Submitted photo Tyler Wilson, also known as TJDUB, performs at Westside Bowl in Youngstown for a Valentine’s Day show Feb. 2, 2023. His next performance at Westside Bowl is 9 p.m. Friday at 9 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

LIBERTY — A local musician has made it to the quarter finals of the America’s Next Top Hitmaker 2024 competition.

Tyler Wilson, also known as TJDUB, was in fifth place in the quarter finals of the competition as of Friday evening.

Wilson, 23, grew up listening to various genres of music and playing the trombone in the Liberty Middle School and High School band. He now writes and sings music for others.

“I could say the reason I feel like I’m America’s next big hitmaker is because music has always had a big part in my life which is why I started creating my own,” he said. “I want my music to help others how music has helped me. I want to be able to make a difference with what I write down. I’m hoping this is the next big step in my career.”

He started off rapping but now performs pop music with a touch of punk and electric.

Wilson said he realized he wanted to pursue music after opening for another performer in Kent.

“About three years ago was the first time I hit the stage and that’s when it hit me that I wanted to get serious,” he said. “I’ve done shows in Kent, Cleveland (and) I’ve done a show in Nashville.”

He has been practicing music for a total of eight years, including the past three.

His other accomplishments include pitching to Sony Empire and Apple Music and speaking with other artists, producers and promoters alongside his team of independent artists, also known as The Heartbreak Kings. He said the team was formed three years ago and consists of artists M00K13, jcreexh and sound and mixing engineer Spoogy.

He also has a degree in business management and a certificate in professional sales.

Wilson said the competition isn’t based on performances but instead, their music profile.

“What happened is when I signed up, I sent over my music, I sent some information about myself and they made me a page,” he said.

He said if he wins, he will get $10,000, be featured in a multi-page advertorial spread in “Rolling Stone” magazine, will get to perform in Austin, Texas at the Rolling Stone 2025 Future of Music Showcase in March and undergo mentorship from Busta Rhymes.

Wilson said voters get one free vote every 24 hours and can also buy donation votes, for which part of the proceeds will go to an organization called MusiCares. MusiCares helps musicians recover from addiction and mental health conditions, helps aid them financially during medical crises and supports them by helping with living expenses such as rent and utilities, according to their website.

He said he is unsure of how many competitors are in the competition and how many votes he’s received.

The last day to vote for the quarterfinals round is Thursday. To vote, visit https://tophitmaker.org and search for Wilson.