HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - TYRUN
TYRUN
NIUEAN/SAMOAN
MUSICIAN
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Introduce yourself, your Pacific heritage, where you grew up and what you create.
Fakaalofa lahi atu kia mutolu oti, ko e higoa haaku ko Tyrun. Yo, I’m Tyrun, Aotearoa born Niuean-Samoan singer/songwriter/artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau! While creativity drives me into creative projects that traverse multiple creative disciplines, my main goal is to make music for your ears, eyes and heart.
Take us back to the beginning. What did music sound like in your home growing up?
It sounded like the melting pot I see around me, the intersection of Pasifika identity being built in the diaspora, in Aotearoa. It sounded like The Nolan Sisters, Boney M, Gladys Knight, Brandy, Britney Spears, Pretty Ricky, 3LW, Adeaze, Aaradhna. It sounded like a Fresh Off Da Boat mixtape - sounds of rnb, soul and pop crafted into mixes that made you want to sing and move.
You’ve said, “I do not see many stories about being queer and Niuean. My music is about sharing those stories in a way that feels honest and hopeful.” Why was it important for you to be that voice?
I could probably care less about me being that voice, but that a voice needs to exist to say “these stories exist, and they should exist in the light” is what I care about most. Growing up, I did not see any queer Pasifika musicians in the media. Visibility is so important when it comes to minority communities, even more so for those that belong to multiple. To see is to believe, and if you don’t see anything you want to aspire to, then it becomes pretty hard to believe in much. I am immensely proud to be a voice for my communities.
Your music blends modern pop and R&B with Vagahau Niue. What has your language journey been like personally?
Turbulent lol. Up until around 3 years ago, I didn’t speak a lick of Vagahau Niue. We weren’t raised to speak the language, or understand the culture, so our home was void of it growing up. Thankfully I was surrounded by Pasifika friends throughout my life, so I’ve never felt completely alienated by that side of myself. I started with a free Vagahau Niue language course offered by MIT, from there I met more tagata Niue, many of whom have helped me get to where I am today in my journey. In all honesty, I’ve been able to shed a lot of shame around my relationship with Vagahau Niue/Niue by simply trying. I still cannot speak it very well, but as I try to get better, I am finding ways to bring Vagahau into my life - like through my music.
You’ve spoken about not seeing many stories about being queer and Niuean. Growing up, what did that absence feel like?
It felt like a whole lot of question marks haha. There seemed to be a lane laid out for everyone else but me, even the stereotypical “brown guy” archetype didn’t match me. Like do I sing along to Adeaze’s part or Aaradhnas part in “Getting Stronger”????
I think it’s funny when people talk about queerness in relation to “choice” - I very much would not choose to be bullied or ridiculed for being myself if I could. The thing about visibility, is that it isn’t only about being visible for those that relate, it’s also about being visible to those that don’t relate, or don’t understand. People get scared of the unknown, I think that's kinda dumb sometimes, so the less question marks our communities have around queerness, the better! Visibility is just one tool we’re able to utilise to make that happen.
As a queer Niuean artist, what challenges have you faced navigating both cultural and creative spaces in Aotearoa?
Honestly I’m still a baby in these spaces, so I’m yet to face anything that I’ve felt really challenged by. I am learning to wear my queerness and pasifika identity on my sleeve, to navigate spaces simply as myself, so let me get back to you with how that all goes!
Why do you think it’s important for Pacific and queer artists to take up space at events like Auckland Pride and CubaDupa?
Firstly, because nobody can do it like us. Secondly, there are so many queer people in the world, many of whom simply need a hand to be held out to them. And though metaphorical, again, to see is to believe. If I can get on these stages and be seen by someone who might need that encouragement to be proud of themselves for who they are, then ofc I’m getting up there and shaking ass (and trust, that takes up A LOT of space!)
What and who inspires you to create?
Myself. My family. My friends. Love. And in that order. I don’t believe I could create if I wasn't first a fan of myself. Let's be honest, if you can’t listen to your own voice without cringing then you probably aren’t meant for this life. I genuinely love what I create, I love the skills that make me capable of creating, and I love being able to share all of that with the world. I would not be where I am in life without my family, I’m inspired daily to be a better person, that includes continuously pushing myself as an artist. My friends spark so much fire and love into my life, my adoration for non-romantic love stemmed from understanding just how strong relationships with people you love can be. They inspire me to create art that makes you feel.
Looking back at your younger self, what is something you know now, that you wish you knew back then?
YOU DO NOT NEED PERMISSION TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE. JUST DO IT. I feel like I spent sooooo much time waiting for the “right” time, for someone to come and tell me that it was ok for me to chase what I wanted. The right time doesn’t exist, that someone doesn’t exist. Just do it.
What advice do you have for other young, brown, queer artists who want to create music/art?
The serious advice: work hard, work smart, do your research! The internet has become a vast ocean compared to the pond it started as. There is so much information out there, sometimes you just need to put in the effort to find it.
The cancer-rising advice: Be unapologetically yourself. Make from the heart. Trends will always trend, but art with purpose will always transcend.