As emerging Canadian country star Tyler Lorette has learned, sometimes throwing back a shot or two (responsibly, of course) is exactly what the night needs. On one recent weekend out, breakup angst mixed with Friday-night adrenaline led him to turn up the jukebox, grab “one more little bit of help me forget,” and drink to forget the memories of a lost love. You can hear that experience captured—and cheers to it yourself—on his new single, “I Ain’t Thinkin’.”
Press play and start jamming as you read more about how the song came to be, Tyler’s first CMAOntario Awards experience, and what us fans can help manifest for his future.
Your new single “I Ain’t Thinkin’” arrives just in time for summer. What inspired the track and how would you describe its vibe?
This song actually got pitched to me by some writers in Nashville — Donna Dutchess and Chris Sligh — [and] I was really hyped up to see that. I was like, “Hey, do you mind if I can make it a little me and add and write on it?” And they were like, “Go right ahead!” So, I … put a bunch of my ideas in there with it and we made the song. It’s about going out into town to get rid of that sting of a breakup and just drink your sorrows away a little. [It’s] a fun one, and I hope everybody is going to enjoy it. When I showed my team the demo, I knew I wanted it to be my next single.
Your single was co-produced by Adam Newcomb, who just won the CMAOntario Award for Record Producer of the Year. What was it like working with him to bring the song to life in the studio?
Me and Adam have known each other since I was like 12 years old — maybe even younger — and we’ve been working together ever since then. I’m 21 now, so it’s been a lot of years, and it’s just exciting that we could still work together and have our creativity on the songs and go back and forth with the production. Adam, good job winning that this year!
Speaking of the CMAOntario Awards, you had the chance to participate in a songwriters round and other press events. What was your favourite part of being part of such a monumental weekend in the Ontario country music community?
It was my first time going to the awards, and I’m so glad I got to be there. I was there from Thursday till the very end, so it was really cool. I met lots of amazing people, saw lots of amazing people that I already know, and got to hang out with all of them and just have some drinks and enjoy our times. I got to sing a bunch, do some writers rounds, do some showcases… it was all really awesome.
We talk to a bunch of country artists at Love at First Listen, but every single one has their own individual, unique sound. How would you describe yours to someone discovering you for the first time?
I love every genre of music and all sorts of country music. So, I’ve got some bluegrass sound, some rock and roll sound, some traditional country and some urban country, all mixed together.
On a similar note, when did you first fall in love with music and songwriting and production and decide to pursue them full-time?
That’s a great question. Ever since I was four years old, I was dragging around a guitar, and right then and there, I knew I loved music. Well, maybe I didn’t know, but my family knew. And around the age of nine, I was like, “This is what I want to do with my whole life. I don’t want to do anything but music.” I started releasing music, going into studios and writing songs and doing all this, and I’ve never looked back. I feel like I was put on this earth to make music, and here I am.
Your last single, “Home,” received great support from the industry and was added to SiriusXM’s Top of the Country rotation. What have been some of the biggest pinch-me moments in your country career, and what’s still at the top of your bucket list?
Opening up for Brett Kissel was really damn cool. I had the best time ever, he’s one of the nicest humans I’ve ever met, and I’m so glad I got to share the stage with him and sing some damn country music. As for what’s next, I’m going to work my absolute butt off, but I want to hopefully one day sing at the Grand Ole Opry. That’d be really cool [to] one day hopefully walk in that circle, and maybe get some cool collaborations in the future. Red Rocks would be really cool too.
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We’ll manifest all of that for you! So, all your releases so far have been standalone singles. What can you tease about an upcoming EP or album? Is that in the 2025 pipeline, or how else are you approaching and working towards those milestones?
I have a lot of music—so much just stockpiled up, it’s crazy. I might be working on an EP… maybe towards the end of this year, maybe the start of next year. But I’m definitely excited to share all my music and get everybody to hear it because it’s been hidden for a while, and I just want to put it out.
How do you plan to continue to incorporate your audience, including your 161,000 TikTok followers, into upcoming releases and tour plans?
I like talking to my fans on Instagram DMs. I always answer, so if you want to DM me, DM me. All the love and support means the world. This summer, I’ll be playing at North of Nowhere Music Festival in Lindsay, Ontario and it’s going to be a great time. I’ll also be playing at Hollyrood Country Jamboree in Belleville and so many more. There’s lots of music coming, and y’all don’t want to miss it. I appreciate everybody so much.
Thank you, Tyler! “I Ain’t Thinkin’” is out now. Follow Tyler on Instagram and TikTok to get a front row seat to what’s next.
See you back here soon with another artist and music release for you to love at first listen! Have a suggestion or pitch? You know where to find us!
Happy listening xx
