Twinkling lights and a red curtain provided the backdrop for a Shippensburg University student’s album release party at The Thought Lot Friday night.

As 20-year-old Tyler Michael Law enters his third year at SU, he is throwing himself with full force into his music career with the release of “Highway Born.” The six-track CD is a blend of folksy, Americana originals. During winter break Law will leave Shippensburg for a self-driven national tour to promote his music.

Law first picked up a guitar at age 10 and has never looked back. The family chipped in for the budding musician’s new interest. His mother Linnie said young Law always had the guitar around his neck.

“About 10 years ago my family decided it would be a good idea to hand me musical instruments,” Law said on The Thought Lot stage, drawing laughs from the crowd.

After New Jersey native Emily Barnes warmed up the stage, Law took the spotlight playing just about every song he has written. He opened with the album’s title track, “Highway Born,” which tells the story of a couple’s relationship struggles. Law received a warm welcome of applause from the audience, largely made up of his friends and family.

“I’m endlessly impressed by him,” Law’s manager, Hannah Nawa said.

Law treated the audience to “Conspiracy,” one of the first songs he ever wrote at age 13. At last minute he decided to take it off the album and replace it with the newer “Love like That.” Part of the song was inspired by some words of wisdom said by the owner of The Garage Studios in Chambersburg. Law repeats, “There ain’t no use in forgetting what a love like that can do.”

With each song Law holds on to his acoustic guitar for dear life. The beginning of his show brought beads of sweat to his forehead.

“You kind of black out when you’re up there,” Law joked.

But the way Law closes his eyes and leans into the microphone demonstrates the passion he has for music. It is as if the audience felt the long days of effort that went into the creation of each song.

“I remember seeing him for his first shows and now this is a regular thing,” Law’s college friend Darin Robillard said.

Robillard said he has definitely seen an improvement in Law’s work.

With the album release complete, Law’s next step is to prepare for his national tour. Before Christmas he will be driving down south for a slew of stops at various music venues. After Christmas he will head to California through a northern route. When Law performs he often plays songs he has not released yet, so the audience gets a unique experience each time.

“I’ve always thought that if you want to do something you have an obligation to put every ounce of yourself into it,” Law said, “It’s what I want to do with the rest of my life and I’m going to put every ounce of my energy into it.”

Law’s music can be purchased at tylermichaellaw.bandcamp.com and will soon be available on iTunes and Spotify.

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