Tyler Thang, also known as Pretty Havoc, is a Cal State LA student getting his degree in business while making a name for himself in the music industry as a songwriter, producer, and audio engineer.
Thang was born in Singapore and moved around different cities in America as a child, eventually finding a home in Los Angeles. The switch was jarring, but needed for him.
“Singapore is such a business-oriented city,” said Thang. “We don’t really have a strong arts background.”
His love for alternative rock originated from when he was a child, when his stepfather gave him an iPod Nano filled with ‘80s rock bands. This led him to pick up the guitar and join different bands in high school. He did not start as a singer, but became one after he took over as the role for one band,which fueled his passion for music.
“Since then, I’ve just been kind of grinding away at it,” said Thang.
He credits artists like MGK and Blink-182 as the artists who currently shape his musical style, and is always on the lookout for more musical inspiration.
“You never know if a couple of things click in your head, and you can make a really cool song out of it,” said Thang.
Thang’s dedication to his craft has brought more Asian representation to the alternative rock scene.
“Growing up, it always felt like all the dudes I admired and all the posters I had in my bedroom wall, they were all these cool bands but like 99% of them, they’re all white dudes.” he said.
Being able to balance a music career and getting a degree is not an easy task for people, with Thang calling it a “24/7 grind.” He made the decision to put all of his classes in two days so he could be free to continue his music career.
“Sometimes, I’ve even finished class at 8 p.m. and drove over to a studio and did a session to three in the morning,” said Thang.
His dedication to music is recognized by his peers, including his childhood friend David John.
“Tyler’s music is honestly like nothing I’ve ever heard before,” said John. “It’s got chill, alternative vibe but still manages to have this crazy energy mixing in Pop-punk, rock and even industrial sounds.”
Outside of music, Thang would be described as many things. One of them being a mama’s boy, his friend jokes.
“He is a manchild, but has a very sweet relationship with his mom, especially where he can open up to her about anything,” said John.
Thang still has love and respect for his parents, which is why he is still pursuing a degree in business.
“As much as they might support me or believe in my music career. They also would like me to finish my degree” he said.
It is a long grind for an artist trying to break out in the music industry, but as Thang tells himself, “You have to really be willing to put in the hours and willing to deal with the heartbreak.”
