By Bayleigh Koch, MavRadio.FM staff
OMAHA, Neb. – The sound of small-town roots and big dreams filled the MavRadio.FM studio as country artist Tyler Anthony joined the “Wear Black, Give Back” broadcast for a live performance and candid conversation about his musical journey.
Anthony, a Gretna native, spoke candidly with host Bayleigh Koch about his path from college dropout to full-time musician. After attending schools in Wyoming and Nebraska, Anthony said he realized higher education wasn’t where his heart was. “I started playing music at bars, pizza places, and family events, anywhere I could,” he said. “Now I’m living my dream every single day.”
Local country musician Tyler Anthony performs an acoustic set live in the MavRadio.FM studio during the “Wear Black, Give Back” broadcast at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Photo by Jodeane Brownlee
Family plays a central role in Anthony’s life and music. Growing up on a small farm near Gretna, he said his upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for community support. “My family’s always been there for me,” he said. “When I decided to quit college, they could have said no, but instead they supported me. That made all the difference.”
Anthony also performed two songs live in the studio: “Wicked Ways,” a heartfelt ballad he wrote just 11 days before marrying his wife, Sarah, and “Small Town Guy,” an unreleased track that celebrates his rural roots. “Wicked Ways is about love and growth, about changing for the better when you find that one person who inspires you to be your best self,” Anthony said.
Known for blending country and rock influences, Anthony credits classic acts like Boston, Bob Seger, and the Eagles for shaping his sound. “When you see people move the way they do on stage, it sparks something in you,” he said. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Looking ahead, Anthony and his wife are expecting their first child in February. While he plans to take a short break from touring, he’s preparing to record a new album during that time. “We’ve been waiting for the right moment to start a new record,” he said. “This feels like the perfect season to slow down and create.”
Anthony closed with this message for aspiring small-town musicians: “Know your worth and don’t take less than you deserve. Have work ethic and keep pushing forward, he worst people can say is no.”
Listeners can follow Tyler Anthony on social media and streaming platforms for updates on his upcoming album and local performances.
MavRadio.FM host Bayleigh Koch interviews local country artist Tyler Anthony live in the studio during the “Wear Black, Give Back” broadcast at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Photo by Jodeane Brownlee
— MavRadio.FM is the student-run radio station at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, broadcasting online at MavRadio.FM
