#MusicExchange: Tye Platinum releases debut single

After working behind the scenes by writing for other SA musicians and performing in various local music groups for the past 10 years, the R&B crooner released “That’s Why I Love You” on all streaming platforms during the last week of December 2020.

Platinum, who is 35, rose to fame as a finalist on The Voice SA in 2019.

“The song was inspired by the need to get back to love, back to the basics of a wholesome loving human experience. With this offering, I’ve gone back to my R&B roots but this time I’m working with a bigger group of experts in the genre including an R&B producer god from the ‘90s,” he says.

For Platinum, releasing “That’s Why I Love You” is one of his dearest accomplishments to date, after having initially only focused on songwriting and producing for other top local artists.

“For a bit, I was mainly working behind the scenes composing TV jingles and writing for other artists. At the same time, I was working on finding a sound that I resonated with. I didn’t just want to make music for the sake of making it”

His self-titled album, Tye Platinum, is due for release later this year.

I caught up with him last week.

Fame is about:

Using the attention to influence the world positively.

Retirement will happen when:

I don't think I will be able to do that, I love music too much! Ha-ha.

I don't do:

Negative self-talk.

What does music mean to you?

I am so fortunate to be able to use music as an outlet to express myself and at times even as a means to better myself. Music is an inward connection.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Getting an insight into other creatives' brains, their formulas, workflow, etc.

Your heroes:

God bless all the men and women on the frontline fighting this Covid-19 pandemic.

What is your most treasured possession?

My DAW or digital audio workstation.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

A fresh healthy green juice for everyone.

Dream gig to do:

To open for Boyz II Men in Cape Town, South Africa.

What makes you stand out:

I stay in my lane.

Nicknames:

Tokes, T&Cs, TP, Pie.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I would definitely be part of Neil Powell’s SA 7s squad.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Ambitious, cautious, dreamer, believer, manifested.

What is your favourite word?

Def (definitely).

Favourite fashion garment:

My tan Grasshoppers.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

Siennie man (sien die man): Do you understand?

Top of your bucket list:

The completion of my debut album.

What do you complain about most often?

One day a week I take time to complain about basically everything and, yes, I have people who listen to me.

What is your fear?

The fear of burning popcorn is real.

On stage, I tend to:

I sometimes mess with the musician’s instruments like detune guitars or transpose keyboards.

The best life lesson you have been taught?

Hard work outweighs talent each and every time.

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

I come from a charitable clan, it’s my foundation. We do whatever we can to help.

Wishes and dreams:

World peace and harmony, we pray, Amen.

Social media:

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn