Tyler Hilton was formerly known as bad boy musician Chris Keller on “One Tree Hill.” But now, after releasing his latest album “Indian Summer” last week, Hilton has begun a new tour filled with new music — before his show at Cookeville’s Backdoor Playhouse on Thursday, he sat down to answer a few of The Daily Beacon’s questions about his latest musical venture.
The Daily Beacon: If you were to describe your new album “Indian Summer,” how would you do so? How is it different and similar to “Forget The Storm?”
Tyler Hilton: This new record’s sound is totally organic. No electric guitars, no drums, just camp fire instruments. It’s a totally different sound then “FTS,” which was a total rock ‘n roll album for me. The songs on “IS” are a lot more country leaning I think. It’s a side of my personality and songwriting I’ve been wanting to explore for a while.
DB: Do you have a new single in mind? If so what and why that one?
TH: ”This is Where my Heart Breaks” jumped out at me right away as the first song to focus on for this record. I love how simple it is, and it’s a fan favorite.
DB: It’s been a few years since you’ve released an album. What have you been up to?
TH: Mostly I was on tour promoting “Forget the Storm.” It was the first record for me that brought me overseas, and I ended up doing three tours of Europe in that time, along with the usual Canada and U.S. dates. They were fun shows. I also filmed the first season of “Extant” with Halle Berry for CBS that aired this last summer. I played this grunge-rock loving computer programmer. I had the best time, and it was while we were filming in LA I had time to record the new record “Indian Summer.” And on top of all that, I got engaged to my longtime girlfriend, Megan Park. My point is, I barely had enough time to catch up on “Walking Dead.” But I managed.
DB: Songwriting seems to be a big part of who you are as an artist. Do you go into a writing session with an idea or does is not always work that way?
TH: Sometimes it does. I have ideas I keep on my phone that hit me while I’m walking around. I usually like to see where the moment takes me in a session, and then if I get stuck pull up some ideas I have.
DB: What is your main objective when going into a writing session? Besides writing a song of course.
TH: Sometimes I want to write a particular kind of song, which will guide the entire session. Sometimes it’s a theme, sometimes a genre and sometimes it’s whether I want a fast or slow song that’ll inspire it. But usually I try to let what needs to happen, happen. I can’t force it too much or it doesn’t come.
DB: Your music always has so many different sides to it. Where do you get your musical influence?
TH: From all over. I listen to so much music. I listen to lots of new bands on music blogs I follow, love old country and blues and was obsessed with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley as a kid. So somewhere in all of that you find my sound.
DB: Any current projects regarding acting?
TH: Filming a movie in NYC in April. Can’t say too much about it yet but there will be some music in it.
DB: You were such a hit on “One Tree Hill.” What was it like getting to be a part of that show?
TH: Amazing. One of the coolest experiences of my life. And not just because of the fans and the popularity of the show but the friends I made and times I had filming it I’ll remember forever.
DB: What was the most memorable part of being a part of “One Tree Hill?”
TH: Feeling a part of the team. It’s a very close knit community with that show and a lot of team spirit, I guess. It’s fun to be a part of that.
DB: Congrats on your engagement. How has it changed life for you? Has it had any sort of effect on your acting/music career?
TH: I’m looking at life in kind of a bigger way now. I’m sure it will affect my acting and music. I’m too close to the situation to tell you in what way, but my thinking has definitely changed. It feels really good. I love the shit out of her.
DB: When are you coming to Knoxville?
TH: Hopefully soon!
DB: How has touring been? Has it changed since your engagement?
TH: It hasn’t too much. It’s still been very busy, which I’m thankful for. I feel like I’m getting so close to some of these fans in that I’m seeing them at multiple shows and have been for years. It’s like returning to old friends sometimes.
DB: Your music often has meaning to it and makes for something people enjoy listening to—so what is your reason for creating new music and touring? Why do you do what you do?
TH: I’ll never know. My mother asked me over and over if I was sure this is what I wanted to do. There’s easier ways to make money for sure. I just love it though. It honestly doesn’t feel like I have a choice, it’s just what I would be doing even if no one else was paying attention.
DB: What’s next for you?
TH: Hopefully a vacation!
