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Sage Advice from Midnight Sky’s Tim Tye: “Keep Your Day Job!”

Allow me to introduce you to the incredible talent that is Tim Tye, a gifted songwriter and musician hailing from the vibrant city of Dayton, Ohio. From the tender age of his teenage years, Tim has poured his heart and soul into his music, especially through his skillful guitar playing. Drawing inspiration from the rich country and Americana traditions, Tim’s original material has been beautifully showcased in not one, not two, but three remarkable albums: “Dark Stretch of Road,” “A Few Good Years,” and his latest release, “Last Hope for the Modern World.”

Now, here’s a fascinating twist to Tim’s story. Despite spending a whopping 45 years as a lawyer, his passion for music has never waned. In fact, it burns brighter than ever before. In 2009, Tim made the courageous decision to re-dedicate himself to his musical endeavors, immersing himself in the art of songwriting and recording. And boy, are we grateful he did!

Tim talks about his latest release, his influences, and the best advice his mom ever gave him…

What inspired you to take the risks necessary to make it in the music industry?

I enjoy making music; I want to share this joy with other people. And it’s almost impossible to describe the feeling you get when someone responds positively toward your work.

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What was the biggest challenge you faced in your career thus far?

Building and connecting with a fanbase. There’s a lot of competition in the music business, and a lot of the competition is extremely talented.

What motivates you to keep writing music no matter what?

You have to view songwriting as an end in itself. Even if no one else hears my songs, I’ve done something I love. Songwriting is very cathartic. It allows me to come to grips with what I’m feeling at the moment. I get things off my chest in a healthy way.

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What is the most rewarding part of being a musician?

Being able to create something out of nothing.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Dylan, Petty, Chuck Berry, Phil Spector, Brian Wilson

How did you come up with the title of your latest album?

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It just came to me one day. Writing the title song was almost an afterthought. It was the last thing we recorded for the new release. Someone suggested that the song be upbeat, so the lyric became Love’s ‘The Last Hope For The Modern World.’

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

My mom used to tell me “You hardly ever get in trouble by keeping your big yap shut.” Sound advice.

How has the music industry changed since you first began your career?

I’m amazed by how recording formats have changed. I’ve lived long enough that I remember 78 rpm records, then singles, then LPs, then 8-tracks, then cassettes, then CDs, then digital. I miss having something tangible. There is something magical about an LP sleeve.

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What would you like your legacy to be after you’re gone?

I hope that, no matter how slight, my music made the world a better place.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Put everything you have into your craft, but consider keeping your day job.

http://www.midnightskymusic.com 

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Interview

Charlamagne Tha God Turns Pain Into Power Amid Kanye West’s Shocking “Cousins” Confession

Honk Magazine

On a recent episode of “The Breakfast Club,” radio host Charlamagne Tha God opened up a moment of powerful facts about his own childhood trauma while talking very openly about Kanye West’s troubling new song, “Cousins.” In classic form, Charlamagne’s response was at once raw, emotionally layered, and deeply human. In “Cousins,” Kanye reflects on an unsettling sexual episode from his younger years involving a cousin, a song that had fans and critics reflecting. And as the song has whipped up waves of reactions across the internet, Charlamagne himself incisively cut through the noise with one of his own truths.

“No, they not. People are not gonna start coming out saying they sucked their cousin’s penis,” he said. “Listen, I was getting molested when I was 8 by a 20-year-old woman.” Charlamagne wasn’t reading from a script when he made the admission. It wasn’t done to sell records. It was unfiltered truth and a reminder that beyond the hot takes and the headlines, there are actual people whose invisible wounds we bear with us. Still, he didn’t completely let Kanye off the hook. This is a discussion we should be having,” he insisted, “I just can’t take it serious when it’s coming from Kanye. It’s always something with Kanye every week. That’s all. All of it just feels like a stunt.”

Also check this out: Jeffree Star Stirs The Pot With Cryptic Post Amid Kanye West’s Controversial “Cousins” Song Release

Kanye’s explosive public persona makes it difficult for some to distinguish between genuine confession and viral marketing. And they do matter, even more than ever, when the subject matter is so weighty. What happened on “The Breakfast Club” was a man seizing control of his own story in an arena that too often prizes spectacle over substance. Whether Kanye’s track succeeds in that level of reflection is a point of debate, but Charlamagne’s brutal sincerity also served as a timely reminder that healing begins when someone dares to acknowledge the uncomfortable truth.

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Interview

Jermaine Dupri Breaks Down the Bias Behind Xscape’s Rise

Honk Magazine

During his visit to the R&B Money podcast, Jermaine Dupri shared an obstacle he encountered in launching ‘90s R&B titan Xscape, and it has nothing to do with their voices. Dupri was blunt; Xscape never took off because of a lack of talent; it was their looks. “They just kept telling me they weren’t cute,” he said, shaking his head disapprovingly at the dismissive way executives from that era greeted even undeniable vocal firepower. It broadsided him, a wake-up call to the naked fact that marketing beats merit most of the time.

Even for one of the most vocally gifted female groups of their era, Xscape faced an industry that was more focused on image than artistry. The criticism wasn’t subtle. Even The Notorious B.I.G. dissed them in one of his lyrics words that stung in a culture where beauty was currency, and women who didn’t fit a narrow definition were often relegated to the sidelines. But Dupri wasn’t having it. He then doubled down on his faith in Xscape, championing their talent when almost no one else would. His gamble paid off chart-toppers like “Just Kickin’ It” and “Who Can I Run To” didn’t only reach No. 1 on the charts, they solidified Xscape as gods of R&B’s golden age.

Check out this article: Ester Dean Claims Her Role in Keri Hilson’s Notorious Beyoncé Diss Track

This isn’t just a reflection on Xscape’s journey, it’s a commentary on the battles many female artists still face. Dupri’s candor is a reminder that behind every platinum plaque, there’s often a quiet battle with industry bias. In essence, the story of Xscape is one of defiance, perseverance, and the realization that real talent doesn’t need a filter. And thanks to Jermaine Dupri’s vision and refusal to conform, they didn’t just break through, they changed the game. And sometimes, they come wrapped in the truth the industry prefers not to hear.

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