MANSFIELD — Khirye Tyler didn’t know what a Grammy was as a kid.
He just knew he loved making music.
The 2008 Mansfield Senior graduate celebrated his first Grammy wins as a member of the production team on Beyoncé’s “COWBOY CARTER,” which earned album of the year and best country album on Feb. 2.
The producer, keyboardist and songwriter has credits for writing, sound design, producing and playing piano, keyboards, bass, percussion, violin and strings on various tracks, including “TEXAS HOLD ’EM” and “BLACKBIIRD.”
He is the co-producer on “ALLIIGATOR TEARS,” which he said is his favorite from the album.
“I think the beauty of it is it all started with the passion,” Tyler said. “It didn’t matter if we won or not — the passion was why we were there.”
Tyler was previously nominated for a Grammy for his work on Roddy Rich’s song “The Box” in 2020, nominated for song of the year and best rap song.
Tyler lives near North Canton, Ohio, and travels to Los Angeles for work. He and his wife have five children.
“I didn’t go to the Grammys this year because honestly, we work so much that any and all free time I have I dedicate to my wife and babies,” he said.
“My family is my biggest asset so I always try to make sure I prioritize them. Makenna, Khirye Jr., Levi, Lincoln and Liam mean more to me than any of this.”
Credited with production, multiple instruments on ‘COWBOY CARTER’
Tyler grew up in foster care and said he lived in a home with about 15 other kids.
He moved to Columbus after graduating from Mansfield Senior and produced his first full-length album for a gospel artist when he was 18.
Now 34, he started playing piano in church and taking lessons at age 9.
Keyboardist and vocalist for the band RED Hands, Tyler also runs the label Black Suit Music. The band was featured as the house band on NBC’s “Songland.”
He has worked with Jay-Z, Usher, Alicia Keys, J. Cole, Big Sean, Chance the Rapper and many others.
Before working with Beyoncé on “COWBOY CARTER,” Tyler was one of the musical directors for the Renaissance tour in 2023.
“She is such a genius and she pushes us all to grow on every project I’ve been a part of,” Tyler said. “So going in, I knew that what she wanted to do would be groundbreaking and have an impact in our industry. I’m just grateful that she allowed me to be a part of that journey with her.”
Richland Source exchanged emails with the two-time Grammy winner about his accomplishments. Here’s what he had to say.
RS: When did you first get interested in music and/or producing specifically? When did you start traveling to LA for your job?
KT: I’ve been playing music in church since I was a kid but I started taking piano seriously at the age of 9. I didn’t really start producing music until around the age of 19. I started traveling back-and-forth to L.A. around the age of 25. At the time, I didn’t have a job, but I was taking a leap to faith in covering my own travel expenses just to go out and network with people and build relationships. I truly believe that if you want people to invest in you, you have to first invest in yourself.
RS: What did it feel like to hear “Cowboy Carter” had been nominated, and ultimately earned, multiple awards?
KT: It did feel good to hear that Cowboy Carter got nominated for Album of the Year and Best Country Album. And I must admit it feels even better for it to win. It’s an amazing feeling to be recognized for your work by your peers.
RS: When you were working on this album, did it feel special/ different from other projects you’ve been on?
KT: Yes, this project felt very different going in. Her vision for this project was clear. She knew exactly what she wanted to do and how she wanted to do it. She is such a genius and she pushes us all to grow on every project I’ve been a part of. So going in, I knew that what she wanted to do would be groundbreaking and have an impact in our industry. I’m just grateful that she allowed me to be a part of that journey with her.
RS: What do you think have been the most rewarding projects you’ve worked on since becoming a producer?
KT: I honestly say the most rewarding project that I’ve worked on since my production journey would be my personal music with my band Red Hands. It’s really cool to work on other artist projects and collaborate with different artists, but there’s something special about building the vision that God put in me for myself. I’ve been able to be a part of some really cool projects, but in my eyes, nothing beats my personal music with Red Hands. We also have a new EP out called “The Three”. Go get that.
RS: Tell me about your usual work process. What steps are involved from when an artist comes up with an album or a song idea and recording/ perfecting the final product?
KT: My work process is pretty easy-going. Find the idea and build on it. I tried to eliminate any thoughts of comparison or trying to sound like anything that’s currently out, and create freely. I feel like it’s more important to create what’s in your mind and not a replica of what’s in someone else’s mind.
RS: Has winning these Grammys changed your perspective on your work at all?
KT: No, I don’t think winning these Grammys has changed anything for me. I still have the same heart, passion and drive. I’m going to keep pushing, working and trusting God to go even higher. I don’t think God‘s done just yet.
RS: Are there any new/ future projects you’re excited about?
KT: Yes, there are some future projects happening. You guys are just going to have to stick around and wait and see.
RS: What advice do you have for kids in Mansfield who have creative dreams like you did?
KT: My advice would be to truly be who you are. The world has enough replicas. You are here for a specific purpose and there is no one that can beat you at being you. Remain humble, remain teachable and no matter what success comes. Keep the same heart in passion that you’ve had from the beginning.