Tyrone "Ty" Bellamy

Interview by Teresa B. Howell

Teresa B. Howell: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Tyrone Bellamy: My name is Tyrone(Ty) Bellamy. Born and raised in Statesville, NC. Single father of 3. Grew up playing sports (football, wrestling, baseball). But, knew at the tender age of 5yrs old, that music was my life’s passion and it’s something I wanted to do the rest of my life. Attended NC A&T State University and Livingstone College for Music Education.

TBH: How long have you been in music industry?

TB: I’ve been playing 38 out of the 43yrs of my life. Started playing at 5yrs old, took over my home church music dept. at the age of 10. But I’ve officially been “Professional” for about 20yrs.

TBH: Are you a part of any group or band?

TB: Just to name a few artists and bands that I’ve played for include the likes of Joseph “Jojo” Gardner and Inner City Radicals for Christ/Jojo III Band, Gospel Recording Artist Nikki Ross, Doneta Dawson, Stephanie Allen-Stevenson...

TBH: Is it now considered a career?

TB: Yes, music takes most of my time outside of my family.

TBH: What made you decide to pursue music?

TB: I fell in love with music as a child listening to my father playing for people around the city. He was a well respect piano player and also just sitting under my siblings as they played different instruments.

TBH: Who has the most influence on your music and why?

TB: My musical tastes and influence is one that is unique. To the likes of Mozart to Beethoven, to Donny Hathaway to Stevie Wonder to Richard Smallwood to Thomas Whitfield to Art Tatum To Beegie Adair. So, it ranges from Classical to Gospel to Jazz.

TBH: Were there any mistakes you’ve learned along the way?

TB: Oh Gosh, some of the mistakes I’ve learned from is to always be yourself no matter what. I’ve learned to NOT try and sound like anyone else. Be uniquely you. Also, I’ve learned that TIMELINESS and BEING PREPARED is so important. Never NOT be on time for a gig or whatever you have going on and NEVER show up unprepared!

TBH: What advice can you give new artists who want to follow in your footsteps?

TB: I would say ALWAYS KEEP GOD FIRST! No matter what genre you’re playing, aim to be a vessel for God and always represent Him in any situation. Find your own niche. Skill is always inevitable but make sure what you do is from the heart. BE INTEGRAL NOT ONLY WITH YOUR MUSIC, BUT IN BUSINESS AND LIFE IN GENERAL! Also its a MUST to learn the business side of music.

TBH: In your opinion, what are the benefits of being an indie artist?

TB: Some benefits of being an Indie Artist/Musician is you’re not being consumed or overwhelmed by the Commercialization of Mainstream Music. Indie’s also get to do more of the music they love and feel. You have more control over the sound, feel, and vibe of your artistry.

TBH: What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?

TB: A typical studio day for me ALWAYS starts with prayer and communion with God and asking Him to lead me with any sounds, ideas, or any concepts that I may have. Once I do that, I lock in with production and engineering and we piece together concepts then go to work from there.

TBH: Who helps produce your songs and lyrics?

TB: I’m always looking to clarity and inspiration from the Holy Spirit and listening within my heart and soul as to what direction the sound has and needs to go. Let me reiterate that the spirit of God and lead and guide your and speak to you in ANY GENRE as long as He’s being represented with and by it.

TBH: Have you started performing?

TB: Yes, I’m still traveling and playing as much as I possibly can.

TBH: Who would be considered your mentor in the industry?

TB: The Mentors I have are again, Nikki Ross, Quennell Gaskin, and Walter Calafiore out of Novara, Italy.

TBH: What is one of your favorite songs that you have created?

TB: One of my favorite songs that I’ve written, that hopefully I can get it out soon with someone, is called “THERE’S NO ME WITHOUT YOU”. It’s a song where I’m having a conversation with God, just telling Him that, everything that I am, everything that I have, and everything that I will be in life and what positive light and influence I may have is ALL BECAUSE OF HIM!

TBH: How can someone reach you if they wanted to reach out for a performance?

TB: I can be reach on these Social Media Markets: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, all 3 with the name of Ty Bellamy... Also, I can be reached through email, tyrone_bellamy@yahoo.com and last but not least, TyBell Music number which is 281-901-1760.