Artist To Watch: Tyler Ward

It would be silly for me to try to introduce you to Tyler Ward because, with over 1 million subscribers and almost 315 million views, you’re more than likely familiar with at least one of the many covers he’s featured on his popular YouTube channel.

If you’re a regular reader of Tragic Kingdom, you know that I grew up in a small suburban town outside of Denver, only recently transplanting myself to Nashville. If you’re one of the millions of Tyler Ward fans, you know he too hails from Denver; a fact that brought us together in the halls of our Highlands Ranch school long before his first video hit the internet. In those days, Ward was known as a charismatic star. An athletic star, that is. But about 6 years ago Ward picked up his guitar and pushed record, first sharing his musical gift with the world.

Nearing 200 videos later, a successful EP of his own material and sold out tour dates all over the world, Tyler is a star of another kind: a pop star. Over the last couple of years I’ve had the pleasure of following Ward’s rise to fame. A fame that breaks the confines of the YouTube channel from which he first delivered his smooth vocal, raw talent and undeniable personality. Producing a number of other rising stars, many of whom he features on his channel and tours, Ward seems to be making a play as the Ryan Tedder for the YouTube generation.

On his first EP, which shot straight to the top of the charts upon it’s release, Ward showcased his hand at writing his own pop hits and shared writing credits with some of the industry’s top talents, including Andy Davis, who co-wrote the breakout track “Dashes.” With his world tour continuing into the new year and finishing up work on his second EP of original tunes, it looks like this is only the beginning for Tyler Ward.

Listen to “Dashes” from Hello. Love. Heartbreak. below, download the EP on iTunes now and check back this weekend for my one-on-one interview with Tyler Ward.