We recently connected with Gus Walters and have shared our conversation below.

Gus , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on has to be Murder!—hands down. Founding this band with Tina Williams in 2022 wasn’t just about making music; it was about making a statement. We were both fed up with the watered-down, formulaic ‘pop-punk’ sound dominating the scene, and we wanted to bring back the raw energy and unfiltered intensity of 90s skate punk and melodic hardcore.

The Murder! Mission—‘keeping the energy up and the tempo quick’—was born out of that frustration and passion. We wanted to break the mold, to prove that punk isn’t dead, and to create something that resonates with people on a visceral level. When we finished our four-song EP Faith.in.Me, it felt like we had truly captured that essence. Pairing it with a high-production music video took it to another level, showcasing exactly what we’re about.

But beyond the music itself, Murder! has been meaningful because of the community we’ve built around it. The fans who sing along, who throw their fists in the air, who feel the same fire we do—that’s what makes it real. Every show, every song, every moment spent pouring our hearts into this band has been worth it. This isn’t just a project; it’s a mission, a movement, and a testament to the fact that true punk spirit still thrives

Gus , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been immersed in music for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Buffalo, New York, a city with a deep and gritty music scene, and that energy always spoke to me. I cut my teeth in the industry fronting Dirty Smile, a rock band that gave me my first taste of real success—winning multiple awards, competing (and winning) in the Northeast region of the Hard Rock Competition in 2014, and even getting to open for major acts like Weezer, Brand New, and Theory of a Deadman. Those experiences shaped me, but I always had a hunger for something more, something raw, something truly me.

That’s where Murder! comes in. In 2022, I teamed up with Tina Williams, an insanely talented vocalist and songwriter, to create something new—a band that refuses to play it safe. Murder! is more than just a punk band; it’s a full-force, high-energy experience rooted in the skate punk and melodic hardcore sounds of bands like Pennywise, Bad Religion, and Strung Out. We blend that aggressive punk ethos with anthemic, singalong hooks and a level of musicianship that keeps listeners on their toes.

What sets us apart? We’re not here to chase trends or fit into a cookie-cutter ‘punk’ mold. Our goal is to bring back the rebellious spirit of punk—the urgency, the chaos, the soul—that’s been lost in the flood of overproduced, corporate-driven music. We inject ‘songs within songs,’ keeping things dynamic, unpredictable, and most importantly, real. Whether it’s through our hard-hitting EP Faith.in.Me, our high-energy live performances, or our music videos, we create a visceral experience. We want our listeners to feel something—to get lost in the moment, to scream along with us, to believe in something again.

Beyond the music, I also run WMS Entertainment, LLC, where I work behind the scenes in the industry, helping develop artists, book shows, and create opportunities for independent musicians to break through. My background in songwriting, production, and performance has given me a wide skill set, and I use that to help others bring their visions to life.

What am I most proud of? I’d say two things: first, the fact that Murder! has already built such a passionate community of fans in such a short time. Seeing people connect with our music, feeling that energy in a live setting—it’s the best feeling in the world. Second, I’m proud of staying true to my artistic vision. In an industry that often pressures artists to conform, I’ve always followed my gut and made the music I believe in. That’s what Murder! is all about.

For anyone new to our band, here’s what you need to know: We play fast, loud, and unapologetically. We’re here to remind the world that punk isn’t dead, and if you’ve ever felt frustrated, disillusioned, or just ready to break free—this music is for you. Sing at the top of your lungs. Throw your fists in the air. Welcome to Murder!.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

“There have been a handful of books and resources that have significantly shaped my approach to management, entrepreneurship, and my career in the music industry. One of the most impactful has been How to Make It in the New Music Business by Ari Herstand. Ari’s no-BS, real-world approach to navigating the music industry as an independent artist resonated with me in a big way. His insights on everything from DIY touring and music marketing to streaming strategies and brand building have helped refine the way I approach Murder! and my entertainment company, WMS Entertainment, LLC. His work reinforced a philosophy I’ve always believed in—waiting for a ‘big break’ is a waste of time. You have to take control of your own destiny in this business.

Another book that has influenced my entrepreneurial thinking is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It’s all about overcoming resistance—the internal and external forces that hold creatives back from reaching their potential. As someone who’s spent years in the trenches of the music industry, I know firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in self-doubt, perfectionism, or the fear of failure. Pressfield’s book was a game-changer in reminding me that the real battle is just showing up and doing the work—day in, day out—regardless of the obstacles.

I also keep a close eye on industry podcasts and video content. The New Music Business Podcast (also by Ari Herstand) is a must-listen, as he interviews industry pros, successful indie artists, and music business insiders to break down the latest trends. In addition, platforms like Indiepreneur and CD Baby’s DIY Musician Podcast have provided a ton of valuable insights on marketing, branding, and monetization strategies.

When it comes to the entrepreneurial side of things, Gary Vaynerchuk’s content has been another major influence. His focus on authenticity, community building, and the power of social media has helped shape the way I think about growing a fanbase. I apply a lot of his principles to Murder!—engaging with fans directly, being transparent, and never relying solely on outdated music industry gatekeepers.

At the end of the day, what all these resources have in common is a mindset shift: the music business isn’t about waiting for someone to ‘discover’ you—it’s about building something yourself, step by step, with the right strategies, consistency, and an insane amount of passion. That’s exactly what I’m doing with Murder!, and it’s what I aim to help other artists do through my work with WMS Entertainment.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. The driving force behind my creative journey—whether with Murder! or my work in the music industry as a whole—is to prove that raw, high-energy, no-compromise music still has a place in today’s world. Murder! was born out of frustration with the overproduced, formulaic sound dominating modern punk and rock. My mission is to bring back the urgency, the edge, and the fire that made punk so powerful in the first place.

Beyond just making music, my goal is to build a movement—a community of people who crave something real. I want to create songs that make people feel alive, that hit hard both musically and emotionally. Whether it’s through blistering guitar riffs, breakneck drum beats, or lyrics that hit home, I want our music to be a release for anyone who feels stuck, unheard, or ready to push back against the status quo.

With WMS Entertainment, my mission extends beyond just my own band. I want to help other artists navigate this industry without having to sell out or fit into a prepackaged mold. There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing incredibly talented musicians struggle because they don’t have the right knowledge or resources. I’ve been there, and I know how brutal the industry can be. If I can help other artists take control of their careers, get their music out there, and actually make a living doing what they love, that’s a win.

At the core of it all, my creative journey is about authenticity and impact. If our music makes someone feel something—makes them scream, jump, rage, or even just nod in understanding—then we’ve done our job. That’s the mission. That’s Murder!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11731630/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murderalt33/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WMSentertainmentLLC
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gus-walters-8a2617125/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Murderalt33
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YEKFN6gx9s&list=PLoGpNtoahzkgFuy9AUa1W4VWyjtBp93Re

Image Credits

27K photography, Lee Hoffman photo