For Tyson Leamon, music and breathing go hand-in-hand. Music in all aspects, from the writing process, to playing shows, to recording music represents a journey he is supposed to be on, and he invites everyone to join along the journey with him. As an approachable artist, Tyson puts first his passions in a way that resonates with his fans while staying true to his authentic self in the process.
Meet Tyson.
Lisa: We’ll go ahead and get the introductions out of the way. How long have you been playing music? And what is it that made you decide to pursue it?
Tyson:
I started singing at the age of three (3). Dad would take me around in an old Dodge Caravan playing Civitan clubs, churches, and political events normally wherever they would have a young kid with a microphone sing a little music.
For me, music wasn’t really a choice; I was born into a family that was musically rooted and grew up with harmonies and guitars and started doing it as soon as I could talk. I remember most of our holidays revolved around big ‘ole jam sessions at Uncle Roy’s and everyone would bring an instrument and play and sing along.
Lisa: What is your favorite song you’ve written? Your proudest? If they aren’t the same.
Tyson:
Favorite song that I wrote would probably have to be the one about my daughter, entitled “She Calls Me Dad” because it has such meaning to me. I’m glad I can put into words what I feel in my heart for her as a father.
I don’t know if I’ve written my proudest song yet. I’ve had some pretty good moments but I would never want to put a cap on what could happen, focusing on what has happened. Maybe the proudest moment is yet to come.
Lisa: Will you walk us through your creative process?
Tyson:
Different songs take on different natures. It could be a current event that gets me thinking, a feeling, a loss of life, etc. I will start out with playing or hum through a melody and start trying to put the words together and grammatically in writing form. Write a catchy and relatable hook on the chorus part and put it together with the guitar. I’m still old school, so I’m a pen and paper kind of guy.
Lisa: I’m dying to hear a story about one of your shows. Something about blood on your guitar during a show. Will you tell me about that?
Tyson:
So we were playing down at a venue — Big Tom’s in Cleveland, TN — and the crowd was pretty good into things. Amidst the rush and excitement of the crowd, in the moment my finger slips and hits the strings, completely peeling the hide off three of my fingers, resulting in blood splatter on the guitar much like a horror movie. At the end of the set, it resulted in broken strings but the show must go on. So at the end of the show I had a bloody guitar, broken strings and a bucket full of tips and lots of new fans.
Lisa: Who are your musical influences?
Tyson:
That’s a tough question. For different genres, there are different artists. I get a lot of comparisons to several artists like Jeff Healey, Travis Tritt and Chris Stapleton. For me, it’s the ones that sing from their hearts that have the biggest influence on me and my music. I try to pull a little bit from everyone and learn daily.
Lisa: What is your greatest goal as an artist? What is the biggest thing you hope to translate to people through your music?
Tyson:
My greatest goal as an artist is to never be unapproachable. I always want to make my music and myself relatable to my fans so that they aren’t buying into Tyson the artist but Tyson the person. If I’m not approachable as an artist, then they’re not reachable.
I would like to translate to people that no matter what adversity or opposition you face, or how unorthodox your journey, it’s okay because you were chosen for that particular path, and who’s to question it. If people don’t understand your journey, write a song or a story and tell them about it.
You can follow Tyson Leamon’s Facebook page here for updates on shows and the release of new music.