PHOTOS BY: SHAHANAH SHIVJI
Quality in real, raw, story telling visuals to go alongside really great meaningful lyrics, is more and more harder to come by as years go higher in time. With mainstream media always highlighting very gotti and some what "bad and boujee" lifestyle(s), music videos have become almost close to predictable now.
But every so often, once every blue moon, there comes along a strong visual, that not only really changes the game, but makes the viewers give it a triple look because the ideation of the video; it becomes enticing and interesting. That for Dimemond Mentality is "Women", directed, shot and edited by Tyler Skyy.
TYLER SKYY
Tyler Skyy, 2017.
At 23 years old, Tyler Skyy has a lot to reflect, and even more to anticipate for his creative future. He is simply the representation of the saying, "a small town kid, meets the big city".
Born in Prince George BC, later raised in Houston BC, is where Tyler was raised until he was about 15 years of age, alongside the approximate population of 3,000 people.
At 15, Tyler and his family moved to Vernon BC, and during the rest of his High School years, is when he discovered his curiousity and appreciation for music. Once he further discovered the idea and process of making music it began to stir some potential opportunities. Furthermore, the Art Institute coincidently came to his High School at the time, to present the school to the students, about their programs that they offer. Tyler knew then, he had to take the plunge, and get even closer to the 'big' city, to pursue something he believes in.
In 2011, Tyler Skyy made the move to Vancity and enrolled into the Audio Engineering program at The Art Institute. At about 7 months into the 18 month program, Tyler parted ways with the program, and decided to pursue his art and creative goals on his own, within his own practical experiences.
Tyler Skyy, 2017.
What is particularly fascinating about Tyler's independent journey from a small town growth, to a big city adventure, is his growth, and stages of them. To move to such a big city such as Vancouver, a much larger span of experience(s), as oppose to Vernon, and doing it by yourself, at a very ripe age of 18, it is quite a quick transition.
Tyler Skyy, 2017.
It's a very inspiring story at which Tyler shares very freely. When you add his passion and ideas for his music catalogue and as well as his sub-culture ideas he wants to bring to life in the near future, it is even more respectable. Everything takes chance and everything takes risk.
With that, Tyler presents his visuals to "Women".
WOMEN. (produced by Aaro)
DM was particularly interested in this very specific piece of Tyler Skyy's work for many reasons. It stood out because of its selfless purpose. The tone Tyler does use within the audio track for his single, "Women.", is especially different, and he does admit, he's received both the positive and negative feedback for it. However, here at Dimemond, we heavily appreciate and support Tyler Skyy's unique approach to tone, poetic justice and a beautiful ode to all females in this world.
A las, we introduce you to "Women."
The one question that may come up after watching these visuals Tyler Skyy has directed, shot and edited himself, is why? And having that question ponder in your head, is exactly what makes the visuals so great and unique.
3 AND A HALF MONTHS
Tyler Skyy shared with us that the compilation process of the video, is what took the longest in the process creatively. It took him approximately 3 and a half months (September - November), to compile and accumulate footage of a huge spectrum of visuals he needed for his vision. He recalls his biggest hurdle was finding and creating a very large library of footage and decided to strategize. He made posts in casting call groups on social media such as Facebook. He made posts on all his social media platforms. He also approached various females while being in Vancouver and Vernon to be apart of the project.
TONE
The tone in his track is the most intriguing and interesting element of "Women". Tyler's main inspiration for this particular choice for this track, came from him being a huge fan and his appreciation for Prince Ea, and the way he structures his projects, especially when it comes to the aesthetic of Spoken Word.
Tyler Skyy, 2017.
The concept for the track came to life when Tyler and his main producer for most tracks he has released, Aaro, were beginning to collaborate on Rainy Days and Peace Signs, putting together all the tracks and production. At that particular moment, he remembers sitting in Aaro's apartment, and brainstorming about the idea of Spoken Word.
“i would love to do spoken word about women from a ‘rapper’ perspective”
He does mildly admit it was a random instance, but he was curious about the process, and based on his admiration for Prince Ea's work, he wanted to give it a try. He knew right then, this track NEEDED a video.
His inspiration for this piece was simply all the great women in his life.
But with art and outspoken ideas, there are always going to be haters... and with that Tyler does not have much to relay other than, everyone is going to always feel a certain way, and most he can do, is allow them to voice their subjective point of view.
“i cant always expect everyone to like what i do, but i am going to keep doing what i think is a great idea and positive. if its not for you, its not for you.”
He is just glad, he has able to continue to still reaching greater heights when it comes to his incredible chase in the music game, as well as pursuing and creating more positive movements within Vancity.
Tyler Skyy, 2017.