Tyler Nichols Finds Heartbreak and Clarity on “West Virginia Turnpike”

There’s not much that’s more painful than roadtripping with someone you’d rather not be with. Tyler Nichols’ gorgeous “West Virginia Turnpike” finds tragedy and possibility in that moment. Recorded with American Aquarium’s Neil Jones, “West Virginia Turnpike” is the first song off the Nashville singer-songwriter’s EP Singing to the Spirit.

Nichols takes us to church on this one. It’s an epic, soaring soundscape that can only be matched by the blazing Blue Ridge mountains’ sunsets. The song pulses and tugs, leaving you a little bit more roughed up with each listen — and a little more refined. Nichols’ stunning performance reminds us that out of heartbreak, clarity comes.

Who are your biggest influences?

Some of my strongest influences include Nick Drake, Neil Young, Paul Brady, Paul Simon, and Bon Iver. The first song I wrote was also a song of heartbreak and lost love.

What songwriting tips can you share?

One tip I can share about songwriting is to try being uncomfortably vulnerable. I have found that sharing my deepest feelings, experiences, and stories tends to connect with my audience in a shockingly powerful way. As artists, we fundamentally dare to tap in to the unspoken feelings, emotions, and experiences that we share as people. By being uncomfortably vulnerable, we have an opportunity to allow our audience to share those feelings with us.

Do you start with music or lyrics first?

I tend to start off with music first. I keep a notebook full of ideas for lyrics and songs. But, I find that the vibe and the feeling of the music opens up the realm to where I can build a story. Sometimes, the music takes me to a story that I have already dreamed up. All that’s left to do is write the words down as beautifully as I can.

Whom would you love to collaborate with?

I don’t have any notable or famous writer’s that I would love to collaborate with, in particular. I have found that collaborating with everyday people is often far more powerful than with an opinionated writer or artist. If someone allows me, I can bring some of their experiences and stories to life in a song. In fact, “West Virginia Turnpike” was written with my friend Jessica Mitchell. She is an astounding lyricist and we were able to share our experiences in love and heartbreak to create a song that conveyed the feeling that you are not with the right person.

What’s the most remarkable thing a fan has given you?

The most remarkable thing I have been given from a fan is their raw emotion. Tapping in to someone’s heart is all that I desire to do in songwriting. When I am able to provoke raw emotion from someone, I feel that I have given them the opportunity to confront something inside themselves. Confronting our experiences and our emotions is something that music and stories help us do. I think that we all use music as a way to bring those experiences and feeling in to the light.

Tyler Nichols — Instagram