Currently serenading Palm Beach locals from his balcony.
Currently serenading Palm Beach locals from his balcony.
He’s the Kiwi musician the Gold Coast has claimed as their own and for good reason, Tyler Vivian is a dream.
His next-level talents (vocals and guitar) have soothed our souls for the last five years and so, we’re never giving him back.
We sat down for a chat with Tyler about his band signing with Universal Music and his recent balcony serenades for the people of Palm Beach.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
Foive years m8 (Aussie accent).
What do you love most about living here?
I love how it’s very easy to call home within the sense of my surroundings. I feel an attachment to the beauty that lies within the cracks of the Goldie. Walk bush or down some alley way and you’ll find the gems.
Tell us how you came to be a musician?
At first, I became a musician because I’m competitive. When I found my true best friends in high school, they weren’t trying to jump the furthest or run the fastest, they were learning Metallica, so naturally I wanted that for myself.
Your band The Riot was just signed to Universal Music, what’s the plan from there for you?
Spread love, spread chaos.
How has the current state of affairs affected your music?
Time. I only want to use my time wisely through all this. When your job is to play music to drunks that only want to hear Wonderwall 96 times in a row, the last thing you want to do when you get home is write something intellectual.
From where do you find inspiration for your work?
Red wine and jogging.
Talk to us about a few of your favourites artists…
I just love anything that has the purpose of being something nobody has heard before.
You’ve been performing a few sets on Instagram Live from your balcony over the past few weeks, why did you decide to do that?
I wanted to give something to anyone in need of some connection.
What’s the plan for the rest of 2020?
I don’t really plan, I just continue to do what I love.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast:
Cafe for breakfast: Paddock Bakery
Coffee spot: Nook on Burleigh Hill
Restaurant for dinner: Zab Isan Thai in Burleigh by myself with a duck curry and a bottle of wine. Oh and MONEY BAGS, fuck I love money bags.
How does your weekend usually look: I can’t usually see but when I can I’m holding as much composure as possible on stage at Nightjar, 16 Fireball shots deep.
Musical talent is a thing we do not have but that’s cool because it seems lots of other people do and we have other skills okay.
Turns out, the Gold Coast in particular has many a musical prodigy, which is lucky ‘cuz this would be a short story otherwise.
Here are 12 local solo musicians you should give your ears the pleasure of listening to ASAP.
Rene Le Feuvre
The Gold Coast lad just released a new single and it’s a whole lot of love for your ears friends. He creates high vibe tunes and he’s possibly one of the most passionate musos around. Catch him in various venues and cafes across the city. You might just fall in love.
Nathan Fynn
He plays around the Coast on the regular, massaging locals’ ears with his cruisy vibes. They say his style is reminiscent of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Neil Finn and that is quite the combination.
Kate McKay
A singer/songwriter born in South East Queensland, it is with great pleasure we claim this woman and her soulful vocal cords. She’s pretty epic at all the genres but we particularly love a powerful ballad of the Kate McKay variety.
Tyler Vivian
He’s a kiwi turned Gold Coaster with the voice (and face) of an angel. Also a singer/songwriter Tyler Vivian is one man you want to listen to. While he can belt out any old thing, it’s those sweet, soulful songs of his that’ll get ya. Listen to his tunes here.
Brett Gannon
Raw, unplugged acoustic sounds are always a good time and particularly when Brett Gannon is bringing them to your life. He’s played the world over and is much-loved for his lively sets with tunes ranging from the 60s to now.
Julie Hayes
Of Irish descent, Julie Hayes has the storytelling gene running through her veins. Her haunting folks-style melodies will transport you to another world. Julie’s style draws influence from the like of Florence Welch and Joni Mitchell and that is just fine by us.
Tyson Faulkner
He’s a passionate musician who has been performing for over 14 years around Australia. With a vast roll call of influences including Eddie Vedder, Metallica and Crowded House, you know his shows bring the good vibes.
Ella Fence
An electro-pop artist who recently performed on the Festival 2018 stage, Ella Fence creates big sounds and guaranteed fun times. She’s all about big bass and edgy sounds and she’s definitely one to seek out and reward your ears with. Listen to her sweet beats here.
Gregg Peterson
Another Gold Coast adoptee, this time from the far flung US of A, Gregg Peterson’s musical roots stem from jazz, blues and country. His solo gigs see him utilise those insane looping machines and his guitar work must be seen to be believed.
Zak Keenan
He’s only been playing around the place for a short while but in that time he’s garnered quite the fan base. Catch Zak and his cruisy, melodic tunes at Nightjar on the regular and don’t be surprised if this guy shows up at the Grammy’s pretty soon.
Rory Switzer
He’s a solo man but he’s also part of a band, Loose Leaf and you can see him and hear his smooth vocals all over the Coast these days. The band is a bit of a combo of chill and a rock & roll vibes and they sure know how to get a party started.
Jason Delphin
Jason plays and produces music styles that range from blues, soul, jazz, folk, punk rock. He was unearthed by Triple J and he’s played at Falls Festival and few times throughout the year along with Blues on Broadbeach. So you know he’s good.
There you have it, this lot play across the Coast at many a venue so look up your favourite and get down there to #supportlocal.
Words by Kirra Smith.
Just as it was starting to seem like there weren’t enough nights in the week to visit all the sweet bars Burleigh has to offer, another one pops up to demand your time and your cash.
You can thank Scott Imlach and his talented team for the latest dive bar-style back alley haunt, which is guaranteed to be your daily (too far?) go-to.
In their signature style, the gang behind Bine, Hideaway and Soho have decked the place out in traditional, Sailor Jerry, tattoo-style artworks and over 50 hanging bottles that provide a low-lit, dark and debaucherous vibe.
Opening on October 6th, Nightjar will take the bar scene back to basics with a focus on the ideals of freedom-seeking, wanderluster Sailor Jerry himself. There’s no dress code, no fancy fittings and no uptight rules (high fives all round).
It’s just a bar, down an alley, where good times are the name of the game.
There’ll be live music, cold beer, creative cocktails and crazy dance offs (may have made that up but a girl can dream right).
The name Nightjar pays homage to Scott and Michael’s Kiwi roots – in NZ their fave (also made up) phrase is “let’s have a jar at the pub” which in Aussie talk translates to “let’s get a beer”.
Can anyone confirm that beers in NZ are served in jars? Asking for a friend.
It’s the good old fashioned party bar Burleigh wants and deserves and there’s absolutely no doubt that all the best things will go down behind that roller door.
So pals, let your hair down, get your tattoos out and let the good times roll.
LOCATION: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads (located next to Lockwood Bar)
HOURS: From 4pm to 12am Wednesday to Friday and 12pm to 12am Saturday and Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
