Meet Tyler Porterfield | Artist & Music Industry Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyler Porterfield and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyler, what do you attribute your success to?
Above all, staying true to myself has proven to be the number one factor behind my successes.

Beginning my musical journey at an early age instilled a deep, genuine sense of joy and passion in writing, performing, and recording. The freedom I enjoyed in my youth allowed me to focus fully on the music, with far less concern for the money.

This sense of freedom and passion in music has stayed with me over the years. Though I’m more mindful of the business side now, it will never be my sole focus. My hope is that the authenticity continues to shine through in my music and even through my company, Pop Cautious Records.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My music is a reflection of my journey. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to infuse raw emotion, honesty and storytelling into my songs.

It wasn’t an easy journey to get where I am today. There were countless obstacles—financial struggles, self-doubt, and the pressure to conform to industry standards. What helped me push through was a relentless belief in my vision and the support of people who believed in me even when I questioned myself. I also embraced failures as lessons. Each setback taught me something valuable, from resilience to the importance of staying true to my voice.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about reaching a specific destination—it’s about the continuous journey of growth and self-expression. I want the world to know that my brand is about more than just music or art; it’s about empowerment and inspiring others to embrace their own stories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting LA, I’d want to give them a real taste of what makes this city so unique, especially from the perspective of indie music and culture. Here’s how I’d plan out the week:

Day 1 – The Indie Vibe Intro
We’d start with brunch at Café Gratitude for some delicious, healthy eats. After that, we’d head to Amoeba Music in Hollywood—it’s one of the best places to get lost browsing vinyl records. Then, we’d catch a show at The Echo, Whisky, or The Troubadour, all iconic venues where great bands often perform, and you never know what up-and-coming talent you’ll discover.

Day 2 – Arts & Culture
We’d begin at The Broad Museum for a dive into contemporary art, followed by lunch at Grand Central Market downtown, where you can find anything from tacos to ramen. In the evening, we’d check out Zebulon in Frogtown for a laid-back show featuring indie bands or singer-songwriters.

Day 3 – Beach Daze
You can’t visit LA without hitting the beach! We’d head to Venice Beach in the morning to walk the boardwalk, maybe do some people-watching, or rent bikes. Afterward, we’d grab a drink at The Bungalow in Santa Monica, where the vibe is always chill but lively. To end the day, I’d take them to Hotel Café in Hollywood, where indie musicians often play intimate sets.

Day 4 – Hidden Gems
We’d spend the day in Silver Lake, starting with coffee at Intelligentsia. I’d take them on a walk around the Silver Lake Reservoir for some fresh air and great views. We’d grab lunch at Pine & Crane, a casual spot for Taiwanese food, and then stop by some unique boutiques and vintage stores. Later, we’d visit The Satellite (formerly Spaceland) for some live music—this venue has helped launch many indie artists.

Day 5 – The LA Classics
We’d head to Griffith Park for a hike up to the Griffith Observatory—the view of the city is breathtaking. For dinner, Bestia in the Arts District is a must for incredible Italian food. Afterward, I’d take them to The Moroccan Lounge for another live show.

Day 6 – Night Out
For an epic night out, we’d start with drinks at Harvard & Stone in East Hollywood, a spot known for great cocktails and surprise indie DJ sets. From there, we’d head to Bardot for their School Night event or to Good Times at Davey Wayne’s. The night would probably end with some late-night tacos from a food truck, because no LA night out is complete without that!

Day 7 – Chill & Reflect
To wind down the trip, we’d have a relaxed brunch at Mohawk Bend in Silver Lake. Then, we might head to Echo Park Lake to rent a paddle boat and soak in the last of the LA vibes. For the final night, we’d grab some gourmet Japanese food at the one and only Yamashiro.

In LA, the indie scene is alive and well. There’s always something to do!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Want to shoutout to my parents for supporting my musical endeavors from day-1.
I would not be where I am today without them.

Website: https://popcautious.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popcautiousmusic/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-porterfield-465a5599

Twitter: https://x.com/Pop_Cautious

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PopCautiousMusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2hS2pfB7Lc

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@popcautious