The YouTube musicians you know and love all come from some kind of musical background or another. But it’s almost unheard of that they would have had a Warp Tour-level of recognition and a big label like Interscope helming their career before uploading their first cover of a Top 40 song.
Such is the story of Tanner Patrick, a singer-songwriter and musician. After the other three members of Disco Curtis set music aside to focus on college, Tanner branched out on his own: he reintroduced himself as a solo artist in 2011 and went on to garner over one million subscribers and 100 million views.
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Having performed in Singapore, Jakarta and Manila in recent years, Tanner is no stranger to the YouTube community in Asia. But as the upcoming YouTube FanFest Thailand will mark his debut in Bangkok, AsiaLive365 chats with the 25-year-old Texan ahead of his trip.
Congratulations on hitting one million subscribers! What have been some of the proudest achievements since your first upload until now?
Thanks! One of my proudest achievements: traveling around the world and performing for amazing fans… It’s a blessing and an honour. I’m also proud of what I have learned over the past several years, as not only a musician, but as a music producer as well.
As a musician and content creator in such a saturated community like YouTube, how do you keep it fresh while maintaining your own style?
To keep it fresh, I enjoy discovering new music that excites me while also staying true to my roots. Music is more than sound – it’s a journey. Even though the YouTube community and music industry are constantly evolving, I sometimes will force myself into old listening habits to remind myself of what made me fall in love with music in the first place. Within that balance of future and past, I rediscover who I am and define my style.
Tanner’s debut LP The Waiting Home came out in 2014. He worked with producers Carlos de la Garza (Paramore, M83), Ian Kirkpatrick (Blake Shelton, Plain White T’s), and Mark Maxwell (Boys Like Girls).
You used to tour as a band with Disco Curtis and signed with a big label like Interscope. How to experiences from those days help you as a solo, independent artist?
Disco Curtis was a blast and a huge learning experience. It was my “crash course” in the music industry… Touring, marketing, branding, managing, publishing, songwriting, recording, licensing – you name it. Disco Curtis gave me the opportunity to grow and better understand the music business.
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You’ve collaborated with many fellow YouTube musicians. Who else is on your dream collab list? Any acts outside of YouTube?
There are several artists on the dream collab list! So many within and outside of YouTube. Zedd, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Owl City, Selena Gomez, Fall Out Boy, Shawn Mendes, Kenny Vasoli …to name a few!
You’ve visited Southeast Asia several times in the past – Singapore, Manila, and now you’re also playing in Jakarta for the second time. What attracted you into coming back? What are some of the fondest memories touring here?
Everything keeps me coming back to Asia… The amazing fans, beautiful sights, and tasty new foods. Some of my fondest memories include making new friends and performing in front of some of the sweetest people I’ve ever known.
This will be your first time in Thailand whereas your friend Tiffany Alvord has been to here twice. Has she shared her experience here with you?
She told me she loves it! I told her I was jealous because I hadn’t performed in Thailand, but that’s about to change!
Anything you’d like to say to your fans ahead of the FanFest?
This will be my first time in Thailand and I already know it’s going to be amazing. My Thai fans are incredible and I can’t wait to see everyone!
Tanner Patrick is making his Bangkok debut at YouTube FanFest Thailand 2017 on May 20 at Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon. He’ll perform alongside Internet sensations Tyler Ward, Kurt Hugo Schneider BillBilly01, Jannine Weigel, DoubleTap, Bie the Ska and more. Ticket sign-up is no longer available but you can win passes through social media giveaways (#YTFFTH).
