Hard rock/metal outfit Changing Tymz recently unveiled their new single/music video, “Shark Attack,” a foretaste of their forthcoming 11-track album, slated for release later this year.
In 2020, Changing Tymz released their self-titled, debut EP with vocalist Matt Martin, who left the band shortly thereafter. The vacancy launched an extensive search for a new vocalist. Enter Joann E Wolfe, whose potent, Siren-like voice perfectly complements Changing Tymz’s hard-hitting sound. Vaguely reminiscent of Ann Wilson blended with Lizzy Hale, Wolfe’s dynamic vocals are at once electrifying and deliciously melodic.
The video, directed by drummer Tony Rossi and friend Tom Fox Davies, explores the damaging consequences of drugs. The visuals depict a group of martial artists confronted by the real violence that drugs usher into their community.
Drenched in muscular galloping guitars laced with blistering licks, “Shark Attack” reveals the intoxicating, reckless energy of Changing Tymz’s compelling sound.
Impressed and intrigued, Tattoo.com spoke with Changing Tymz to find out more about the inspiration for “Shark Attack,” who is in the band, and how they got started in music.
What three things can’t you live without?
Joann – My faith, my passion for music, the support of family and friends.
Brian – Family, being creative (music, drawing), a sense of purpose/ambition…….also coffee.
Timmy – My family, faith, music, cheese, and coffee.
Bryan – God, family, and music. Oh, and definitely my Boxer “Toby” and my Harley Davidson.
Tony – My faith, my wife, drums, music, and martial arts. Chocolate and coffee are runners-up. It would be hard to be without my cat “O” too.
What inspired your new single/music video, “Shark Attack?”
The drummer’s brother, Pete, owned and operated a recording studio named Shark Attack Studios. The last drum line Pete recorded for him before he passed from an overdose of fentanyl was the beginning of the music video. The drum line was re-recorded and was worked into a song. The song was written and performed by CHANGING TYMZ and the lyrics of the song came from the studio’s name (Shark Attack) using the analogy of a shark attack representing a drug addiction. Taking a tragic event and turning it into something positive. Trying to plant seeds that show the destruction addictive drugs bring.
Who directed the video and where was it shot?
Tom Fox Davies with FDF Productions directed the video and it was filmed in Pittsburgh at the ATA McMurray Martial Arts Academy dojo and surrounding areas with the school’s Demo Team.
Who is in Changing Tymz and which instrument do they play?
Joann E Wolfe – lead vocals.
Brian Weber – lead/rhythm guitars.
Timmy Wysong – lead/rhythm guitars and backing vocals.
Bryan McQuade – bass guitar, backing vocals, producer, recording, and mixing engineer.
Tony Rossi – drums.
You have a new album dropping later this year. What can you share about it?
It’s an album where the melodies and lyrics will grab you and the powerful diverse music will call to your emotions. We consider CHANGING TYMZ to be a band that writes outside the box, opens up lyrically and musically, and that has created our own unique sound. The upcoming album debuts 11 new tracks including songs that deal with the loss of a loved one; fighting for your dreams; the spirits of black shadow people; and the valor of knights of old that knew truths about the foundations of life. The album will take you on a journey through your thoughts in the hopes of opening your mind to better decisions, leaving the listener with a positive vibe. Musically, we pulled out all the stops! Throughout the album, we showcase the passion we have for our instruments, yet as seasoned veterans of the trade everyone writes with maturity to create a polished tight sound as every piece is thought out with purpose. Whether it’s good music, good songs, or inspiring lyrics with flowing melodies that you enjoy, this album will leave listeners satisfied.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
Joann – It became obvious during my toddler years that I had a keen interest in music. I was always singing and was quick to learn lyrics and melodies. Oddly, when I began singing and bouncing in my car seat to the rhythm of the music at the same time, it was like a feeling in me was born and there was only one way to go, I felt the dream. At six years old, I was signed up for piano lessons and continued with them until the age of 16. The piano gave me great insight into all aspects of music, as I learned a thorough understanding of timing, melody, and harmony.
Brian – I grew up in a musical family. My brother and myself were both in the boy choir. My sister was in the girl choir. We all were bitten by the music bug very early and still have it. Classical music was always blasting through the stereo, and we were always encouraged to embrace things we were passionate about. I started training in martial arts at a young age as well, and the lessons I had learned through that were easily brought into music. The importance of being diligent with practice, dedication…all that would come through for me when I started playing guitar at 14 and never put it down.
Timmy – The love for music runs in my family. I grew up listening to music, even recording on an old cassette recorder of me singing. Until I picked up my first guitar when I was 5 and have always been supported and encouraged to pursue music and playing the guitar. When I was younger (maybe 12 or so), I had asked a friend of my mother at the time to teach me some stuff on the guitar. He said, “You can’t play the guitar, you should learn the harmonica instead.” THAT was the day I took my music and guitar playing direction seriously, and my dream became obvious. I knew as soon as that person said that to me, I knew I was born and meant to play guitar. I have a “built-in guitar pick.”
Bryan – My mother had played piano in church as I grew up and in 4th grade, I began playing saxophone. I continued on with that as well as singing in church and once I got to high school, I was in concert band, stage band, and the show choir. Have never turned back after that.
Tony- My father had a music studio so although I may not have always agreed, I was fortunate to have an instrument pushed on me. It wasn’t until my early teens that I truly fell for the drums. Oddly enough, the reason I chose drums was because my older brother chose guitar and, in my mind, the drums were louder, and I wanted to outdo him.
Changing Tymz
Where are you from?
Joann – Southwestern Ohio.
Brian – Born in Norway, Michigan U.P. , grew up in Wisconsin, been living in Ohio for 5 years.
Timmy – Born in Michigan, raised in Tennessee. And been in Ohio for the last 25 years.
Bryan – Born in Southeastern Ohio – New Staitsville – but grew up in Nelsonville, Ohio, and now live in Columbus, Ohio.
Tony – Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in the USA.
Did your hometown impact your sound?
Joann – Not really, my influences are numerous and come from a wide variety of genres…. yet I’d say two of my three top choices would be the powerful and smooth soul vibes of Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston…..the third being rock powerhouse Heart
Brian – Sure.
Timmy – My hometown I consider Clarksville, TN. Yeah, I would have to say it played a part.
Bryan –Not really at all.
Tony – Not at all.
Are there any recording techniques you like to use in the studio?
Joann – Just relaxing beforehand, being well prepared so when I get in the vocal booth, I can sing it like I’m on stage.
Brian – TUNE TUNE TUNE TUNE……and know your shit when you come in to record. You have lots of time to write before you come to a studio. And get your gear looked at, tuned up. New tubes, strings, make sure everything is in working order.
Timmy – I usually record in the studio, as if I’m in front of a huge audience. Sometimes I might sit down, but usually not. Always use new strings and batteries (active pickups) for every session. And since my “guitar pick” is “built-in,” I sometimes use tape to make my “built-in pick” have a medium to thick “feel.”
Bryan – Always new strings and constant tuning throughout recording a song. Breaking parts up in order to make them as tight as possible.
Tony – Just learning to relax. I do like to use new heads that have a few days’ warm-up on them, so they seat in nice.
How do you keep your sound consistent on stage?
Joann – That is out of my control. I record exactly how I plan on singing it on stage. But without a good monitor mix and vocal sound checks there isn’t much I can do.
Brian – Depends on the situation. There’s always a sweet spot on every stage. Acoustics, size, the production team…way too many variables to consider. Remaining consistent can be nearly impossible, so it really pays off to practice like crazy before a tour, or even just a random gig.
Timmy – Always use the same equipment, fresh strings, and batteries prior and adjust levels accordingly (playing environment).
Bryan – I use the same bass guitars on stage as in the studio with the same exact gear.
Tony – Being that I’m a drummer that’s more up to the sound engineer. To make it easier for them and to do what I can to make my sound consistent I spend a good deal of time practicing the dynamics in my drum lines. I also write out all my drum parts which are mapped out with reason so my playing will deliver the same sound and feel.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
Joann – I would have to guess Halestorm, maybe Dream Theater and Shinedown too.
Brian – Devin Townsend, In Flames, Polyphia.
Timmy – Five Finger Death Punch, Halestorm, Dream Theater, and Megadeth.
Bryan –Halestorm, Disturbed, Shinedown, Alter Bridge, and Mark Tremonti.
Tony – Dream Theater, Disturbed, and 5 Finger Death Punch are three that come to mind quickly.
What’s your definition of success?
Joann – It’s very exciting to be able to share any project I’m involved with that I’m proud of, and it’s very “soul-satisfying” and validating to know that others truly love and appreciate the work and talent behind it! I strive to remain humble, but I celebrate this kind of success with gratitude and a big smile it puts on my face and in my heart!
Brian – Taking steps towards a goal, big or small.
Timmy – Making your dream a reality, living it, and embracing that journey.
Bryan – Part of success is the road as you pursue your dreams coming true. The ability to be able to give back to others and help others along the way.
Tony – Pursuing dreams and enjoying the journey.
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