MUSICIANS TO WATCH OUT FOR: JERRY WILLIAMS

With so many new artists appearing on the scene everyday it can be slightly overwhelming to find the musicians for you. There’s so much choice that where do you start discovering them? Don’t worry! We, at The Clothing Lounge, have scoured the latest emerging talents and put together a playlist of musicians that you NEED to listen to - starting with an interview with the lovely Jerry Williams!

When did you first start playing music and how did you get into it? 

I’ve always grown up with music in the house with mum and Dad so it’s always been a big part of my life. I loved artists like Avril Lavigne and Busted when I was about 11 or 12 and decided that I wanted to be like them and play guitar. It all began there.

What was your first guitar and your current guitar(s)? 

My first guitar was a crappy acoustic guitar but I loved it and had a rainbow guitar strap and really cool patterned pics and stuff. I now play an Epiphone Les Paul Pro- II electric and I bloody love it with all my heart. I also play an Epiphone Masterbilt acoustic.

Do you play any instruments other than guitar? 

No but I wish I did. Drums would be my chosen other.

Where do you get the inspiration for your music from? 

My life. Everyday feelings and conversations. Observations on other people’s lives and how they feel etc. My songs are narrative so a lot of it is personal. I get writers block a lot when nothing is going on. 

I’D LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH SOMEONE LIKE CHRIS MARTIN OR KATE NASH. TRUE SONGWRITERS.

Is there a specific process that you have to create your music? 

Not really. I just love to see what happens when jamming or just chilling on my guitar. I love it when a song writes itself.

What’s your favourite venue that you’ve played in so far? 

That’s a hard one. I love small intimate venues like Zigfrid Von Underbelly in Hoxton, London. That’s one of my favourites. 

Do you have a dream venue that you’d love to play at or someone you’d love to play for one day? 

Shepherds Bush Empire would be amazing. I’d love to play for Coldplay or someone like that haha. Long shot.

Who are some of your favourite musicians or musical inspirations? 

Coldplay, Slow Club, Vampire Weekend, Jamie T. I love their lyrics and musical style. I’m inspired by David Gray and his emotion in his voice and the feeling it gives me.

What’s your current favourite song? Something that you are currently listening to over and over. (old or new!) 

Which of your own songs is your favourite to play live? 

I love a song called ‘What Do You Want For Breakfast’ which I sing with no guitar so I can dance n stuff on stage. That’s honestly so fun to sing live.

Do you have anyone who you’d love to collaborate with on a track? 

I’d love to collaborate with someone like Chris Martin or Kate Nash. True songwriters.

I noticed that you’ve played a cover of The Cure’s ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ on your Spotify profile! Do you play any other covers? What artists? 

I used to play a lot of Johnny Cash, believe it or not, when I was younger because I loved his songs. Folsom Prison Blues, Walk the Line. I also play ‘If You Got The Money’ by Jamie T, that’s the best fun to sing.

I absolutely loved your latest music video for ‘Grab Life’ and was just wondering, how involved are you in the making process of your music videos? 

Thank you! I’m super involved. I get a vision in my head and then work really closely with the director to get that vision to come to life. I love being creative like that and choosing outfits, locations and editing too.

How would you describe your style?

Eclectic, Quirky, Clashing Prints. 

Do you have a go-to look for when you’re playing gigs? 

If it’s a big gig, I love wearing this glittered tassel denim two piece which I got from Topshop. Makes you feel super sassy and like a proper pop star haha.

What is the oldest item of clothing in your wardrobe? 

A pair of Tie dye Jeans which I’ve had for about 7 years haha.

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

Not really. I used to curl my hair so much when I was just starting out, sometimes it looked like I was wearing a wig when I look back at pictures.

What is the one item of clothing that you couldn’t live without?

My Dr Marten shoes. So comfy, go with everything and add a touch of grunge to an outfit.