Tylah Ariel

Tylah Ariel

Classically trained singer Tylah Ariel Head made her debut into the music industry with her first single ‘Misery,’ which she wrote during a time she describes as “one of the most difficult” in her life. ‘Misery’ debuted in October, 2020, on one of the Caribbean’s largest music television stations, Synergy TV & Gayelle Caribbean. Tylah has made several TV and radio appearances since then including WICB 91.7FM New York, WBLS 107.5FM New York with Dahved Levy as well as The Morning Edition on TV6, Now Morning Show TTT and The Morning Brew CNC3 Trinidad and Tobago. Since then, she has been compared to Sade and Jhené Aiko both of whom share the compelling yet soothing vocal quality and laid-back onstage presence of Tylah. Tylah looks forward to the release of her second single ‘Breathe’ on May 21st, 2021. Breathe feels like a step in the right direction for the singer and is almost a  continuation of the story following Misery. It’s like a journey from pain to breaking free or “ release”.

The Trinidadian/American singer, was born to international photojournalist Andrea De Silva and former US Marine Corps Master Sergeant Leroy Head Jr. Tylah is the youngest of four children, followed by sister LeAndra and older brothers Mickell and Kristian who is the eldest.

Tylah’s interest and love for music occurred much earlier than even those closest to her realized. While as a child, she often sang duet with her older sister LeAndra, it remained largely private. Even though she sang in the choir at primary and secondary school level, her own personal ambition to pursue music professionally only became apparent when she applied to, and was accepted into The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).

One memorable instance and in hindsight, Tylah’s first public performance occurred on the ferry to Tobago around the age of 4. She and her sister spontaneously broke out into harmonious and melodic song to their favourite ‘All my life’ by KC and JoJo in the general area of the boat. Much to their family’s surprise, the area became quiet and at the end of their beautiful rendition, thunderous applause erupted. No doubt, the seed was quietly planted.

Later in her preteens, Tylah started writing her own songs, something she kept mainly to herself. There is a soul stirring and melodic beauty to the voice which captivates her audience, despite her shy and introverted nature. With influencers like Sade, John Mayer, Adele and Lianne La Havas, it is no surprise that her soulful renditions have endeared her to many.

In 2016, she teamed up with her sister LeAndra and with their beautifully blended vocal performance, won the Anne Fridal Cup for best Operatic duet when they sang Bacarolle by Jacques Offenbach at the National Music Festival Championships. “I’ve always wanted to sing. As a child I was exposed to various artists and all types of musicians by my mother. When the opportunity came to sign up for the APA degree programme, I did the audition and was very happy to have been accepted.” She earned her degree in 2018. During her time at university, Tylah recorded and performed background vocals for top local industry professionals as well as her peers. This included many duets with her sister, and her solo in their first show ‘The Beginning.” She has also sung backup for fellow alumni Tammico ‘Spicey’ Moore, Mistah Shak and the late great calypso legend The Mighty Shadow.

“During my development as an artist, I’ve been inspired by the classic sounds from Nat King Cole, to the more modern sounds like that of James Blake who is really experimental. I am also in awe of the creative genius that is Jacob Collier. While I love jazz expressions, I’m really into alternative fusion music because I find it hard to stick to one thing, and don’t want to limit myself to one genre because I connect to so many.

“From a young age I started writing lyrics to songs based on my own experiences and what I saw in the lives of close friends and family. Now I’m getting a chance to put my thoughts out and truly create. “It’s terrifying, but I love it” she says. 

Tylah no doubt, is one to watch as she continues to pursue her passion for musical excellence.