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Photo by Reinhardt Kenneth Selects

With his debut single, “Real Man,” Damin Tyler introduces listeners to a world that wades between memory and fantasy. Produced by Richie Quake, the track drifts on airy melodies and comforting instrumentation while navigating themes of masculinity, desire and connection. Rather than unrealistically landing on definitive answers, Tyler finds his place in the emotional grey areas — capturing the giddy excitement of intimacy, the ache of impermanence and the subconscious ways we seek solace in other people. 

Raised in Florida and now immersed in New York City’s creative underground scene, the 25-year-old artist is now stepping into the music spotlight to effortlessly blend both the exhilaration and uncertainty of self-discovery. With his shining influences of Mazzy Star, Portishead and Lana Del Rey, Tyler is crafting atmospheric indie-pop that balance vulnerability and charm. As the opening chapter of his forthcoming debut EP, On Your Side, “Real Man” hints at a growing artist who’s already fearless enough to explore life’s most intimate moments with honesty, tenderness and a touch of romantic escapism.

The execution of “Real Man” conveys a stunning alignment with its themes, showcasing a thoughtful and deeply introspective approach Tyler already has to his music. One of the compelling elements of the track is the way it touches on an aspect of the queer experience that maybe isn’t as openly expressed in pop music: the consistent invalidation that can weave itself into a queer man’s relationship with masculinity. The idea that part of society pushes out that a queer man is not perceived as a “real man” because of their sexuality is conveyed here with such natural, soft-spoken honesty that it evokes warmth within the listener. Even if this reality is not the emotional core of the track, it’s a wording choice that you can’t help but be struck by.

There are countless layers to Tyler’s velvety voice singing out, “You make me feel like a real man,” which makes hearing it expressed through such a floaty, lush pop song feel genuinely special. It’s an artful expression that easily resonates while leaving you smiling by the end of the song. “Real Man” manages to examine a complex emotional truth without becoming heavy-handed, allowing its vulnerability to unfold gently. 

Everything about the musicality feels light, almost wispy. The soft drift of the backing vocals, the shimmery cymbal taps and the dainty acoustic strums create an atmosphere that feels like you’re experiencing a late-night memory. As the song washes over you, you can’t help but settle into a sense of ease. It’s peaceful, yet still engages both your head and your heart.

The verse lyric, “He lays me down in his bed / I like how he’s stronger than me,” captures the sometimes uncontrollable act of letting your guard down around someone you’re so drawn to while lacing it with a delicate sensuality. The subtle electronic dub effect over the echo of the line adds a fresh texture without disrupting the song’s delicate flow, which shows an exploration with careful intention. Within the chorus, “He makes me feel like a real man / All I want is him tonight / Even if it’s just this time,” the vocal delivery moves like a gentle current, finding satisfaction in the moment despite the temporary nature of the relationship. 

The lingering passion that remains long after someone has left is expressed in the beautifully blunt bridge: “And when it’s late at night / And I’m all alone / And the sky turns dark blue / I’ll stay thinking about you.” It’s an acknowledgment that desire can’t simply be switched off when the moment ends for some people. The bridge then falls back into a stripped back version of the beginning chorus line, carried only by whispery, dreamlike vocals and a lowered melodic run that tugs softly at your heart. There’s a quiet acceptance in that moment — a hopeless romantic’s willingness to embrace connection, no matter how fleeting it may be. 

“Real Man” isn’t concerned with permanence. Instead, it shines a sweet light on surrendering to a feeling while it exists and holding onto it even if the person isn’t physically with you. Tyler takes the youthfulness of a transient romance and wraps it in an emotional maturity that ends up making you find softness where you may have previously found bitterness. “Real Man” is a stunning, intuitive debut single that is a gripping introduction to Damin Tyler’s growing music evolution — an evolution that is sure to expand with his upcoming debut EP, On Your Side.

Listen to "Real Man" below: