We were lucky to catch up with Justin Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Justin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Wouldn’t say happy, maybe more like content? I used to build swimming pools with a family run outfit. There ain’t nothing like busting your a*s for a 50 hour check that wouldn’t even pay for the yards you’re working in let alone a pool. I got tired of giving my everything to something I could never give enough to.
Now days I’m either on the way to a gig or looking for one. I can’t imagine doing anything other than playing music now. The in between sucks pretty hard. Not good for self esteem or overall happiness either. Unfortunately you have to drive to the ends of the earth to play places that are okay with you being you. Nothing beats the feeling of people getting you when you’re being you though. It’s a gamble most of the time, especially going somewhere you’ve never been.
As long as the last show keeps paying to get to the next one I’m alright. It’d be cool to not have a mini panic attack every time I swipe a debit card though

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Like a lot of our degenerate youth I went to the military looking for a sense of purpose and somewhere to belong. When my contract was up I was gone before anyone knew I left. I picked up a guitar when I was 12/13 maybe? Didn’t really stick til high school. I learned whatever my buddies wanted to hear, that carried over to the barracks and from there to a joint in Lenoir, NC called Pistol Pete’s. They let me sing for all the beer I wanted and a good meal. Been looking for places like that since. Not so many Skynyrd songs anymore, at some point I started putting pen to pad and making things rhyme. I just want to write songs and play them for folks that want to listen.
I like smaller more intimate settings where I can talk to folk and tell stories between songs. I wanna make you laugh, cry and call your momma end tell her you love her after a show.

I’m no better or worse than any other wandering minstrel out there. I’ve never thought about what I’m proud of doing this before.
I guess I’m proud I haven’t quit, I sure have wanted to.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

To write good honest songs and play enough to cover my bills and not cave in for a third shift stocking job at Walmart. No offense to my homies pulling the 11 to 7 tonight

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I feel that I reep more rewards when I stay present in the moment and look at every opportunity to perform with a sense of gratitude. Connecting with someone’s emotions is a powerful thing. I win when a stranger reaches out or stops me after a show and tells me how they connected with a song, I don’t feel like such an a*shole. Nothing is more rewarding than being able to stand in front of people that let me sing in front of them. Keep in mind I’m not bankrolling on Spotify streams or nothing. Ask me again after I drop starving and can just be an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: justinclydewilliams.com
• Instagram: @justinclydewilliams
• Facebook: @Justin Clyde Williams
• Youtube: @ Justin Clyde Williams

Image Credits
Jake Rothwell Blake Cook JD Graham EK Ingold Emily Flowers