For Nashville-based artist Tim Wolf, the journey toward his latest single, “Thief of Joy,” has been as much about mindset as it has been about music. Inspired by Teddy Roosevelt’s famous quote, the track grew out of Wolf’s own lifelong struggle with comparison and the way it can quietly steal happiness. Written in 2022 during a period of deep reflection, the song became what he calls a “musical letter” to himself and anyone else navigating the same battle.
Since moving to Nashville in 2017, Wolf has embraced the idea of cultivating a healthier mindset as a key to chasing his goals, attending seminars, reading extensively, and putting personal growth at the center of his artistry. “Thief of Joy” reflects this commitment, offering listeners an anthem of self-worth and resilience wrapped in his signature blend of blues, soul, and alternative influences.
Drawing inspiration from icons like Eric Clapton, Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and songwriters such as Elton John, The Beatles, and Anderson East, Wolf’s sound carries both grit and vulnerability. He embraces his identity as a “Romantic Rebel,” writing with honesty about relationships, resilience, and the drive to push forward in the face of setbacks.
More than anything, Wolf hopes “Thief of Joy” encourages listeners to pursue their dreams without being weighed down by comparison. The heartfelt messages he receives from fans remind him why he continues to write music that uplifts and challenges. With a live album on the way and a full-length sequel to his Billboard-charting Born in South Dakota already in progress, Wolf is entering his next chapter with the same determination and heart that fuels his songwriting.
“Thief of Joy” was inspired by Teddy Roosevelt’s famous quote. At what point in your life did that message really click for you and inspire a song?
Ive always struggled with the comparison game and suffering with the “thief of my joy” as a result. I wrote this song in 2022, and I would say that my focus on positive mindset (which this is very much part of) has become more and more important to me in the several years before I wrote the song (and continues to be important to me). Since I moved to nashville in 2017, I have attended seminars and read books promoting a healthy mindset as a key to reaching goals. Certainly my awakening to cultivating a better mindset started after I moved to Nashville and I got serious about my music goals.
You’ve described the track as a “musical letter” to yourself and the world. What was the most personal line or moment you wrote in the song?
Probably verse 2, where I wrote about realizing most people (myself included) are thinking of themselves much more than what others are doing, and not to worry about what others think. Its an ongoing battle
Comparison is something most people struggle with—especially in the music industry. How do you personally fight against it?I would never say I have figured it out. It’s an ongoing process. I am a big goal person (writing them down, with end dates, etc). I try to continually remind myself that if I am not my own biggest fan, who will be? Focusing on goals and the metrics towards reaching those goals helps me take the focus off of “comparison shopping”, but the temptation is never far away.
Your style blends blues, soul, and alternative influences. Who were some of the artists or experiences that shaped that unique sound?
Thanks for your kind comment. My #1 influence has historically been Eric Clapton. (Not the more recent “easy listening” version he has become, but the gut wrenching passion that was his music, like the Derek and Dominoes era)
Others have been SRV and Santana, (my big 3 for guitar). Hendrix not far behind.
For songwriting, Ive always loved Elton John, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Brian Wilson, and The Eagles. More recently Anderson East and Marcus King.
You’ve called yourself a “Romantic Rebel.” Can you explain what that means to you and how it comes through in your music?
I do write romantic relationship songs as well. Many of them come from a vulnerable place. I have had women comment to me that they are surprised to hear such vulnerable writing from a man. So, I believe the “Romantic” is fitting.
I also tend to do things my own way. I dont think I am a rebel for the sake of being rebellious, but I do believe that most people who know me would say I am often not a follower of convention, i.o, a rebel.
“Thief of Joy” feels like an anthem of self-worth. What do you hope listeners walk away with after hearing it?I hope that listeners feel encouraged to pursue their own goals and dreams, and not to be bogged down with comparison. The day after the single dropped, I got an email from one of the fans on my email list. She stated that the song really encouraged her and gave her more confidence and drive to go for her own dreams.
This kind of response is the best thing I could hope for from the listeners of my song(s). It actually gets me teared up a bit to read stuff like that. Makes it all really worth it!
Many of your songs speak to resilience and second chances. Is there a personal story behind that recurring theme?
Yes, ive noticed that. These are the songs that often come out when I sit down to write something. Like most people, I have had my fair share of failure and embarrassment of not reaching the mark in my life. I think one recurring theme is that I am really stubborn and it takes a lot for me to give up.
When you were writing “Thief of Joy,” did the music or the message come first?
I almost always write the complete lyrics first before writing any music. However, with “Thief of Joy” I had the melody and phrasing for the first two lines of the chorus only (the two “some people think..” lines) . It had been an iPhone memo on my phone for some time. It wasn’t until I was on the cruise ship in 2022 that I sat down and got to work to craft it into a song. That’s when the phrase “Thief of Joy” got added to the song and became the hook/title. (I had written the phrase “Thief of joy” in my hook book, which is a notebook I have where I write down anything that I come across that could be a potential lyric to a song. )
How has performing emotionally raw songs like this changed the way you connect with your audience?I love it! I do sometimes get caught up in feelong the emotion of a song and get into my feelings, making it harder to actually perform the song, because I am thinking about the meaning and not the technical performance. But I hope that the audience can hear the emotion and that it will convey to them so they feel it too.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect next from you—more singles, a full project, or perhaps live performances built around this new chapter?
I am preparing a live album release recorded at my recent album release party for my previous album (Born In South Dakota). I expect to release that live album within the next 3-5 months; we’ll see.
My next big project will be a 14-song sequel to my Billboard-charting album, “Born In South Dakota.”The sequel is tentatively called “Raised In South Dakota.” We’ve already recorded all the foundation tracks, and I need to add my vocals and lead guitar plus BGVs and other instrumentation. I expect it to be released in June 2026.
I didn’t have many gigs in 2025, but I hope to change that in 2026 and play as many live performances as possible in 2026.
For music submission, click here
