Creative Minds: Local guitarist and singer Tyler Lam has quietly become one of Socorro’s most recognizable solo performers

When 32-year-old Tyler Lam picked up his first guitar at age 10, he didn’t imagine it would lead him to regular gigs, a growing local following or three appearances at SocorroFest. The gift of his first guitar, chosen by his grandfather, longtime Socorro musician Gary Stendel, was simply meant to be something he might enjoy. Instead, it became the foundation of his musical life.

Lam learned to play the way many small‑town musicians do: by ear, by repetition and by sitting beside someone who already knew the songs. Stendel taught him chord progressions, not sheet music, and the two spent years working through classic country tunes together.

“It was never formal,” Lam said. “We’d pick a song, figure out the chords and just play. That’s how I learned everything.”

Singing came just as naturally. Lam grew up in a household where music was constant, his mother sang while cleaning, driving, or performing with the San Miguel Church choir. Family gatherings often turned into impromptu jam sessions, with uncles and cousins breaking into song. “It’s kind of in the blood,” Lam said.

Lam’s influences reflect that mix of tradition and discovery. He gravitates toward Americana and artists rarely heard on mainstream radio, drawing inspiration from musicians like Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers. Their work helped pull him back into playing after a lull during high school and college.

Performing publicly, however, took longer. Aside from a few school talent shows, Lam didn’t play for audiences until after returning to Socorro about six years ago from Tijeras. Open mic nights at Box Canyon gave him a place to test the waters, and community response pushed him forward.

One of his first breaks came when Lam was invited to play a three‑hour set at the Socorro Farmers Market. Lam didn’t own equipment and wasn’t sure he had enough material, but he accepted. The performance, a mix of older country songs and his own favorites, resonated with listeners.

“People appreciated hearing Marty Robbins again,” he said. “You don’t hear that much anymore.”

Soon after, Box Canyon Brewing Co.'s former owner, David Chavez, heard Lam at an open mic and offered him a regular slot. Lam has been performing there ever since, often appearing monthly and drawing a loyal crowd.

He has also expanded beyond Socorro, playing at the Lazy Lizard in Tijeras and exploring opportunities in other towns. Still, he balances music with his full‑time job in instrumentation and data collection at EMRTC, as well as life with his two young sons, ages 6 and 4.

“They keep me busy,” he said. “I do what I can when I can.”

Looking ahead, Lam hopes to record his original songs, a handful he plays occasionally at shows, and eventually release an album. He isn’t rushing the process, but the goal is there.

For now, he remains one of Socorro’s most grounded and quietly compelling musicians, a performer shaped by family roots, community support and a genuine love for the craft.

“I’m just going with it,” he said. “It’s been awesome so far.”