JJ Tyson didn’t plan on becoming a solo artist. The Pennsylvania musician spent years behind a drum kit playing for local bands before a viral video changed everything. Now, with four solo albums under his belt and two more coming this year, he’s carved out his own space—one that somehow encompasses crushing hard rock, heartfelt Christian music, and even original Christmas songs.
We caught up with Tyson to discuss his latest album “Cellar Dweller,” his unexpected musical range, and why he believes vulnerability in songwriting can genuinely save lives.
Your journey started behind the drums. How did you transition from drummer to solo artist?
I got my first real drum kit at 15—self-taught, then jammed with high school friends. After playing drums for popular bands in the area, I took two years off and started writing songs. Got together with an old bandmate and formed Black Water Greed. Our video for “Walk Away” went viral, over a million views. Magazine covers, interviews—it all happened fast. The band had some bad blood though, so we split. I was working with producer David Mobley at the time, and we decided to do an album together called The Tyson-Mobley Project. That went really well, which got me thinking about going solo.
“Cellar Dweller” is intensely dark—18 tracks of raw emotion. What drives you to explore such heavy themes?
I write meaningful lyrics that have touched a lot of hearts. Hopefully my message can help them cope with issues they may have. Songs like “Unleash the Rage” and “Haunted Hallways” tap into isolation, fear, survival—real stuff people deal with. One fan told me I wrote her life in five minutes. Another said a song of mine helped her leave a toxic relationship. That’s when you know you’re on the right track.
You’re simultaneously working on a Christian album and Christmas songs. That’s quite a range.
Yeah, I’m finishing up my second Christian album “Army of Faith” for late September, plus a Christmas album with 12 to 14 original songs coming in November. I love my hard rock roots, but I also love the messages in my Christian songs. This world is falling apart—we need to pull together and love one another. My sound varies depending on the album. We have an Evanescence, Halestorm vibe, but also touches of Miranda Lambert’s country sound. There’s something for everyone.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Wow, tough one. Ozzy was a huge influence (RIP). Five Finger Death Punch, Sammy Hagar, Paul McCartney—those would be incredible.
What’s next for The JJ Tyson Project?
There’s talk of touring mid-2026, but right now we’re concentrating on making the music tight. My advice? Just do your own thing and what makes you happy. It reflects on your fans, and they’re the ones who make or break you. Stay focused and loyal.
The Bottom Line
The industry is obsessed with image and trends, but Tyson’s approach feels refreshingly honest. Whether he’s channeling personal demons through hard rock or spreading spiritual messages through Christian music, the common thread is authenticity—and a genuine desire to help people heal.
Find The JJ Tyson Project on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and Facebook.
