At 15, JJ Tyson got his first real drum kit. Self-taught and hungry to play, he started jamming with high school friends in Pennsylvania—the same state that gave the world Poison, Halestorm, and Live. What began as teenage garage sessions has evolved into a versatile solo career that spans hard rock, country influences, and Christian music.
Tyson’s path hasn’t been straightforward. After playing drums for popular local bands, he stepped away for two years to focus on songwriting. That break paid off when he reconnected with an old bandmate and their song “Walk Away” exploded online, racking up over a million views. The viral success launched Black Water Greed, bringing magazine covers and interviews. But success couldn’t fix the band’s internal tensions—bad blood led to their split.
Here’s where things got interesting. Instead of wallowing, Tyson partnered with producer David Mobley for The Tyson-Mobley Project. The collaboration worked so well that it pushed him toward a solo career. Four albums later—”Back from the Ashes,” “Digital Mine Crime,” “The Other Side of Me,” and August’s “Cellar Dweller”—he’s built a catalog that refuses to be boxed in.
Cellar Dweller, his latest, doesn’t pull punches. Eighteen tracks of raw emotional intensity, recorded with studio band Crosswindz and co-produced by Mobley, dive into trauma, betrayal, and personal demons. Songs like “Unleash the Rage” and “Haunted Hallways” tap into isolation and survival with thunderous guitar riffs and haunting vocals. It’s heavy stuff—over an hour of unfiltered rock that feels more like therapy than entertainment.
While Cellar Dweller showcases his hard rock roots, Tyson’s also deep into creating “Army of Faith,” his second Christian album due late September. He’s simultaneously crafting 12 to 14 original Christmas songs for a November release. The range might seem broad, but for Tyson, these different musical expressions all serve the same purpose.
“I write meaningful lyrics that have touched a lot of hearts,” he explains. “Hopefully my message can help them cope with issues they may have.”
Fans back this up. One told him “Walk Away” captured her life in five minutes. Another credited the song with helping her leave a toxic relationship. These aren’t just listener testimonials—they’re proof that vulnerability in music actually connects.
When asked about his sound, Tyson admits it depends which album you pick up. He cites influences from Evanescence and Halestorm to Miranda Lambert—”we have a little for everyone.”
Looking ahead, there’s talk of touring in mid-2026, though right now the focus stays on recording. Tyson’s working with seasoned session musicians and a female vocalist he describes as “out of this world.” Another album with producer Mobley is also in the works.
His message to fans reflects both sides of his musical personality: “I love my hard rock roots but I love my messages I put in my Christian songs, to spread the word of God to the world.” He acknowledges the world’s struggles while preaching unity and love. “Just do your own thing and what makes you happy,” he adds. “Stay focused and loyal to your fans.”
You can find The JJ Tyson Project on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and Facebook.
