Born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC, Cellist/Guitarist/Vocalist Ward Williams studied music on his own and at the North Carolina School of the Arts. In 1994, he moved to Charleston, SC to join the band Jump, Little Children. After a decade of success with Jump including countless international tours and four critically acclaimed albums, Ward is finally gearing up for the release of his self-named debut solo album.
Recorded at his home, and at Rebellion Road Studios (assisted by production prodigy, Ash Hopkins), Ward Williams is a 12-track collection of intimate, country-tinged compositions. Ranging from pop/rock ("Forever's not Thirteen"), to haunting, melodic folk ("Hurts to be Alone") this musically rich recording features guest performances by Ash Hopkins, Josh Kaler (Slow Runner), Cary Ann Hearst, Kit Gillespie (Chimney Sweeps), Jake Sinclair (The Films), and each member of Jump, Little Children.
Influenced by singer/songwriters such as Ryan Adams, Aimee Mann, Andrew Bird, and Gillian Welch, Ward's songs emerge from authentic, American roots music. He describes the writing process as an exploration of the unconscious, as many of his song ideas come immediately upon waking up in the morning. "Usually a song starts with one melodic idea, or a chord progression. Then I sit and play with it for a while, maybe come up with a complimentary idea. Gradually words start to arise, and eventually I may know what the song is about. I try to finish everything I start regardless of whether I think it's good or bad, because it’s important for an artist to respect whatever they create. That's the only way I think a songwriter can improve their craft."
Ward's live shows will feature cello and guitar with recorded loops combining the two instruments. His goal at performances is to take the audience into the state of mind he was in as he wrote each song, openly discussing whatever inspired him to write that song or whatever is on his mind at that particular moment "I try, during a show, to imagine myself sitting in my room at the moment I was writing whatever particular piece I'm performing. Between songs, I like to engage the crowd spontaneously. I've always loved artists, like Lyle Lovett, who aren't shy about their insecurities, who aren't afraid to show their humanity."
It is precisely that sense of humanity that permeates all of Ward Williams' music. His straightforward, non-pretentious songs are an honest reflection of the way he sees things. "I think the job of a musician isn't to show off, but to entertain, and connect with people and help people connect with themselves."
