Tim Lyre Wants You to “Worry Less”
There's a fresh wave of artists building out the alternative music scene in Nigeria. Going against the grain of what the world has come to expect from the country that owns afrobeats, these artists not only exist but thrive in presenting the completely new and unexpected.
For Tim Lyre, music is second nature to him, and so is pushing the boundaries of others' expectations. Having walked away from his law degree to pursue music, he is as talented as he is determined. Moreso, he has no misconceptions about overnight success. “The music on my debut album is stuff I’ve been working on since 2018. I’m in no rush, I just want to make something I’m proud of,” he shares.
When defining his sound, Tim knows that it isn't considered to be “typically Nigerian”, but that it is his very birthplace that makes his sound inherently that. He continues to explain that his sound is most suitably categorized as “afrofusion” on account of all the different genres he has pulled from in order to create this body of work.
Titled Worry < (pronounced Worry Less”) the 9-track album releases 4 March and features some of Nigeria’s most powerful rising voices in PrettyboyDO, Lady Donli, Kobla Jnr, MOJO AF as well as Lex Amor from the UK and Brooklyn-based Nigerian rapper DAP The Contract. Tim assures me that every feature on this project was chosen with purpose: “I knew exactly what I wanted my album to sound and feel like, and these are the people that helped me bring it to life.”
He goes on to share his excitement at the burgeoning alternative scene in Lagos, and how happy he is to be a part of it: “It’s an important time for the alté scene. Africa is such a rich place, with so many stories to tell. As artists, we have a duty to push the envelope of what we do. I’m excited about this period of music that is happening in Nigeria.”
Tim Lyre breaks down the making of his debut album Worry <, everything that has inspired him as an artist as well as future plans in our full interview below.
This interview has been lightly edited for the purpose of clarity and context.
Jade Kelly: I want to take you back to the moment where you decided that music is what you wanted to do. What did that look like?
Tim Lyre: I wanna start off by saying that music has always felt like the most natural thing to me I come from a long line of choirmasters you know [laughs]. I started playing around with the piano at 9 years old, so I guess you could say I’ve always had an affinity for music. However, I also have a pair of African parents so naturally, I tried the safe route and chased a law degree.
When did you make the transition?
Music never left me. I started dropping stuff on Soundcloud in 2012, but I would say 2018 was when I started taking this sh*t seriously. It’s also around the same time where I met Adam my label [From Outer South] and the vision became clearer. In fact, a lot of the music on this project was made in 2018 and 2019.
I’ve definitely had to take a risk in leaving my law profession behind, but it’s already started to pay off. What I’ve learned is that the more I put myself out there, the more the universe rewards me.
Why wait until 2022 to put it out?
Even though I had the music, I needed to figure out what was the best way to release it along with my label, as well as who I wanted to bless the album. Cut to 2020 and obviously, Covid stalled everybody’s plans and so did the effects of #ENDSARS. It’s taken a long time, but I’m in no rush, I just want to make something I’m proud of.
How would you describe your sound?
Afrofusion is the easiest way to explain it. It’s not what people consider to be typically Nigerian, but I am Nigerian so therefore that will always be reflected in the music.
What do you hope to achieve with this project?
My biggest goal is always to create music that stands the test of time, so I really hope I’ve done that. I also hope that this album exposes me to more people and that they can appreciate what I’ve made. In my opinion, this is the best music I’ve ever made, so I hope it shows.
Tell me about the reason you chose Worry < as the name of your album?
I think the last two years have been a difficult time for everyone, but especially for those in the creative industry. I wanted to get back into the thing that gets me excited about making music, and I’m hoping to encourage people to feel better about whatever they are going through.
What’s your favorite track on this project and why?
That’s a difficult question, I would have to say my top choice is “Present”. It’s about being in the moment. It’s kind of personal for me because I realized that many times in my life I am projecting too far into the future and that I need to enjoy my life as I’m experiencing it. The production also happens to be amazing.
Many would consider you to be a part of the growing alternative scene on the continent. Why do you think it's important to push the boundaries around the kind of music people expect to hear from a Nigerian artist?
It’s extremely important. Africa is such a rich place, with so many stories to tell. As artists, we have a duty to push the envelope of what we do. I’m excited about this period of music that is happening in Nigeria. It’s a great time because I feel like people are finally starting to pay attention, and it’s just a matter of time before we take over.
You have a couple of features on this project, why did you decide on the particular people you chose to join you in presenting your debut album to the world?
It was definitely well thought out, and I am very connected to the people who I chose to be a part of it. I knew exactly what I wanted my album to sound and feel like, and these are the people that helped me bring it to life.
Who or what has inspired you as an artist?
My biggest inspiration comes from other artists At the moment, I’m a huge fan of Asa and what she has done with her debut album. I swear I could sing that project from top to bottom if you asked me to!
Is she on your list of dream collabs?
Absolutely! Along with Wizkid Little Simz, Tems, and Little Simz.
What would you say are some of the challenges of establishing yourself as an indie artist, and what advice do you have for someone who would want to mirror your path?
Honestly, the hardest thing for me is being consistent. There are so many obstacles and distractions. With that being said, my advice is to truly believe in what you are doing. If you allow doubt to creep in you are going to lose your mind. Most importantly, find your community!
Where do you see yourself a year from now?
I’m hoping I will be performing this album for sure. I would like to think I’d be making new music if I get the inspiration by then.
Who do you make music for?
Anyone who listens.
You have not mentioned money once in this interview.
I know not to place too much importance on that, but it would definitely be nice.
What excites you about the future?
All the music I still need to make!
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