Today we’d like to introduce you to Connor Tyra.
Hi Connor, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began playing music from a young age, starting on piano and eventually moving to guitar and beyond. My dad was the musical one in the family and definitely inspired my love for playing. I grew up on classic country music from greats like Ray Price, Johnny Rodriguez and others. Not to mention classic rock like Boston and AC/DC as well as the more 90’s-2000’s country like George Strait, Alan Jackson, Brady Paisley, Keith Urban and more. When I graduated high school, I started taking a greater interest in songwriting. I found it was an easier medium for me to express myself, almost easier than just saying it; as it were. I wrote dozens of songs (many of which never saw the light of day), but I improved with every one of them. So much of those songs had influence from the music I grew up on and the experiences I had accrued in life thus far. Eventually, I began recording with an engineer up near Fort Worth, a (now former) Front-of House engineer for Flatland Cavalry. He and I worked tirelessly on the first batch of songs and I started forming a band to play these songs live. I did shows at fraternity houses of mutual friends, tailgates, local bars, anywhere I could get in and play. This eventually led to me forming a core group, with Kristian Cruz and Brian Peterson on lead guitars, Braeden Stubbs on bass and Wilson Herbst/Cody Lester on drums. We played a ton of shows up around Austin and beyond, including several appearances at SXSW for an Artist Showcase at Shiner’s Saloon. I think those experiences helped all of us further ourselves musically and demand more of our own playing. Get out of our comfort zone so to speak. During this time, I decided to open my own recording studio. I enjoyed the recording and arrangement process so much when I first released music, it was something I wanted to do for others. With money I had saved up during college and working, I remodeled a barndominium (barn/apartment around 2,500 sq ft) and opened Anthem Recording Studios. I quickly gained clients just through friends, mutual acquaintances and word of mouth. I’ve absolutely loved every moment of it!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Quite the opposite. Music is a tough industry to be in, regardless of what facet of it you’re in. When I was primarily an artist, it was difficult to land shows, as there is so much competition of other great local artists, all trying to play the same places. You also have to market your music on challenging mediums like Instagram and TikTok, where again, everyone is vying for the spotlight and you have to stand out. We also had a difficult time lining up rehearsals as band. Most of the others in the band lived in and around Austin, while I am in Boerne (just outside San Antonio). It spoke to the other’s skills and our cohesiveness as a band that everyone came to the rehearsals we were able to have ready to go and had their parts down. As far as the studio goes, it was very difficult at times. I launched it with no formal recording education or know-how, just a burning desire to help other artists and make good music. I had to teach myself everything, though having a knack for arrangements and parts helped a ton. But there were many late nights, early mornings and weekends worked to educate myself and eventually, just further my experience and decision making when it came to projects.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think first and foremost I am simply a music lover, plain and simple. Everything else falls into place with that at the helm. As an artist, I love writing songs that speak to others as much as it spoke to me. I find there is an itch in the back of our brains that holds feelings we can’t quite put into words but we need to hear it said out loud. But, then find a song that perfectly sums up that itch/feeling and we have a ‘Eureka’ moment. That is what I always strove for. Many times I have had people tell me how much one of my songs has meant to them in their lives, whether it be a parent passing, a relationship ending, or just knowing there is something better on the horizon. At Anthem Recording Studios, I have been luck enough to bear witness to many rising artists and their amazing music. I typically work in Texas Country and Red Dirt, but have branched out to Rap, pop, Funk, Alt, Progressive and so many others. In Texas Country/Red Dirt, the songwriting is really able to shine as much as the production. It has been an amazing to see so many artists from all different walks of life! So, by having so many incredible songs come into my studio, it has been a distinct pleasure to work with the artists on these songs and help bring the music to life. As far as what sets me and Anthem apart is I am able to work within limited budgets and with any experience level of artist. I understand what it’s like to work hard to get a gig, play to an empty room, as well as feel overwhelmed by recording and budget constraints. All the struggles of an artist working to make their dream a reality. As a songwriter, singer, producer and an engineer in one, I find I am able to work with artists at every phase of their song’s lifecycle. From its infancy of just a note in their phone with some lyrics, to getting it ready for release, or even helping them find good spots to play, it is gratifying to know I can assist them any way they need.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentorship is difficult in today’s world I think. Everyone is so busy hustling and bustling that finding someone to help you personally and that deeply is challenging. Not that folks aren’t willing to, but it is less cut and dry mentorship and more off and on advice/guidance, a lot of it from contemporaries. Networking is a different story. I think just not being afraid to put yourself out there, call up venues, DM other artists, or even just go to live shows at your local bar/venue and make friends with the people up on stage and the venue staff. Despite the heavy competition, the music industry is not actually ‘competitive’. Most people are willing to help out others, since we are all in the same boat. Everyone I have come across is friendly and very open to sharing their story and experiences that in some way, however small, may assist you in your own journey.
Pricing:
- $1,000 for a full recording and mix. 3 hours of physical studio time with an engineer/producer, NO fees for reasonable time spent mixing and tweaking. All included.
- Songwriting assistance available, pricing varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anthemrecordingstudios.com
- Instagram: anthemrecordingstudiostx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Anthem-Recording-Studio-100095127673047/
