In the realm of soul rock and groove, DJ Williams stands out as an exceptional talent who seamlessly blends the raw emotion of soul-funk with the electrifying energy of rock. His prowess on the electric guitar and deep understanding of groove makes him a maestro of the genre, captivating audiences with his powerful performances.
Williams’s latest EP, “By Way Of RVA,” is a testament to his technical mastery and emotional depth. This album, a tribute to his hometown Richmond, VA, showcases his evolution as a musician and storyteller. Highlighting slick guitars, edgy riffs, and heartwarming vocals that harken a tinge of Lenny Kravitz-ish can be found on the stellar track “Fade Away.” Another gem on the six-song collection “By Way of RVA” is the catchy song “Mr. Nobody” that addresses an introvert thriving in an extroverted world of being on stage. “That song is the mask that I wear to do the song and dance of being in the spotlight. Originally, it started as a joke but now it’s my favorite song on the album,” says Williams in his press release.
Raised in Richmond, Williams was captivated by music from an early age, hitting his first piano note at four years old. “We had a dedicated room in my house growing up specifically for music, reading, and art.” His musical palette was shaped by an eclectic mix of vinyl records ranging from Curtis Mayfield and Stevie Wonder to The Beatles, James Brown, and Chaka Khan, which he listened to alongside his sister.
“My older sister turned me on to Fishbone, Led Zeppelin, George Clinton, Bad Brains, stuff like that…then my adolescence brought me Nirvana, A Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets, Radiohead, TOOL, and Dr. Dre.” As he matured, his tastes expanded into jazz, appreciating legends like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.
What is even more intriguing is the fact that the album can be regarded as highly personal for Williams. He created the masterpiece in his bedroom and even produced some peculiar ideas such as placing drums in the wardrobe and vocals in the shower as it created a natural reverb. Listen to how he stacked some-22 vocals on “Heart-Shaped Box” or just how he went over the top with these orchestral synth arrangements on the title track.
Recently, Denver Westword praised Williams, calling him a musical tour de force” … “the multi-instrumentalist is creating a new sound by blending Motown and funk with grunge and hip-hop,” and exclaimed, “when a virtuoso guitarist’s sound is rooted in rock, soul, jazz, and funk releases a cover of Nirvana’s ‘Heart-Shaped Box’ and cites the orchestral influence of the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson in the arrangement, it’s time for music fans to sit and take a listen.”
For fans of soulful, heartfelt music, Williams’s work is a must-listen, embodying the timeless appeal of American music culture. Over the years, he has carved a name for himself across genres, melding soul, rock, and funk into a seamless tapestry of sound. His dexterous playing and melodic solos have captivated audiences worldwide, from smaller venues to prestigious music festivals across the US, Canada, and Europe.
As the former lead guitarist for 12 years for Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe—a band led by the Rolling Stones’ longtime saxophonist/flutist Karl Denson, who also was a member of the Lenny Kravitz’ band—Williams has become a staple in the touring circuit. Additionally, his work with his eclectic Richmond, VA, funk outfit, DJ Williams Projekt, showcased his versatility and deep-rooted passion for music. His exceptional skill and engaging performances have won him a devoted following among music lovers and critics alike.
Williams’ resume of the who’s who is impressive. He has shared stages with legends like John Legend, Dave Matthews Band, George Clinton, John Oates, Warren Haynes, Ivan Neville, Big Daddy Kane, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Soulive, Levon Helm, Slightly Stoopid, Robert Randolph, and Slick Rick. Beyond these collaborations, Williams also played guitar for renowned comedian Hannibal Buress on his comedy tour, further showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Summer 2024 Tour
In support of “By Way Of RVA,” Williams embarked on his biggest headlining solo tour to date. Joining him on the road are drummer Ben Atkind (formerly of Goose), bassist Steph Orsini, and keyboardist Macon Mann. The addition of Atkind brings new energy to the live performances, enhancing the vibrant mix of tracks from Williams’s last four records. The tour, Williams’ promises, is a dynamic and gritty sound that he is excited to share with fans.
The tour stops kicked off in New Orleans, and Colorado, with shows in Denver, Lariat, and Boulder, before the DJ Williams Band headed to the east coast, with gigs in New York City, Worcester, MA, Manchester, CT, Malta and Buffalo, NY. The tour continues in the Northeast and Southeast regions, with a special stop in Richmond, VA, before concluding mid-July in Colorado with shows in Granby and Golden.
As DJ Williams continues to tour and release new music, his ability to bridge genres and evoke deep emotions through his guitar playing remains a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft. So peeps, if you are up for the fun-filled summer of live music, don’t snooze on DJ Williams’ tour. And, with this electric new EP, he’s absolutely making an impact on the musical landscape. Don’t wait for the show, grab your tickets now at (www.DJwilliamsmusic.com) to see the full tour, turn up the music on ‘RVA,’ and let the concert begin!
Dive into his world through his strings and chords on platforms like Spotify, Instagram, and Website.
