David and Nick Lyle, not only make up the dynamic duo behind Black Oxygen, but they’re also brothers! Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, the band released their album “Last Ones Standing” earlier this year, representing their years of hard work in the music industry that got them to where they are today. Their music is a rollercoaster of sounds and melodies that keeps you on your toes, and having recently signed with Warner Music Group, it’s only up from here.

From performing at local venues to captivating fans across the world, Black Oxygen’s journey proves that having passion and perseverance are key ingredients to making your dreams a reality.

I think it’s fair to say that your music blends quite a few genres. Is the way you approach your songs influenced by anything? Artists you grew up listening to? Being from the Midwest?
Our music is a fusion! But our main styles are pop, hip hop, and some songs have elements of rock n’ roll! Our influences are many - from Young Thug, Guns N’ Roses, N.W.A., Eminem, David Bowie, to many more!

Your latest single, “Hollywood Nights,” recently dropped right on time for summer– what do you think makes a good summer anthem?
It has a chill, fun summer vibe - a "role-the-windows-cruising" sing along song!

Congratulations on recently signing with Twenty-Two Recordings, ADA and Warner Music Group! You’ve been working hard at this for quite some time, so what does this deal mean to you?
At the time of signing, we had many offers on the table. This deal was the right deal for us for this album, and we're thankful to have a great team behind us! It was a journey of years of hard work to get here and that’s why we called the album “Last Ones Standing.”

Not only do you perform your own songs, but you also write and produce them. What’s your favorite part of the song making process?
Every song comes different! It can be words first, music first, or we hear the whole song first. We really enjoy every bit of the process!

You have a podcast called, The Black Oxygen Inspiration Podcast, where you promise to have legends every episode. What’s something that one of your guests has shared that really stuck with you?
We recently renamed it The Inspiration Experience! We’d say Danny Trejo had our favorite saying and he’s a legend. He told us, "I’d rather shoot for the moon and miss than aim for the gutter and make it!”

Being brothers who work together, I’m sure you know each other better than anyone else. What’s something about one another that you find the most inspiring?
Well, it’s an interesting chemistry! We found out we were born perfect halves, so what isn’t one’s strength is the others, and we make one great whole team!

Earlier this year you released a new version of Crazy Town’s “Butterfly.” How did that collaboration come about, and what was it like touring with Shifty Shellshock?
It came about that Shifty was a fan and appreciated our hard work and hustle, so he gifted us the song to remake out of love to help push our career to the next level– with him in it too, reviving it! It’s the only cover of the original, with new elements. It was a lot of fun and we’re extremely thankful for the opportunity. Touring with him across Canada was a blast!

Tell us about your award winning Black Oxygen Bangin’ BBQ Sauce! What made you want to create it, and what’s your favorite thing to eat it with?
Firstly, it goes best with pork! It recently won first place in a BBQ competition for best with pork in the US! The idea came from a fan of ours named Stretch that’s been on Food Network. A celebrity chef gave us the idea to do a collab and backed it! So we did with Nick’s homemade BBQ recipe and it turned out to be a hit!

In 2010 you caught the attention of music industry specialists after winning first place during a Battle of the Bands/Club Wars in the midwest. What’s your favorite Battle of the Bands movie (mine is School of Rock), and does that first moment of someone seeing potential in you feel like a movie in itself?
School of Rock is ours too! And yes, it did! Jamie Foxx’s music production team were the ones that first discovered us and brought us out to LA to Red Bull Studios where we were introduced to the music business (and got to meet Jamie Foxx).

What was it like shooting with PhotoBook? Was it as much fun as shooting a music video
It was a great time! We really appreciate the opportunity!!

Who’s each of your dream collaborations?
Post Malone and Young Thug.

Throughout your career, you seem to have always stayed hopeful and positive– what’s something you would tell someone that is trying to come up in the music industry and is struggling not to give up?
Following your dream can be a lonely ride until others see it to believe it. Stay focused. Believe. Never give up, you got this and everything coming! Because, THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN STOP YOU IS YOURSELF!!!

Instagram: @blackoxygenkc

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Black Oxygen
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Rowan Daly
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Caroline Nycek, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

Black Oxygen are the “Last Ones Standing” and They’re Just Getting Started!