hey.... now it's OurSpace....
my name is Will. I've been living & breathing in Portland, Oregon -- the "Rose City" since 2002. Love this City....
Most of my early days were in Nash County, NC.
Go Firebirds...!!
... The Tar River, some country roads & a big record collection. my dad played fiddle & guitar so we always had instruments lying around the house when i was a kid. i first picked up the electric guitar when i was 11..... black sabbath, ac/dc & metallica !!!!
jeez... i was alittle punk. even got suspended from school for smokin' in the boys room (7th Grade). survived summers on 4-wheelers, dirtbikes & water skiing at night
Found my way to UNC-Chapel Hill.... played football my freshman year. Go Heels !!! That's where i began exploring open-mics... The Skylight Exchange & 6-String cafe in early 2000.
Loaded my dog (Kelsey) & a handful of songs into the car and drove west during the summer of 2002. It's been quite an adventure. I was really close to packing up and skipping town during my first 2 years in Portland... all the drama a beautiful city can throw your way.
Inspiration can come in many forms....
" attitude is everything, but perception is key "
Released a limited press album of live studio recordings called Reconstruction in late 2003. Ethos Studios.
I hugged the entire West Coast in an old van during the spring of 2004. Camping & exploring.... Of course the van got stolen in San Fran. Left me with my dog & my guitar. Inspiration comes in many forms.....
keep writing & smiling....
but you just can't keep from cryin' sometimes....
I hooked up with Rob Stroup (8-Ball Studio) in late 2005. We began working on something.... it turned into an album a year later -- SHINE. We released the album in Dec 2006. Received my first radio airplay (KXCI 91.3FM - Tucson, AZ) on Jan 13 2007 -- my 30th B-day. (what a gift)
Here comes the wintertime in the great Northwest. It's getting cool & rainy.... You can catch live events all over the Portland area throughout these darker months. Every show is different..... ranging from an intimate Blues & Jazz feel to an uptempo Bluegrass & Folk mix. So come out & be ready for some surprises....
I've been able to collaborate with some wonderful people & musicians over the past few of years. I thank everyone..... family, friends & everyone who has given a listen or a nod of support.
Inspiration comes in many forms.... i learn the most from my hardest mistakes. I learn the most when my heart again breaks....
thanks if you're still reading this... tried to keep the pronouns limited.... damn auto-bio....
here's some other people's words....
" the Northwest or Southeast? ...the beauty that merges between the regions comes in the form of music. Sounds of sultry guitar riffs and laid-back vibes... Will West meets in the middle "
Shea Carver - Encore Magazine
" The introspective, folk singer uses a vodka voice to infuse his music with an intimate familiarity. His poetic, crossroads commentary is ideally suited to the acoustic guitar.. ."
Jade Walker - Siren Song Magazine
"Will West has been a local favorite to those Delta blues-style folk-lovin' types. Never performing a song the same way twice, this crooner is a storyteller with a soft touch. While his preference to "feel out" his audience might make you feel violated, there's no need to worry since there's a guitar and a spool of yarns between the two of you.... check him out."
headout -- Willamette Week
"crisp & calming... meditative Ani Difranco/Dave Matthews-lovechild"
Music Liberation Project
The album "Shine" is available at shows and can be ordered online...
use the CDBABY LINK for WILL WEST: Shine
And now SHINE is available on:
iTunes
The album was recorded at 8-Ball Studio with Rob Stroup in Portland, Oregon during the Spring & Summer of 2006.
Featuring: Bob Soper (fiddle & djembe') Noah Peterson (Soprano Sax) Rob Stroup (Bass, Drums, Guitar) and Jess Kreider on guest vocals.
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