Being an artist means one is never in a stagnant position but is in a continuous process of self-discovery. Starting his music journey in 2016 as a church worship leader and pursuing a career in contemporary Christian music, Mychael Wright released faith-oriented music that inspired thousands, including his EP Grace, produced as part of the male-female duo The Lovely Vine. But somewhere along the way, after going through “a spiritual crisis of conscience,” Mychael’s music changed, and he found himself better represented by his moniker and new identity, WRYT. Despite the transition, WRYT remained passionate about faith-driven music, standing with the oppressed and confronting social injustice using his talent.
The artist explained that WRYT is more than just a screen name. It is a brand that speaks of political and racial issues, a platform that brings consciousness to many pressing topics. His debut singles “Ivory Tower” and “Milk & Honey” have captured audiences across the globe. The singles are incisive anthems for today’s generation and will be bundled into an upcoming EP. WRYT’s style reflects the works of music icons Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Lenny Kravitz, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and Prince, all while incorporating a newer, edgier grunge-guitar driven rock. WRYT co-produced his singles with top CCM world producer Gabriel Solomon Wilson, who produced the works of Bethel Music, John Mark McMillan, Natalie Grant, and Kari Jobe.
WRYT’s music challenges narratives and conventions. His single “Ivory Tower” is a commentary on how some of the most iconic structures are built by people who will never live to get the credit they deserve. After the 2016 elections, he realized how many in the country still suffer from being invisible, despite their contributions over the years. “My office faced the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol building, which sparked the opening line ‘We build cathedrals made of sand,’” the singer shared.
WRYT strives to amplify countless stories on political corruption, injustice to marginalized communities, and his personal experiences as an African-American Christian. “We’re all human, but we seem to bestow power on many who don’t give our nation or individuals’ best interests at heart,” WRYT said. “I wanna smash the ivory tower. I wanna tear down the walls. I wanna break through all their borders and the world all we’ve lost. I wanna burn through all their privilege. I wanna vilify their hate,” the singer continued, reciting the lyrics to his song.
On the other hand, “Milk & Honey” takes a moodier and hypnotic approach but still hits racism and racial injustice just as powerfully as “Ivory Tower” does. It is a commentary on how many are denied hope and live in fear every day in a land depicted as a welcoming space for every race.
“I think of it as a love letter to my family. It’s an examination of the reality that many marginalized groups face on a daily basis. While I’m focused on my family’s narrative, I think it echoes similar journeys that many families have undergone. It comes as no surprise that a song written years before George Floyd’s murder can still be relevant today,” WRYT said.
“For me, as an artist, if you have a platform for your voice to be heard, it’s important to use it to educate people and create a dialogue. When I write songs, I am conveying the emotion of what I feel in the moment. If I say something personal that can also help even one person see life differently or help them out of depression or suicidal thoughts, I’m happy for the opportunity to help in that way.”
