Hear the “Preamble” from Justin Clyde Williams – AVAILABLE NOW.

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Thanks to social studies and history classes almost everyone is familiar with the word preamble – but typically only because it comes before, “to the Constitution.” However, a more in depth review reveals its true meaning – “a preliminary or preparatory statement, an introduction.” As Justin Clyde Williams releases his debut EP, it seems an appropriate and fitting title.

Four songs in length, “Preamble” begins with three originals before a cover of Townes Van Zandt’s ‘Pancho and Lefty’, taken to No. 1 by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard in 1983. Putting his talent on full display and coupled with its three predecessors, listeners get just what the title suggests – an introduction to how Williams views the world of music and the world an introduction to Williams.

‘Signin’ On That Line’ begins with an upbeat tempo and although attacking divorce – a serious subject, it hits home for those who may be on their way out of a legal union but destined for a brighter future. A clever characterization, Williams admits, “I’ve packed my bags, ’cause this roads at a crossing / I’m signing on that line, I should’ve been walking.”

In somewhat of a contrast, ‘Damn Me for Doing You Wrong’ follows by putting all self reflective feelings of a broken relationship on full display. The fiddle mixes well as Williams pines through each verse and chorus carrying listeners on a classic tale of hurt and blame. Halfway through it’s apparent that country music remains alive and well – not just by sound alone, but in the depth and transparency of his lyrics.

‘Wounds’ keeps pace with more deep sentiments of hardened hearts and tough times. “This wound I have, time won’t heal / What I tried to hide has been revealed / I’m the wound that time won’t heal.” Guilt, sorrow and remorse linked to bruises, scrapes and cuts – all of which time normally serves to fix except for the self deprecating personal issues that have never been made to sound so good.

The ‘Pancho and Lefty’ finale completes a solid debut EP and fits well not only to display Williams’ versatility but also his deeper storytelling aspects intertwined within a similar lyrical style. A combination of the bandit wearing his feelings on his sleeve “for all the honest world to feel” and Lefty, who used to “sing the blues all night long” – Williams’ own enigmatic persona begins to surface. Leaving his own impression on the tale results in a perfect complement for what was a daring proposition – electing to include a timeless classic pieced together by some of the best ever over all musical genres.

Every artist takes a true leap of faith by putting their music out into the world for consumption and by these standards Williams is no different. Even before his songs reached the public airwaves, they served as a fulfilled accomplishment and impacted many throughout the southeast – one goal every artist strives to achieve. “Preamble” sets the stage for Justin Clyde Williams’ raw, natural sound that doesn’t need the polish of heavy production while creating anticipation for what is next.

These four songs serve as an appetizer but when the time comes, imagine what the full meal will entail.

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UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

5/4 – Stateline Music Fest – Shelby, NC – 1:30pm
5/5 – Red’s Watering Hole – Gaffney, SC – 4:00pm

5/6 – Shooters Lounge – Hickory, NC – 8:00pm*
5/7 – Ground Zero – Spartanburg, SC – 8:00pm*
5/8 – Shooters Lounge – Hickory, NC – 9:00pm
5/9 – The Vine – Granite Falls, NC – 8:00pm
5/10 – Steady Eddy’s – Matthews, NC – 7:00pm
5/11 – Home in Carolina Music Fest – Boiling Springs, SC – 5:00pm
5/12 – Sasha’s on the Lake – Catawba, NC – 3:00pm

5/16 – Daddy Joes – Gaffney, SC – 7:00pm
5/17 – Shooters Lounge – Hickory, NC – 10:00pm
5/18 – Steady Eddy’s – Matthews, NC – 8:00pm
5/19 – Bear Creek Marina – Nebo, NC – 2:00pm

5/22 – Shooters Lounge – Hickory, NC – 9:00pm
5/23 – Plum Hollow Fest – Campobello, SC – 8:15pm
5/24 – Eighth and Rail – Opelika, AL – 9:00pm

*Supporting Billy Don Burns

See more at JustinClydeWilliams.com