Tyler Smith (musician)
The dynamic frontman of The Word Alive, whose vocal versatility helped shape the sound of modern metalcore.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American musician·Birthday: August 9·Millennials
Biography
Tyler 'Telle' Smith didn't just join the metalcore scene; he injected it with a new level of melodic intensity. Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, he cut his teeth in the local hardcore circuit with bands like Greeley Estates before his powerful tenor and piercing screams caught the ear of The Word Alive. As their lead vocalist, Smith became the band's consistent force, his voice a versatile instrument that could shift from hauntingly clean melodies to visceral aggression across multiple albums. This adaptability allowed the band to evolve from frenetic metalcore to a more nuanced, atmospheric sound without losing their edge. Beyond the microphone, his songwriting has graced projects with In Fear and Faith and his own solo work, marking him as a thoughtful architect of heavy music's emotional landscape.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tyler was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tyler Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Tyler's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Released six studio albums as the lead vocalist of The Word Alive, including 'Deceiver' and 'Dark Matter'.
- Co-wrote and performed on the band's hit single '2012', which has millions of streams across platforms.
- Toured extensively worldwide, including runs on the Vans Warped Tour and supporting acts like A Day To Remember.
Did You Know?
He is an avid fan of video games and has streamed gameplay on platforms like Twitch.
Before joining The Word Alive full-time, he was a touring member for the band Emarosa.
His solo project, 'TELLE', explores a more synth-driven, alternative rock sound compared to his band work.
“I scream to release the pain, and I sing to find the melody.”
