At Outer South, the ethos has always been about pushing boundaries sonically, visually, and culturally. It’s a label that doesn’t just sign artists, it cultivates visionaries. And no artist embodies that spirit more clearly right now than Tim Lyre.
There’s a certain momentum building around Tim right now. He’s in full “album mode,” and the energy is infectious. When we catch up, he’s calm, assured, and most importantly, excited. “I’m good, thank you. Thanks for having me on,” he says, smiling. “Things are good right now — album mode gingered.”
Tim’s new album, Spiral, is more than a body of work. It’s a landmark moment in a journey that began over a decade ago.
“Well, I’d say I’ve been putting out music since 2012 — not when I was 12, that would be crazy,” he laughs.
“But I’ve been around music my whole life. I come from a long line of church musicians — great-grandfather, grandfather, father. From a young age, I was reading music and learning classical theory.”
From a young age, I was reading music and learning classical theory.
Tim Lyre
Raised in the cadence of choirs and instruments, Tim was involved in music early.
Tim- It was like a rite of passage. Everybody had to be in the choir. That environment shaped me. I play piano, guitar, a bunch of instruments, so being around music constantly helped me understand a lot — not just as a vocalist but as a producer and writer too.
The Chop Life Crew Chapter
By 2020, Tim was part of a collective known affectionately as Chop Life Crew, a name inspired by Mojo AF and Prettyboy D-O’s celebratory anthem.
Tim – That name just made sense at the time. Everywhere we went — me, Mojo, Ronehi — people already associated us with it,” Tim explains. “We made it official. I’ve known Mojo and Ronehi since A-levels. We grew together.”
The collaboration wasn’t just organic; it was transformative.
Tim- It’s definitely impacted my music. When you grow with like-minded people like Mojo and Ronehi, it pushes you. If you listen to the music, you hear the growth in production, in storytelling, everything.
The chemistry, particularly between Tim and Mojo, is evident — especially on “Villagio,” a standout on Spiral.
Tim- We’ve worked together since uni. That kind of familiarity builds instinct. I don’t have to overthink when I’m working with Mojo. I just see what he’s vibing to, and we go. He’s the best rapper in the country, as far as I’m concerned.
Introducing Spiral
Tim’s earlier works — worry > and masta — hinted at something bubbling under the surface. With Spiral, it erupts.
Tim- It’s more expansive than anything I’ve done. More tracks, more subject matter, more storytelling. I’m talking more. And it’s my first double-sided project.”
More tracks, more subject matter, more storytelling. I’m talking more. And it’s my first double-sided project.”
Tim Lyre
Inspired by old-school double-sided CDs, the idea was both nostalgic and strategic. “
Tim- Some of my favourite albums came like that. I wanted Side A and Side B to feel different sonically, but still connected. Each side tells its own story.
So, why the name Spiral?
Tim- Someone once told me spiraling means something negative, like a downward spiral. But for me, it’s about evolution,” Tim explains. “Life unravels — fast. You chase a dream and sometimes miss what’s happening around you. This album is me making sense of everything that’s happened — as an artist, as a person. It’s my evolution.
Intentional Collaborations
From Show Dem Camp to Binta, the album’s features are both eclectic and carefully placed.
Tim- I’m a studio writer type of artist, so I’m always around other creatives — producers, singers. Some people I connect with online, some through mutual friends. With Binta, for example, we’d been talking since worry < dropped. We finally linked up in London and made ‘Storytime’
Two standout features — Joshua Baraka (Uganda ) and Manana ( South African) — reflect Tim’s ability to bridge the continent’s sounds.
Tim- Joshua was unexpected. I love his voice. The label reached out to his team, we were both in London, and it all just aligned. Manana, I’ve never met in person. We connected on Instagram. He sent his part back the same day I sent the song. Crazy.
Despite producing less than usual, Tim still crafted about 40% of the album’s sound.
Tim – This time I worked more with others. KC Freeley produced Economy, Lock In, Rocketship. Of course, Ronehi — that’s my long-time guy. We record almost every day. Dare also contributed to this one.
Bars From Real Life
Tim even flexes his rap muscles on the album. One of his favorite verses? From “Villagio” with Mojo:
“My kele just wan go abroad,
She said she want to hammer, rowo mo japa,
I say baby what you running from?
She say baby where I’m coming from,
I’m tired of niggas, they all do fraud…”
He laughs.
That’s real. A real conversation with a babe. She was moving out of the country ‘cause every guy she met was doing fraud. Lagos is not a real place.
Beyond the Booth: Songwriting and Discovery
Outside of his own records, Tim is gaining momentum as a songwriter, with credits on Boj’s album and even some work with Adekunle Gold.
Tim- Writing is new for me, but it’s been fun. There’s less pressure than when I write for myself. I try to step into their perspective. It’s a challenge I enjoy.
And he’s still discovering.
Tim – There’s this artist — Braye. Insane. Like a baby Nigerian Chronixx. His project I Wish I Had More Time is what I’ve been spinning lately.
The Live Experience
Tim isn’t just releasing music — he’s bringing it to the stage.
Tim – We’ve got merch coming soon and a live show on September 25th at Camden Assembly — that’s the biggest venue I’ve headlined so far. And we’re planning a show in Lagos towards the end of the year too.
When asked what he wants fans to take from Spiral, he’s reflective.
Personally, I hope it helps me break through a certain ceiling. For fans, I just want them to receive it the way I’m giving it — with love. If you’ve followed my music till now, this is just an expansion of all that. And I’m excited.
As the album builds, one track, Ski, marks a shift in tempo — the bounce kicks in.
“I always wanted to make one of those two-in-one songs,” Tim says. “The first part was inspired by a Boyz II Men song. I wanted to start R&B and then switch to a dancehall vibe. I didn’t know how it would land, but when it was done, I was proud of it.”
From church choirs to Camden stages, from Chop Life Crew to Spiral, Tim’s evolution is unfolding in real time. And if this album is any indication, we’re just witnessing the beginning of his next act.
By Tosin Tevs for LSTVWW
LSTVWW 