Kensei is the professional name of emerging dream-pop/indie-pop artist, Tiyler Terrill Harris. At just 16 years-old he has already produced an impressive volume of work including three albums and a half dozen singles. He made his professional solo recording debut in 2020 with the single “alone”. That track introduced a talented young singer, songwriter and producer with a genre-fluid sound.
Blending elements of pop, alt-rock and trap, the prolific Kensei creates emotional and introspective music that brings to mind similar genre-bending artists like Lil Peep and XXXTENTACION. Despite his youth, Kensei has a clear artistic vision for his sound. His music speaks authentically to the life and experiences of an American teenager in 2022.
“Like I Do” is a new single and video from Kensei, released worldwide via all major streaming services on July 8, 2022. A wistful torch song, the track is built around a sample of a melancholy piano playing the main riff from the Willy Wonka theme “Pure Imagination”. As that lonely melody floats on the horizon, Kensei steps to the mic and delivers a heartbroken serenade from afar.
Check out the “Like I Do” video below. You can also find the track on the Deep Indie Dive playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with Kensei about his music. Check out his answers to our 8 questions below. Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with Kensei. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the music to come from this exciting young talent.
8 Questions with Kensei
Where are you from?
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee.
How long have you been making music?
4 years, since early 2018.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
I’m the only one who makes my music mostly, I taught myself almost most that I know.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Lil Peep, Joji, XXXTENTACION, Steve Lacy.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Most trap artists, I don’t like the message they spread within their music.
What inspired you to create this project?
I was inspired by the pain of heartbreak and the loss of someone you love, I know a lot of people can relate to it.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
I want to make music about my pain and spread messages of positivity and the pain that others can relate to. I want to inspire and move the youth in a positive direction since most of them are misguided these days.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I’m 16 years old and a started my music journey when i was 12
