Everyday Observations w/ Jerry Williams
by Madison Deyo
From writing songs about strangers at bars, to touring around Europe with Calpurnia, Jerry Williams is on the move and heading directly into the front lines of the music world. With catchy chords, up-beat tempos, and dreamy, falsetto vocals, Williams demonstrates a maturity beyond her age. The wisdom contained in this 23 year old, small-town Brit is evident in her poetic lyrics. With a guitar in hand and mic close by, it seems like there’s nothing Williams can’t do.
How long have you been interested in being a musician?
I have been playing guitar since I was twelve, after I discovered Avril Lavigne and Busted. I’ve been writing songs ever since.
When did you first start performing your songs?
I was quite shy so I never sang in front of anyone, but when I was 17, something clicked in my head and I played my first gig at an open mic night. I write about my life and others. Everyday observations.
What initially brought you to the industry? What keeps you inspired to continue through music?
I don’t come from a musical family but they’re big fans of music. I’ve always grown up with the radio on or CDs playing. Also songwriting has always been a great release for me. When something good or bad has happened, I write about it and it’s so interesting to see something that’s happened to me crafted into an art form. I guess that’s what keeps me inspired.
I know that you recently announced a deal with Royal Mountain Records, congratulations! How did that come about? And what convinced you to sign with them?
Thank you! I met them whilst on tour with ‘Calpurnia’ in Europe who are also signed to Royal Mountain. The label saw/ heard me playing in soundcheck and liked what they heard! It was basically fate. They’re home to some of my favourite artists like Alvvays and they absolutely understood me, which is what you want. They love what I’m already doing and want to help me take it to the next step.
Before that, you were fully self-releasing? How has learning that side of the industry helped you grow as an artist? What are some things that you hope to achieve/do now that you’re signed that you couldn’t do before as in independent artist?
I’m still self-releasing in the UK and it’s hard work. I’ve learned so much though which has been priceless. I basically run my own little business releasing my music and it’s helped me grow as an artist in having full creative control with my music. I guess making new contacts and meeting new people is exciting the most exciting thing about signing to a label, and having their advice when I need it is also really helpful.
Tell me a little bit about this tour you went on with Calpurnia... what was your favorite memory from that experience! Were there any moments where you thought, “wow, this will make such a good story”?
Playing KOKO in London was something I was able to cross off my bucket list. The audience was electric, I still think about it and have little belly flips. Also the fact that Finn Wolfhard from “Stranger Things” hung out with us in our dressing room and shared our chocolate. The whole band was lovely.
If you could create a split album with any artist, who would it be?
Chris Martin and Coldplay. I’m an ultimate Coldplay fangirl, especially the first album. I love the songwriting and how epic the songs are. Love them.
When you first began releasing music, did you ever expect the amount of positive response that you receive currently? Like winning best best produced release of 2017 with ‘Let’s Just Forget It’, how did that feel?
It feels strange when music you write reaches people outside of the bedroom you wrote it in. It felt amazing to be recognized.
Your cover of “Boys Don’t Cry” by the Cure is probably one of my favorite covers, why that song?
Wow, thank you. I genuinely just love that song. I used to walk to school listening to it and I just wanted to sing it and put my own spin on it.
What would you say if you could go back to the very beginning of your music career and have coffee with your past self? Is there anything you’d do differently?
That’s a hard one. I don’t think there’s anything I’d do differently. I’m really proud of my journey and how hard me, my team, family have worked and helped me. I’ve been really lucky.
Can we expect to see a U.S. tour from you soon? Any hints you can give us a hint of future projects?
I’ve got an album coming out in autumn so I’ll definitely be doing a tour. Hopefully everywhere, so keep an ear out.
1,872 Likes, 49 Comments - Jerry Williams (@jerrywilliamsmusic) on Instagram: "🐒 TOUR BBY TOUR 🦋 Excited about being on the road for a UK tour in January/ February 🧚🏻♂️ GET UR..."
With knowledge of the inner workings of the music industry in her back pocket and quite a few serious musical landmarks to her name,
the world better keep an eye out as Jerry Williams cruises her way to the top.