Tag: Voice

Over the years, music has evolved into a tool used by thousands of individuals not only for entertainment but also for purging their emotions and tapping into their creativity. This is especially true for artists and musicians who use their craft as vessels for messages they want to convey. One-time contemporary Christian artist Mychael Wright finds his truer voice, WRYT, as he fuses grunge-inspired guitars with incisive social consciousness on his debut singles, “Ivory Tower” and “Milk & Honey.” Through his music, he serves as a source of inspiration for those who also wish to embrace their authentic selves. 

Mychael Wright’s journey began in 2016 when he was a church worship leader whose deep-rooted passion for his craft compelled him to pursue a career in contemporary Christian music. Immensely fueled by the desire to reach great heights in his endeavor, he released faith-oriented music, including his EP, Grace, produced as part of the male-female duo The Lovely Vine. 

Although his original music style was able to tug at the heartstrings of thousands of listeners, Mychael Wright encountered “a spiritual crisis of conscience” somewhere along the way. Taking heed of his inner longing for a change, the artist trusted his gut and adopted his new and more authentic identity, WRYT. Despite the transition, WRYT remained passionate about faith-driven music, standing with the oppressed and confronting social injustice using his talent. 

According to the artist, WRYT is more than just a screen name. At the heart of his new identity lies a voice that is not afraid of speaking his truth, particularly about political and racial issues. In fact, his upcoming EP speaks volumes about his distinctive artistry that is reflective of the works of music icons Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Lenny Kravitz, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and Prince. Moreover, WRYT co-produced his singles with top CCM world producer Gabriel Solomon Wilson, who produced the works of Bethel Music, John Mark McMillan, Natalie Grant, and Kari Jobe. 

In an interview, WRYT shared that “Ivory Tower” is a commentary on how some of the most iconic structures are built by people who will never live to get the credit they deserve. After the 2016 elections, he realized how many in the country still suffer from being invisible, despite the contributions they have made over the years.

“My office faced the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol building, which sparked the opening line ‘We build cathedrals made of sand,'” the artist revealed. “We’re all human, but we seem to bestow power on many who don’t give our nation or individuals’ best interests at heart. I wanna smash the ivory tower. I wanna tear down the walls. I wanna break through all their borders and the world all we’ve lost. I wanna burn through all their privilege. I wanna vilify their hate,” the singer continued, reciting the lyrics to his song. 

Meanwhile, “Milk & Honey” embodies a moodier and hypnotic vibe but still encapsulates racism and racial injustice just as powerfully as “Ivory Tower” does. It is a commentary on how many are denied hope and live in fear every day in a land depicted as a welcoming space for every race. 

“I think of it as a love letter to my family. It’s an examination of the reality that many marginalized groups face on a daily basis. While I’m focused on my family’s narrative, I think it echoes similar journeys that many families have undergone. It comes as no surprise that a song written years before George Floyd’s murder can still be relevant today,” WRYT said.

“For me, as an artist, if you have a platform for your voice to be heard, it’s important to use it to educate people and create a dialogue,” WRYT shared. “When I write songs, I am conveying the emotion of what I feel in the moment. If I say something personal that can also help even one person see life differently or help them out of depression or suicidal thoughts, I’m happy for the opportunity to help in that way.”