One Tree Hill actor Tyler Hilton performs for Samo students

It’s not unusual to hear music wafting across campus as one treks from the Language Building to the Science Quad for lunch. Students are used to hearing bars of music from student bands or guest DJs over the clamor of three thousand hungry teenagers. However, Tyler Hilton was a welcome break from the buzzing drone of lunch on Tuesday, Nov. 16, when he performed a small set of songs.Hilton’s musical talent quickly became evident as his voice was heard outside Barnum Hall. He performed a blend of quasi-Americana pop and retro-feeling blues, reminiscent of rock and yet quietly mainstream.If his bluesy acoustic chords didn’t set him apart from the normal strain of musicians, his celebrity background did. Hilton joined the cast of “One Tree Hill” for multiple episodes as troubled singer Chris Keller, appeared in indie movie “Charlie Bartlett” as the rebellious Murphy Bivens, and portrayed Elvis in the Oscar-winning biopic about Johnny Cash, “Walk the Line.” Hilton has toured with numerous artists including Taylor Swift, in addition to starring in her music video for “Teardrops on My Guitar.”Hilton acknowledged popular music with a cover of Usher’s Top 40 hit “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love,” his husky tenor vocals prompting many listening to mouth along, in a salute to the pop music that infuses his mainly retro rock feel. In fact, it’s that combination of two genres, often thought of as opposites, which has shaped Hilton into the musician he is today.“I think the music that really got me inspired was Elvis or blues music, more old music,” Hilton said.” I listen to so much new music and that really influences my writing, but the music that I listen to that makes me keep wanting to be a musician is old music.”Hilton’s exposure to artists such as the King of Rock came at a young age, as his family, all musicians themselves, played music constantly. This early immersion in music gradually influenced his own dreams for the future.Hilton’s hopes for his career path always included performing his own songs.“I always wanted to do music, I always wanted to be a musician – I loved it,” Hilton said. “My family all played so I was singing from when I was really little, always performing in coffee houses, different ice cream parlors or wherever they’d let me sing.”Having idolized and played Elvis’ music from such a young age, Hilton’s portrayal of the King himself in the critically acclaimed movie “Walk the Line” was a high point in his acting career.“I was almost less worried about what everybody else would think and more worried about myself because I was such a fan that I didn’t want to mess it up,” Hilton said. “I wanted to make sure I did the best job ever, or else I would have been so bummed because I love him.”After the movie was released, Hilton immersed himself in music, releasing his debut album entitled “Ladies and is Gentlemen” in 2010, and collaborating with artists such as Lady Antebellum for his soon-to-be-released record “The Storms We Share.” Fans can expect more of the strummy Americana-style music that jump-started his career.Juggling acting, singing, recording and touring may seem extreme, but Tyler Hilton is no stranger to hard work.“There was never a time when I wasn’t really working because if there was a place that didn’t hire me I would go to other places and be like ‘let me play here,’” Hilton said. “I’ll play for tips, I’ll play for free. Just let me play.”Aliza AbarbanelStaff Writeraabarbanel@thesamohi.com