Guest: Tyson Leslie, Recording Artist In this episode, we sit down with multi-instruementalist/recording artist Tyson Leslie to trace his musical journey from its earliest beginnings to finding his creative home with the recording act Vixen.

The Early Years: Where Music Began

Tyson takes us back to his youth, painting a vivid picture of the moment music became more than just background noise in his life. Growing up in a household where melodies drifted through the halls, he discovered that music wasn't just something to listen to—it was something that could save you, define you, and give voice to feelings words alone couldn't capture. He shares the story of his first instrument, the countless hours spent in his bedroom trying to recreate the sounds that moved him, and the teachers and mentors who saw something in him before he could see it in himself.

The Industry Rollercoaster

But the path from passion to profession is rarely smooth. Tyson opens up about the harsh realities of breaking into the music industry—the rejection letters, the promising opportunities that dissolved into nothing, the financial struggles, and the moments when quitting seemed like the only rational option. He talks candidly about the toll the ups and downs took on his mental health and relationships, the industry gatekeepers who didn't understand his vision, and the feeling of being constantly on the outside looking in. Yet through every setback, something kept pulling him back to the music. We explore what kept the flame alive during the darkest periods and how those struggles ultimately shaped the artist he would become.

Finding Home with Vixen

The turning point in Tyson's story comes when he connected with Vixen. He describes the moment he knew he'd found his people—artists who understood his creative language, who pushed him to be better while accepting who he already was. Tyson reveals how joining Vixen wasn't just a career move but a homecoming, a place where his music could finally breathe and reach the audience it deserved.

He discusses the collaborative process within Vixen, how the collective approach has influenced his songwriting and performance, and what it means to be part of something larger than yourself while maintaining your individual artistic identity.

Looking Forward

As we wrap up, Tyson reflects on the lessons learned from his journey and offers advice for artists still fighting their way through. His story is a testament to persistence, authenticity, and the transformative power of finding where you truly belong.

Listen now on all major podcast platforms.