His voice has been compared to John Legend, his guitar riffs to John Mayer. His poetic, honest and relatable lyrics flow forth with a gentle fluidity, conveying humble perspectives on love, fear, persistence, free will and integrity. He’s back in Florida after the success of his Kickstarter-funded Realize the Dream project, his second EP “The All of Us EP”, and his first east coast tour. He’s Reggie Williams, and he might just be the nicest guy ever.
A Florida native, Reggie grew up singing in church and listening to an array of artists, from the soulful sounds of Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin to the wild riffs of Coheed and Cambria, who he credits as his inspiration to start playing and writing his own songs. He started writing and recording music at 13, eventually going on to study music at FSU where he was able to really hone in on and improve the quality of his sound. After college he moved to Orlando in an attempt to immerse himself into the city’s vibrant music scene.
I was lucky enough to sit down with the singer/songwriter himself after his set at High Dive on Saturday night to discuss matters of music, philosophy, life and love.
Your music is so idealistic and hopeful. Do you have any advice for those, like me, who are more easily “dissuaded by the uphill climb?” What brings you hope?
I suppose if I have any advice it’s to find something that you believe in. Find something that kind of keeps you positive, something that keeps you improving. Music is something that I had a lot of trouble with growing up because I don’t think I was mature enough to understand that it was like a lifestyle choice. I see music and personal development as equivalent. So, that became my way of self-improvement. I accepted that there was no end to it, no finish line, and that the improvement is just for the sake of improvement. That realization can be seen as one of two ways: One, I’ll never reach the end, I’ll never finish, I’ll never get to the apex of being the epitome of the best musician. Or it could be seen as there always being something to learn. Every day you wake up and there’s a new thing you can start on. A new adventure every day.
Your lyrics are so emotional and honest. In a society where everyone is so guarded, do you ever feel vulnerable for exposing yourself to such a degree?
I think that you need to feel vulnerable in life. Vulnerability is a very necessary human thing, and I think it is something that we’re all very afraid of, you know, in our society, even down to the way we talk, the way we approach each other. People are so apprehensive about starting conversations with each other. There’s definitely a societal pressure to fit in, to belong, but why does vulnerability have to be something to avoid? Why can’t it be an opportunity to build yourself up? I think being vulnerable is something that is essential. If I was lying in my lyrics then my music would suck, period.
Congratulations on the success of your Realize the Dream project. What were the best and worst things about tour life?
The worst part was having to give it all up. We had a great time. There’s obviously an ebb and flow of everything, you know, but I loved that time. It was unforgettable, my first big tour, the first time I’d ever been to Canada. I loved it, I had a great time. I honestly can’t say enough good about it.
So how was Canada? Did you see any Mounties?
It was great. Yes I saw Mounties, and they are just as nice as you think they are.
Your sound, particularly your voice, has evolved substantially since the recording of Songs for Stories. What role did your formal music education have with the development of your current sound?
(Laughs) I like that. I feel like that particular instance is interesting because it’s one of those things where you felt it and you knew you wanted to do it, but going through school allowed you to attach a name to it. So one of the best things about the formal training that I like is that I feel like music theory allows me options. A lot of people argue that they don’t want to take music theory cause they think it will box them in, but I don’t agree with that.
Last year was a busy year for you, with the success of your Kickstarter project and your east coast tour, and the release of “The All of Us EP”. What are your plans for 2014?
This year is gonna be a lot about developing me, my spirit and my capacity. Last year was great, but I was not ready for it emotionally, I think. It was very draining and very much a new experience, which is good because I can learn from it. I want to deepen my spirituality and infuse that into my music. I want to become a stronger person. I honestly don’t want to focus on busting a bunch of rocks as far as music and technical ability goes. I want to write a lot and I want my output to improve and I want to just be a better, happier person.
Do you have any advice for up-and-coming musicians?
Anything I’m going to say here, take with a grain of salt because it’s probably advice I need to take myself. But, I say, be true to yourself, as vague as that sounds. Spend the time figuring out what “true to yourself” means. Get to know yourself. Know what you do and don’t appreciate and, more importantly, know why. Another thing is always be honest, and always be nice. Don’t be an asshole. That’s the quickest way to not get worked with — is by being a jerk — no matter how good you are. And work hard, man. Try things, find your craft. Don’t be afraid to be original.
Neil Young or Bob Dylan?
Ooooh, Why? Why is Joni Mitchell not in it? (laughs) But I’m more familiar with Bob Dylan’s catalogue, so just based on that, I feel like I have to go with Bob Dylan. But one of my favorites, John Mayer, has gone on record saying that he’s more inspired by Neil Young than he is by almost any other singer/songwriter. But personally, I gotta go with Dylan.
To listen to Reggie Williams’ music, purchase his EPs and other merchandise, or contact him directly, you can check out his Bandcamp.
Photos courtesy of: Facebook
