From Breakup to Breakthrough: TYRA Shares Her Story
TYRA’s music is a masterclass in transformation: heartbreak becomes liberation, doubt becomes light, and vulnerability becomes strength. From writing her first-ever song to imagining the visuals that bring her music to life, TYRA gives us a window into the creative soul behind the melodies, and a glimpse of the powerful path she’s carving in pop.
‘Thank You For Leaving’ is such a bold debut. Can you walk us through the story behind writing it, and why you chose it as your first release?
‘Thank You For Leaving’ is a really special song to me. It’s not just a breakup song, it was actually the first song I ever wrote. That’s why I chose to release it as my debut single. I wanted to be completely transparent and show people where I’m starting from. It’s about taking back your power and choosing your own well-being. Writing it was a way for me to process those feelings and reclaim my voice. Now that it’s out, I want people to see me learning and growing with each release – that this is just the beginning of my journey.
Was there a particular moment or event that sparked the idea for ‘Light Me Up?’
There wasn’t one single moment, but rather a collection of experiences that inspired ‘Light Me Up.’ It’s really about those times when you feel lost, overwhelmed, and like your inner spark is fading. For me personally, dealing with my health issues and seeing my father struggle after his accident definitely contributed to that feeling. But it’s also about the everyday pressures and anxieties that so many of us face. It’s about those moments when you question yourself, doubt your abilities, and feel like you’re not good enough. I wanted to write a song that acknowledged those feelings but also offered a message of hope and resilience. A reminder that even when things get dark, you always have the power to find your inner light and to keep shining. And also to accept help from others.
When you think about the production of Light Me Up, what sounds or textures were most important to get right?
With ‘Light Me Up,’ I wanted the production to tell a story, reflecting the song’s emotional journey. I wanted the beginning to feel intimate and vulnerable, then build to a chorus that feels like a burst of light and hope. It was crucial that the production supported the song’s message – feeling lost, then finding the strength to reach out and believe in yourself. Every sound was carefully chosen to create that connection.
Did you approach the lyrics of Light Me Up differently than you did with Thank You For Leaving?
Yes, I definitely approached the lyrics of ‘Light Me Up’ differently than I did with ‘Thank You For Leaving.’ With ‘Thank You For Leaving,’ I was very focused on processing a specific situation and expressing my anger and hurt. The lyrics were direct, almost like a diary entry. With ‘Light Me Up,’ I wanted to be more universal and create a message that would resonate with a wider audience. I still drew from my own experiences, but I tried to be more poetic and metaphorical in my writing. I wanted to create a song that offered hope and inspiration, rather than just focusing on the pain. It was more about trying to write affirmations into a catchy chorus. So, the lyrics are less specific to my own situation and more about the universal struggle to find your inner strength.
Some fans describe the track as both empowering and vulnerable. How do you balance those two emotions when writing and performing?
That’s exactly the balance I’m aiming for, so it’s great to hear that’s what fans are taking away from it. For me, vulnerability is actually a source of power. It takes courage to be honest about your struggles and imperfections, and that’s what makes you relatable to others. When I’m writing, I try to tap into my own emotions and to be as honest as possible about what I’m feeling. But I also try to frame those emotions in a positive light, to show that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. For now I did not have any performances but I am working on them and I can’t wait to get started with this chapter.
What role did visuals play in shaping the release? Do you imagine a certain aesthetic or scene when you sing it?
Visuals are key for me – I see my music as a whole world. For ‘Light Me Up,’ I envisioned a world that’s both ethereal and grounded, with light and shadow. When I sing it, I imagine someone in darkness, then a single ray of light breaking through, representing hope and inner strength. I try to convey all those emotions also with my Cover Art.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music, especially those going through their own difficult experiences?
My biggest hope is that my music can be a source of comfort, strength, and inspiration for anyone going through a difficult time. I want them to know that they are not alone, that it’s okay to feel lost or overwhelmed, and that it’s possible to find their way back to the light. I want them to hear my story and realize that even after facing incredible challenges, it’s possible to turn pain into purpose and to create a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. Ultimately, I want my music to remind them that they are stronger than they think and that they have the power to create their own happiness, no matter what life throws their way.
Where do you see your music heading over the next year – are you envisioning an EP or full album, or more single releases?
Over the next year, my main focus is on building momentum and continuing to connect with my audience. I’m planning to release more singles throughout the year, each one exploring different themes and emotions, but all staying true to my core sound. I’m definitely working towards a larger project, like an EP or a short album, sometime in the beginning of 2026. My goal is to create a cohesive body of work that really showcases who I am as an artist and what I stand for.
Your next single, “Don’t Be Shy,” promises a sharper, more assertive tone. What can fans expect lyrically from this track?
Lyrically, ‘Don’t Be Shy’ is a lot more direct and confrontational than ‘Thank You For Leaving.’ It’s less about processing my own emotions and more about calling out someone else’s BS. Fans can expect raw honesty, unapologetic language, and a lot of attitude. I’m not holding back in this song. I’m calling out someone who’s playing games, hiding their true self, and not treating people with respect. It’s a song about demanding authenticity and refusing to be taken advantage of. It’s about owning your power and speaking your mind, even when it’s uncomfortable.