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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — On a cold and rainy Monday in Nashville, creativity is keeping everyone warm and dry at the Creative Caffeine Music Studio, located in the heart of Music City.
Tullahoma native and musician Tyronn Hamilton sits across from Nashville music industry veteran Pino Squillace discussing the importance of "keeping the music real" while supporting local artists in the area.
Squillace is one of the original MuzikMafia members and a well-known and respected percussionist/producer who has supported musical diversity since his arrival on the Nashville music scene in the early 1990's. He is also well known for founding Café Milano, a music venue that attracted well-known acts such as Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Branford Marsalis and more.
"Pino is the real deal and one of a kind, "said Hamilton.
After playing a few tracks from an artist that Squillace is producing, Hamilton takes a break from his studio work to sit down with The Tullahoma News and discuss his musical work both in Nashville and across the country.
It would seem that Hamilton was almost destined to become a musician — growing up in Tullahoma in a house full of musicians that included his parents Walter and Donna Hamilton and his 10 siblings.
"What I can remember of my whole indoctrination, if you will, as a musician began when I was three or four years old," said Hamilton. "All of my older siblings sang or played something. I can remember seeing my brothers play the drums. At some point I got to sit in their laps and hold the sticks."
He explained that he began to be able to keep time and would work the top part of the drum kit while his brothers helped him play the bottom, which he could not yet reach.
"They would also sit me in their laps when we performed at church. By the time I was five years old, I was able to reach the pedals and from there I knew that playing drums was what I wanted to do," he added.
Hamilton said that his love of drums continued through high school, but also during that time he was introduced to the piano during a family jam session.
"One of my brothers had come in to visit from California," he said. "The great thing about my brothers coming to visit was that the house turned in to one big jam session that could last all night with breaks being taken to show one brother how to play a certain instrument or chord."
He explained that during that weekend jam session, he was introduced to the piano.
"One brother was showing another brother how to play something on the piano. I knew the chord so I went over to help. They showed me a few things and I went on my way and left them to what they were doing. I really didn't think much of it at the time, but it was definitely the beginning of something."
Hamilton then said he took the chords that his brothers had taught him and began to frequently play more and more.
Fast forward to a year later and Hamilton was teaching himself how to hear music via the piano while also writing music that he was then playing on the piano.
"I began a relationship with the piano that is still growing to this day. My whole perception of music changed because of playing the piano," he said.
Hamilton credits his dad, Walter C. Hamilton, with helping him to recognize the importance of his musical talents.
"My father was an envisionist and knew there was always potential in us that would take us places and he was instrumental in helping me to see that for myself," he said. "He told each of us to not take our talent for granted and make sure to use our gifts. The biggest thing I got from my dad is to not sit on our talent, but to be progressive and keep moving forward."
Hamilton said he felt that being able to understand music at such a young age is what helped him to develop a deep passion for the music.
"My dad knew that I had a talent and wanted us to make the most of it and take it seriously," he said.
While Hamilton went on to play the drums through college, he found himself playing piano more and more and also making a name for himself on the Nashville music scene.
Today, Hamilton is staying busy pursuing musical roles that include artist, producer, composer and more.
As a musician he has worked with his brothers in their group known as "The Hamilton Brothers," performing with Grammy-Award-winners Darlene Love and Lisa Fischer in such musical events as "Muscle Shoals Live."
The brothers are also collectively producing a record for well-known Nashville artist Kim Fleming. Fleming has made a name for herself as background vocalist for artists such as Cher and Reba McIntyre and is currently touring with Jennifer Hudson.
Hamilton is also looking to sign a record deal of his own with Jesse Boyce, a well-known instrumentalist, bandleader, vocalist, songwriter, label owner and Music Row businessman.
He also plays the role of producer, helping rising artists such as Kylie Jade and Ashley Brooks, a Winchester native who Hamilton said is bursting with talent.
"I am very busy right now, but I am very blessed to be so," he added.
While continuing to grow as an artist is important to Hamilton, it's also about creating a legacy that will last long after he's gone.
"I feel like this was what I was created to do - to grow in music and to help others grow as well," he said. "I'm not about exploitation to make money. I'm so passionate about what I do. Everything is about creating music first. I have what I feel is a really honest approach to what it takes to be successful. If you want to build a fan base, you've got to be honest about your music so that you will be transparent. When you are transparent, they will be more willing to follow you.
Your skill set and what you bring to the table talent-wise is also important. It's about bringing what is real and what is the truth."
Hamilton said his mentoring of others is about "creating longevity.
"I want them to know what's out there and that they don't have to box themselves in," he explained. "They can focus on just one aspect of the business, but they need to know they have the talent to do whatever they want and I hope to convey that to them."
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