of you. Post that music, make that video, do that stupid idea. People don’t care; they will probably judge either way. Honestly, don’t wait around for permission, a massive budget, or a big studio to start. You can create incredible, professional-sounding music with a basic laptop setup and a decent microphone if you’re willing to put the time in to learn the craft. Write honestly, put whatever you feel into it, and just get your music out there.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

Right now, I’m just buzzing that “HOLLY” is officially out! The focus is on celebrating this release and getting it into as many ears as possible. Beyond that, I’m straight back into my home studio writing, tracking, and producing the next wave of songs. I’ve got a lot more music cooking that I can’t wait to share.

Listen to HOLLY below