Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyson Sullivan
Hi Tyson, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Music has always been around me and I’ve always wanted to be around it. Having been named after the Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar, and carrying his middle name “Roy”, I, too, live to inspire people through the power of music. I moved from northeast Indiana to Nashville in July of 2023 to grow as a musician and to expand my ministry in the Worship community. And there’s no better place to do that than in the epicenter of it all. I’ve been in Worship Ministry for over a decade now, and this can be felt and heard in the undertones of my writing. But I take influence from 90’s rock, emo metal, all the way to gospel and CCM.
I took the biggest and scariest leap of my life moving here. It’s been the toughest thing I’ve ever done; having uprooted myself to settle into new soil just to pursue a dream. Almost like it was written up in a movie. We all have a calling, a gifting; something to give to others. My happy place is to be on the stage, sharing my music and the lessons I’ve learned after 27 years on this earth. Right now I continue to write, do co-writes, writers rounds and shows, and am currently working on the next 2 singles to be released!
I like to think that if you have a dream that seems impossible-you’re supposed to be the one to do it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not, but I always knew that I’d be provided for. The cost of housing in Nashville makes me cringe, and has almost completely broke me, but it’s the price to be paid if you want to achieve your goals.
And being away from my niece and nephew, my close family and friends, it’s had an impact on my writing. Since moving here I’ve had 3 dear friends from home pass away. This truly taught me and reminded me of the fragility of life and of living in the moment with whoever you’re with. You never know what day could be somebody’s last and there’s no stopping death. Sounds cliche but it’s so true.
And that distance can put a strain on sustaining even the deepest friendships. Changes of life happen by the season. And it’s so easy to be out-of-touch with someone else’s season of life. But every time I go home I love deeper. And the time before I leave becomes bittersweet. You can’t let safety and security hold you back from a future of untapped potential.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a musician, instrumentalist, and songwriter. I like to say I make, “church music for the bar folk”. But the church is a body of people-not a building. A building doesn’t make sound; the people do. All you have to do is listen to my lyrics and you’ll understand. The theme in my artistry is to edify others and tell them of a hope that cannot be found in ourselves alone. That there’s someone out there beyond what we can comprehend that’s gives us the inspiration and passion to do what we do.
My style blends classical techniques with alternative rock. Having studied classical guitar in college, the fingerstyle technique allows me to be distinguishable from others. Using colorful chords and picking patterns that compliment that backdrop of the words. Someone once told me, “If Paul McCartney and Radiohead had a love child: it’d be you.” I thought that was awfully nice.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
To never take for granted the time you have with those around you. I worked full-time in customer service during Covid and it was the weirdest thing to eventually see the bottom half of someone’s face. The relationality changes when you see someone’s smile. Seeing someone’s smile leaves an impact.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tysonjamesroy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TysonJamesRoy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tjrmusic487
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tysonjamesroy
