Tag Archives: Justin Clyde Williams

Album Review – ‘Empty Rooms’ from Justin Clyde Williams

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AVAILABLE NOW.

The world was a much different place in May of 2019 when Justin Clyde Williams released his four song EP, “Preamble.” Appropriately titled, meaning – “a preliminary or preparatory statement, an introduction,” the rising singer/songwriter returns with his first full length album – “Empty Rooms” – after navigating a literal work stoppage of the live music industry due to the coronavirus.

However, the title track isn’t a pandemic anthem but a heartfelt ballad of the struggle many artists face on the road to becoming a household name. Playing anywhere and everywhere, paying their dues, and with the unique setup of this album – literally recorded in an empty room on one take, with a single microphone, guitar and fiddle accompaniment by Matt Parks – listeners can not only hear, but feel that journey.

This entire album is a raw, powerful, unfiltered trip from start to finish. Few artists are able to tackle some of the difficult topics addressed in a few of the early tracks like Williams while also displaying the range to incorporate a quality love song or two. Ultimately, the record wraps with ‘Good Times‘, a song about the passing of one partner in a relationship but also with an underlying theme for Williams entire debut album – “it takes bad times, to know good times.”

The world may have changed, but Justin Clyde Williams‘ raw, natural sound that debuted when “Preamble” set the stage over two years ago still rings true. Capturing a roller coaster of emotions sure to reach a wide audience for multiple different reasons, it’s a safe bet Williams’ days of playing any “empty rooms” are behind him.

TRACK LIST:

1 – Blood On Your Hands

2 – Boys From Broken Homes

3 – Kansas City

4 – Livin’ Hard

5 – Back Turned To You

6 – Empty Rooms

7 – Breach The Gates

8 – No Demise

9 – Good Times

Upcoming Tour Dates:

10/8 – Lion’s Den – Pinetop, AZ

10/9 – Lion’s Den – Pinetop, AZ

10/11 – Sam’s Town Point – Austin, TX
10/12 – Hwy Bar – Arlington, TX
10/13 – Ironhorse Saloon – Oologah, OK

10/14 – Bucks Bar and Grill – Venice, NE
10/15 – The Mission – Jefferson City, MO
10/15 – Gene’s Country Club – Pevely, MO
10/16 – Captains Sports Lounge – Lake Lotawana, MO

See more at JustinClydeWilliams.com

Justin Clyde Williams’ “Preamble”: A Statement EP

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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

Red Dirt NC: Weekend Watch, June 1-3

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Local talent, rising stars and an east Texas band highlight the first weekend of June…

Last week was highlighted by two different festivals taking place across North Carolina and this week ends with one. Showcasing local talent from the region and our state in particular, the Tobacco Road Music Acoustic Jam is set for Sunday afternoon at Puckett’s Farm Equipment in Charlotte.

Prior, there are plenty of other opportunities to get out and enjoy a live show from rising talent and established groups in all corners of the state. Also, don’t forget that tickets to Medicine Stone 2018 went on sale Friday morning and will go fast. If interested in attending, visit their website for lodging options ranging from tent camping to hotel stays, all with access to the shows. They’ve compiled an amazing lineup worth making the trip from North Carolina out to the home or red dirt music in Oklahoma. We hope to see you there, if not before.

Get out and enjoy a show!

FRIDAY – JUNE 1, 2018

Whiskey Myers – Cone Denim, Greensboro

There may be no better word for Whiskey Myers than authentic. This music is in their blood, and it flows as naturally from them as a spring feeding a mountain creek … They make music they’re proud of that celebrates where they come from and makes people feel good. As far as they’re concerned, that’s all the success anyone could ever ask for.

Justin Townes Earle – The Grey Eagle, Asheville

Creating a nostalgic feeling with the return to his signature sound, JTE takes listeners on a journey through some of his most personal stories yet on what can only be described as an authentic country record.

Lilly Hiatt – The Grey Eagle, Asheville

Trinity Lane is full of gifts and full of guts – an album that is a healing process and a road map forward, filled with Hiatt’s wildly expressive approach to songwriting and stark, honest lyrics. To get there, she finally had to put her faith into something she couldn’t see. But to hear that journey, all you have to do is listen.

Grover Windham – Catawba Coffee, Mount Holly

Local talent with original songs and clever songwriting.

Jonathan Parker – Ole Dallas Brewery, Dallas

Independent and traditional country music. Rising local artist within the genre featuring original songs and a few classic covers from some of your favorite outlaws.

Corey Hunt Band – The Lazy Pirate, Carolina Beach

“Hunt’s songwriting ranges from sincere romanticism to outlaw rebellion, and their do-it-yourself approach to booking, recording, and gigging has given them the freedom to explore and expand their music as they grow.  With room to grow and momentum on their side, their crowd-pleasing and relatable take on modern roots music is poised for bigger and better things every time they hit the stage or the studio.”

SATURDAY – JUNE 2, 2018

Whiskey Myers – Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh

Pistol Hill – Da Bayou, Wilson

Independent and traditional country music. Emerging local artist within the genre featuring both original songs and covers from some of your favorite individuals and bands.

Justin Clyde Williams – Da Bayou, Wilson

Independent and traditional country music.

Dirty Grass Soul – Riverview Raw Bar, Charlotte

Whether it is the hint of bluegrass, outlaw country, or rock & roll you hear in each song, their sound is uniquely Dirty Grass Soul. From Dedmon’s down home/working class lyrics to the blazing instrumental breaks, Dirty Grass Soul is sure to offer a little something for everyone.

SUNDAY – JUNE 3, 2018

Tyler Childers – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro

Purgatory, co-produced by Grammy Award winners Sturgill Simpson and David Ferguson, is a chiaroscuro painting with darkness framing light in high relief. There’s catharsis and redemption. Sin and temptation. Murder and deceit. Demons and angels. Moonshine and cocaine. So much moonshine and cocaine. All played out on the large, colorful canvas of Eastern Kentucky.

Tobacco Road Music Acoustic Jam – Puckett’s Farm Equipment, Charlotte

3:00pm – Corey Hunt, Michael Cansler, Chip Perry, Justin Clyde Williams, Jordan Middleton

4:00pm – Nicholas Jamerson, Kevin Dedmon, Tyler Hatley, Wes Smith, Grayson Jenkins

5:00pm – Pistol Hill, Todd Allmon, Carolina Keller, Jonathan Parker

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Look for us out on the road this weekend and enjoy the shows! Don’t forget, keep spreading the love, one song at a time…