Every once in a while, talent and personality do what they should: Attract immediate and enthusiastic support from fans and fellow artists.Case in point: Steve Williams, the lead singer for Williams Riley, one of country music’s most exciting newcomers. Williams expresses amazement at how many top names within the music industry have rallied behind him and lent their talents and their enthusiastic support in helping his music find a larger audience.
Among those top names, rock’s most famous guitarist, Slash, joins country star Bryan White and famed singer-songwriter Edwin McCain on the debut, self-titled Williams Riley album—an incredible rarity for a new, independent artist.
That’s only part of the lineup of all-stars on the recording. Co-producer Noel Golden is an award-winning studio veteran who has worked with platinum selling artists matchbox twenty, Metallica, Edwin McCain, Sister Hazel, Sammy Hagar, Willie Nelson and Lee Ann Womack, to just name a few. Derek George, best-known as Bryan White’s primary collaborator, also co-produced. Besides Slash, other acclaimed instrumentalists on the album include A-team players Dan Dugmore, Kenny Greenberg and John Hobbs.
Fans have reacted with similar over-the-top fervor, crowding merchandise tables to buy Williams Riley CD’s after each show. The band once sold all 400 CD’s brought to a show in Chicago, even though they played a short 30-minute opening set before two better-known acts.
“I can’t believe how passionate everyone has been about what we’re doing,” says Williams, the singer, songwriter and guiding light of Williams Riley. “Not long ago, I was just a guy writing songs in Louisiana. Now a bunch of my heroes are playing with me and my band on my songs because they love what I’m doing, that tells me that we must be doing something right.”
You can listen and stream some of the Williams Riley band's music here. We had a chance to sit down with Steve Williams, lead singer of the band for a few questions about their life as a country band...
That Nashville Sound- What brought you to country music & Nashville?
Steve Williams- Well, while I grew up listening to R&B, Pock and Rock, My all time favorite was Glenn Campbell and as I grew up I began listening more to southern rock bands like 38-Special, Lynard Skynard and Molly Hatchet. Then came Restless Heart, Vince Gill and Bryan White who were actually played on Country stations and I LOVED them. Even later in life, I began listening to Edwin McCain and Hootie and the Blowfish. The funny thing is that with exception to Edwin, they are all considered country in today's world. So I guess the answer is I didn't really come to country music, I think it came to me.
TNS- Describe your music- what's the mission behind the music?
SW- My music is definitely country pop and while we do have some traditional country sounds as well as southern rock styles, I've just always been a pop guy. If there was a mission, I think it would be to simply create something that people will appreciate and enjoy. I think music has a way of altering people's emotions in both good ways and bad ways and I think people need that. It keeps us from being robotic I guess. In the end, I just want to make good, honest music that people will enjoy and make them want to see us live.
TNS- What might people be surprised to find out about you?
SW- Two things... One, I think people would be surprised at how diverse my musical background is. From Luther Vandros to Hall and Oats. The Baby's to Ozzy Osbourne and Glenn Campbell to Vince Gill. Two that I started a music career at 40 years old.
TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?
SW- Allman Brothers - Dave Barnes (LOVE) - Matt Werzt - Jimmy Wayne - Keith Urban - Kenny Loggins - Marc Broussard - Michael English
TNS- If you had a crystal ball and looked forward ten years, what do you see for yourself?
SW- I'd like to see myself accepting a grammy for a song that I wrote even if I didn't see it..
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