Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with J’sun Tyler of Northern Virginia

J’sun Tyler shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

J’sun, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
For me, time seems to stand still when I’m immersed in the creative process or learning something new about music. Whether it’s discovering a new technique or pushing the boundaries of a song, those moments feel like pure flow—an exciting journey of growth as both a musician and a leader. One of the most recent examples was producing an album for a client, particularly the track Tribute to the Ancestors. The process of crafting that medley of songs like “Oh Lord I’m On My Way” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” required me to dive deep into the authenticity of each piece and ensure it reflected the client’s unique style.

This experience of researching, arranging, and fine-tuning the songs made time disappear for me completely. It wasn’t just about technical skills; it was about connecting the emotion and legacy of the songs with the client’s vision. That intense focus, that attention to detail, allowed me to get lost in the process, and in those moments, I found myself—not just as a creator, but as someone fully aligned with the purpose and passion behind the music. When you’re that invested, it doesn’t feel like work at all—it feels like a calling.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m J’sun Tyler, and I wear a few different hats, all rooted in my passion for music, growth, and connection.

I’m the founder of Déja Grüv Band, where we bring high-energy music from a variety of genres to diverse audiences—from luxury weddings to corporate events, and even representing the U.S. abroad at the U.S. Embassy. We just completed our “Motown & More” show at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg, VA on August 9th, where we brought our signature energy to the stage. The band’s mission is simple: to create unforgettable experiences that celebrate culture and unite people through the power of music.

In addition to my work with the band, I’m the founder of J’sun Tyler Global, where I help businesses grow and streamline their operations through leadership, project management, and strategic consulting. This year, I’ve expanded into the private industry, partnering with a medical office in South Carolina. I had the opportunity to develop a plan to help them grow technologically from the ground up, implementing advanced workstation setups, secure networks, and seamless Office 365 integration to enhance performance and safeguard their business operations.

I’ve also ventured into a new niche, helping churches refine and optimize their livestreams. Through J’sun Tyler Global, my team and I consult with churches to recommend the best equipment, install it, and train their staff to ensure they can reach their congregations with high-quality streams. By combining expertise in IT services with leadership consulting, I’m able to offer a comprehensive approach that drives business success and ensures that organizations are equipped with the right tools for long-term growth.

While I wear many hats professionally, my most important one is being a husband and father of three. I make a conscious effort to balance my entrepreneurial goals without negatively impacting my relationship with my wife and ensuring I’m present for my kids. Family is everything to me, and I’m constantly striving to create harmony between work and home life.

What makes my brand unique is its authenticity and relentless pursuit of growth and quality. Whether it’s creating music that touches hearts or helping businesses and churches thrive, everything I do is about pushing boundaries and bringing fresh, exciting energy to every project. Right now, I’m focused on expanding both my consulting services and the reach of the band, ensuring that everything we do has a lasting, positive impact—creating meaningful experiences and connecting with others in a way that leaves a lasting mark.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of the earliest moments I remember feeling powerful was when I realized just how much our thoughts and spoken words shape our reality. I learned that thoughts truly do become things—and the words we speak have incredible power. Once I understood that, it was a game changer. I started speaking life into everything I wanted—focusing on what I wanted to happen, rather than what I didn’t. This shift in mindset was a big reason why I became a certified Life Coach. I not only use that skill in my personal life, but I also apply it in my leadership approach with Déja Grüv Band and J’sun Tyler Global.

When I first started Déja Grüv Band, we were in an unfinished basement with just five people, no horns, and little production. But even then, I envisioned something much bigger. I saw a band with horns, a full production light show, and a media team that would help elevate the entire experience. I spoke that vision into existence, but here’s the thing—it didn’t happen overnight. It took time, consistency, and a lot of hard work. Success isn’t a magic bullet, and you can’t just sit back, think positive thoughts, and expect things to fall into place. You have to show up, do the work, and keep pushing, even when it feels like progress is slow. But when you stay committed to your vision and keep speaking life into it, doors begin to open in ways you never imagined.

Speaking what you want into existence is powerful. It’s about seeing the potential in every moment and speaking that vision into reality, and that’s something I’ve carried with me in every aspect of my career.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be that I don’t need everyone’s approval to validate my purpose. Too often, we seek external affirmation to pursue what’s deep in our hearts. We look for others to agree with us, support us, or cheer us on before we take action. I’ve been there. Since I was a child, I knew music was part of my destiny, but I let other people’s opinions hold me back. Growing up, there was an expectation to take a traditional path—become a lawyer, a doctor, something “secure.” Art, especially music, was often viewed as a poor man’s pursuit, a dream that might never pay off.

I almost chose a different path—one that would’ve looked great on paper, but deep down, I knew I would’ve regretted it. Because there’s nothing that brings me more joy than being immersed in music. People often tell me what a great musician I am, and inside, I think, “Had I started when I was in single digits, I’d be a monster now.” And while sometimes I feel like I “lost” so much time waiting for approval, the truth is, it’s never too late to get back on the right path. It’s never too late to operate in your passion. The fact that I’m here now, doing what I love, reminds me that it’s not about when you start—it’s about staying on course, trusting the journey, and realizing that there’s still time to make an impact.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One of the foundational truths in my life is the idea that “to thine ownself, be true.” I have it tattooed on my arm—not as a reminder, but as a fact. It’s a principle that guides everything I do. No matter the choices I make, whether right or wrong, I know they are made with authenticity. It’s not about pleasing others or fitting into someone else’s mold—it’s about staying true to myself, no matter the outcome.

For me, it’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s a way of life. I’ve seen how powerful it is to align your actions with your true self. Whether in my music career with Déja Grüv Band, my consulting work with J’sun Tyler Global, or even in my personal life as a husband and father, I always strive to make choices that feel right for me—not just what looks good on paper or what others expect. This is where setting bold, audacious goals comes in. I don’t just “think” about what I want to achieve—I expect it to happen. I set specific, measurable goals and pursue them with certainty. When you know your worth and stay true to your vision, you’re not just hoping for success—you’re preparing for it with expectancy.

It hasn’t always been easy, and I’ve made mistakes along the way. Some people see mistakes as failures, but I’ve learned that they’re a crucial part of the journey. Mistakes are opportunities to reflect, reassess, and adjust. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to identify areas for improvement or understand the deeper lessons behind success. It’s through facing challenges and setbacks that we develop the skills, wisdom, and resilience needed to move forward. Mistakes have shaped who I am today. Every misstep, every trial, helped me discover what works, what doesn’t, and ultimately, who I am. I now embrace them as a vital part of my growth, knowing they’ve been essential in shaping my journey.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
A legacy isn’t something that happens overnight—it’s built one decision at a time, with each choice we make along the way. The foundation of a meaningful life is rooted in the present because that’s the only moment we truly control. The past can’t be undone, and the future is uncertain, but right now? That’s where we have the power to shape our path. Legacy isn’t just about big achievements; it’s about showing up every day with integrity, purpose, and consistency. It’s about setting bold, audacious goals, speaking life into them, and working relentlessly toward them. It’s treating others with kindness, integrity, and respect, always giving your best, and letting your actions speak louder than words. In the end, the legacy we leave isn’t defined by perfection but by the impact we make—one day, one choice, one moment at a time. That’s how you build something that lasts. And that’s what I understand deeply that most people don’t.

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Image Credits
Bo Harris, Visual Access Photography

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