Oklahoma City based Kevin Hickey, known his production alias TYNAN, has been a force to be reckoned with in the realms of dark, heavy bass music for the past several years. Crafting a genre-bending overall aesthetic with his productions, he’s triumphantly tackled everything from hard-hitting trap, gut-busting dubstep, and tear-jerking melodic pieces, all to rave reviews. 2019 has been a year of massive overall success for this steadily growing artist, with several of his releases amassing well over 100,000 plays a piece, appearances at many of the biggest festivals in the country, and several diverse DJ mixes showcasing his unrestricted stylings. We had the great pleasure to catch up with him right after his last release ‘Interdimensional’ with vocals from the wonderfully talented Rouxx.
Where does the name TYNAN come from?
It’s actually my middle name. Fun fact: it also means “dark” in gaelic.
To see people halfway across the world actually know what my music is. I don’t know, it’s a trip.
What’s been the biggest highlight of 2019 for you so far?
Oh boy, there’s too many to choose from! It would probably be playing Japan over the summer. That was something that seemed so far out of reach when I started this whole thing. To see people halfway across the world actually know what my music is. I don’t know, it’s a trip.
What other producers are you currently inspired by?
I would say I’m most inspired by producers who have their own sound and style that is their own. People like Space Laces, Svdden Death, LSDREAM, Peekaboo, Marauda. It’s something that’s hard to do and it inspires me to fully realize this weird concept for my music. Also, all of the up and coming producers who have insane sound design that makes me want to die (Leotrix, Control Freak, TRVCY, Jiqui, NVADRZ, etc.).
Tell me about the inspiration behind ‘Interdimensional.’
For ‘Interdimensional,’ I wanted to take a stab at writing a more poppy song. Something that you could actually listen to, while still retaining the craziness that I like to make. I really do feel like this song was a big step for me. The one thing I’ve wanted to with my music has been to make it more conceptual. Instead of writing the same bangers over and over again, I want to make something that will stick with the listeners. Something that is timeless. With ‘Interdimensional,’ it felt like I was getting closer to that.
Rouxx sounds fantastic on the vocals! How did you two get connected?
Dude he crushed it! We were actually connected through an old manager. He sent Rouxx the instrumental to the track, and Rouxx sent back the vocals and the rest is history.
Do you have any pre-set rituals?
Have a few drinks. Talk to fans/people around the venue. Maybe challenge them to connect four.
Some of my favorite shows have been in tiny dive bars with a barely functioning sound system and sweat dripping from the walls and ceilings. That type of energy is unmatched…
What’s been your favorite place to perform so far in your career? Any venues or fests still on your bucket list?
There’s still a good number of festivals I want to play out, specifically Electric Forest, especially with how much everyone hypes it up. But honestly, I prefer smaller more intimate shows than bigger festivals. Some of my favorite shows have been in tiny dive bars with a barely functioning sound system and sweat dripping from the walls and ceilings. That type of energy is unmatched, in my opinion.
Is there anything big in the works currently for the TYNAN project?
I dont want to spoil anything, but oh fuck yes. The next few months are going to be all over the place, but I honestly can’t wait to show everyone what’s in store.
Where do you see yourself this time next year?
Honestly, I don’t know. I just do what I want and hope for the best results haha.
With a wild ending to the decade, the next looks brilliantly bright for Kevin Tynan Hickey. With direct dealings with multiple of the largest labels in the game, a passionate fanbase, and increasingly aggressive and immaculate productions, 2020 and beyond are surely his oyster. Eager to see what he has coming next? You’re in luck, as his next release ‘Shy La Boof’ with Krischvn comes out Friday, and the VIP of ‘Extraterrestrial’ with Kompany is on the not-so-distant horizon. Keep your ears to the ground, as he could be one to change the entire face of the game in coming years.
