Tyler Ballgame
Born
Tyler Perry
OriginRhode Island, United States
GenresAlternative rock, indie pop, Americana, folk
OccupationSinger-songwriter
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2024–present
LabelRough Trade Records
Websitetylerballgame.com

Tyler Ballgame (born Tyler Perry in Rhode Island) is an American alternative indie pop and Americana singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. He is best known for his wide vocal range—often drawing comparisons to Roy Orbison, Harry Nilsson, and Jeff Buckley—and his throwback songwriting style reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s. He released his debut studio album, For the First Time, Again, under Rough Trade Records in January 2026.

Early life

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Born Tyler Perry, Ballgame was raised in Rhode Island in an artistic environment, heavily encouraged by his mother and aunt to pursue music and art from a young age.[1] He performed in various local cover bands and open mic circuits for several years before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue his songwriting career.[2]

Career

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After moving to Los Angeles, Ballgame's home demos caught the attention of record producer Jonathan Rado (of the indie rock band Foxygen) and producer Ryan Pollie.[1] In 2024, he signed with the independent label Rough Trade Records and began releasing a series of singles, including "Sarah" and "Help Me Out".

In 2025, he released the singles "I Believe in Love" and "Got a New Car" ahead of his full-length debut. He also made notable live appearances, including an FUV Live concert at The Bitter End in New York City.[3]

On January 30, 2026, Ballgame released his debut studio album, For the First Time, Again, produced by Rado and Pollie.[4] The album received critical praise for its rich, analog production, dramatic vocal delivery, and classic pop sensibilities.[3][1] Following the release, Ballgame embarked on an international tour across the United States and Europe, including festival appearances at events such as Way Out West.[4][2]

Musical style and influences

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Ballgame's musical style blends elements of folk music, indie pop, and Americana. Critics have frequently noted his dramatic vocal flexibility, which moves between a low whisper and an operatic falsetto scream.[1][3] He has cited Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Juan Gabriel, Kate Bush, and ABBA as major songwriting and performance influences.[3]

Discography

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Studio albums

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  • For the First Time, Again (Rough Trade, January 30, 2026)

Singles

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  • "Radio" (2024)
  • "Sarah" (2024)
  • "Help Me Out" (2024)
  • "Hold" (2025)
  • "I Believe in Love" (2025)
  • "Got a New Car" (2025)

References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 Staff. "Meeting Tyler Ballgame For The First Time, Again". Setlist Kitchen. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  2. 1 2 "Tyler Ballgame - Biography". Apple Music. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Staff. "Tyler Ballgame: Five Essential Songs". WFUV. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  4. 1 2 "Tyler Ballgame". Way Out West. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
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