Born from the soul of Cape Breton soil, Halifax-based Tyler Mullendore blends rough and tumble roots-rock with the electrified emotion of southern fried Americana. The Canadian Idol finalist proves why he was awarded the top spot in eOne’s National Big Break Songwriting Competition; it’s clear the judges were just as taken with the authenticity of his songs as you’re sure to be.

His much anticipated debut EP, Time Heals Everything (released on November 21st) draws from the bottomless well of inspiration that seems to guide artists who hail from Cape Breton Island. His stories are shaped by his own personal trials, yet made deeply relatable by his lyrical prowess. Time Heals Everything has its share of tales of sorrow and regret, but it ultimately culminates in the promise of positivity as one comes to grips with their own flaws and failures while looking hopefully towards better things to come. As the years pass, wounds close and the pain abates, reminding us to be good to ourselves, and take life’s lessons in stride as challenges are met and overcome.

The EP’s focus track, “Mama Cry,” reads like an intervention letter, a plea for a loved one to better themselves and get their life back on track. The heartfelt single was written after the mother of Tyler‘s friend had called him in desperate worry about her son’s struggles with addiction, leading him to write a handwritten letter to the friend and pen this song.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? 

Substance abuse and addiction was something that was a part of my life for the better part of a decade… it was the devil on my shoulder, and the shoulders of loved ones. It was the thorn in my side, and the shank in my armor; it was also my crutch, and my best friend at times, so i thought. 

When a close friend was struggling in the throes of addiction, it was an easy song to write… it was all too familiar, close to home and a highly emotional time.  The song read and played like the movie of my life. I looked at my friend and seen myself, i talked to his sad and desperate mother on the phone, and i heard my own mother’s voice, i wrote him a letter to try and help turn things around; at the same time I was receiving a letter from my own conscious. The vision for the song and music video was crystal clear from the beginning.

2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

The inspiration for the song & video came from a situation where a close friend was struggling badly with addiction. I received a very emotional phone call from his mother who was desperate and losing hope. The phone call inspired me to write my friend a letter; my best brotherly attempt at helping him turn it around, and that all ultimately inspired me to write this song. That, and the fact that I too have fought some hard battles with addiction… It was both relatable & inspiring. 

In the video i wanted to be as real as possible, so i acted out mine & his story as accurately as i could imagine it , and based on my own personal experience. It’s the story of a son struggling in the throes of addiction and a worried and heartbroken mother remembering a simpler and happier time, while longing and hoping for things to change for the better; ultimately ending on the positive note of recovery… That’s basically exactly the story of both my friend, and I. We were a couple of the lucky ones who eventually broke free of the demon. 

3. What was the process of making this video?

Well, I had been finessing the story line in my head since I had wrote the song; about 5 years of finessing and obsessing. When I finally had some cash and my ducks in a row all I needed was my band, a space to jam along to and “lip sync” the recording, and a few close friends and family members to donate thier Oscar worthy acting skills and bring my vision to life!  

My long time friend and talented videographer, Michael Nikas worked his magic behind the camera and edited to perfection… I borrowed a an old 80s floor model TV from a sweet local elderly lady (RIP, Theresa). On Ebay, i found an 80s TV remote and an old cross stitch piece that read “Today is the first day of the rest of your life”. I was going for a retro vibe, because I’m a retro guy! I put some sugar in a baggie, and had my buddy Curtis throw on a hoodie and drive his Audi down to my mother’s house in Inverness to perform “the drug deal”. I borrowed the local grocery store for an hour to create a nostslgic and emotional scene between the addict son’s mother, and a young mother and son passing in the aisle. My own mother, Brenda was tasked with playing the role of the Mother. The NA meeting scene was chalked full of my friends & family. The video was filmed over 2 dates and 2 locations in February, 2024. The band performances piece was filmed in Halifax at Ocean Floor Recording, The storyline piece was filmed in various locations around Inverness including the CO-OP, Fire Hall, and my mom’s house.