Tryer's Eve (thoughts)

“And I don’t know if I can do it alone - but I have to try”

If any line encapsulates the journey to releasing Tryer, and the sentiment behind the song, it’s this one. Mostly because it was coming from a completely honest and vulnerable place.

I’ve been playing music in and out of bands now for almost 20-years. But I was never “the guy”. I was a background figure; a complimentary player. Someone who had a heavy hand behind the scenes with writing and recording, sure. But in the end, every song I’d ever been a part of making was more dependent on someone other than me to win the listener over.

And I didn’t know if I could make something worthwhile without that crutch; the star who could capture your hearts and imaginations through the power of music. Anyone but me.

But I had to go for it. Because I couldn’t imagine not chasing a life of making music. It’s a dream. Something to find purpose in. And the journey of chasing it has (and will likely always) shaped who I am – my character, resolve, and values.

The truth is I haven’t answered the question. Because I can’t. My music will or will not resonate with a select group of people. That’s all still TBD, as they say. But I did learn one important thing along the way.

No one does it alone.

Yes, this is a solo project. But this debut single wouldn’t be what it is without my good friend Sean Martin West (look him up, yo) playing acoustic guitar on it. It wouldn’t be what it is without the help and support of certain friends and family. It wouldn’t be what is without the doubters around me either – I’ve always thrived more with a chip on my shoulder, after all. My vocal teacher helped push me to a point where I could lead sing a song, alone, for the first time in my life, at 31-years old. Mostly, she gave me the confidence to believe I could (I’ll give her a plug too, at Xanthe Alexis Music. Check it out, you won’t be sorry). My friends at The Spot Studios helped by capturing the best vocal performance I could give. And they always find a way to creatively contribute to the production and creation of a song. It was no different this time around. It’s why I keep going back to them.

I had help at every level. From the guy who sold me the cheap-as-hell piano that I wrote the song on, to my long-time, master-of-audio (and NFL savant), friend who mastered it, and everyone in between.

I could never do it alone. And I’d never want to.

We need each other, people.

So I’d like to give a quick, informal THANK YOU to everyone who has been a key part of my life journey. I hope I can play a positive part in yours too, whatever that looks like. Tryer comes out at midnight (in your time zone), 9/13 on all major streaming platforms. So just a few hours from posting this. I hope you give it a listen.

Much love,

YAN YEZ