Joshua Anthony Williams is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with a unique and inspiring story. Having taught himself to play several instruments as a child, his musical affinity brought him opportunities to collaborate and perform for many different artists as a teenager.
As a student athlete, he obtained athletic scholarships to play division 1 football, but left his studies early to pursue a career in music. This resulted in a breaking point at home with his parents which in turn resulted in him being homeless for a month. “It was one of the most difficult periods of my life, but it was also one of the most necessary.”
Williams overcame depression and homelessness and began working on his own music. He recalls playing an open mic in Calgary where he would reveal his very first work “Drowning Quietly.” “The room was noisy and full. I watched as artists went up one by one and played. I was so accustomed to sitting behind a drum set and not being in the spot light. This would be my first time singing and playing something in front of a bunch of strangers that I wrote.” To his surprise, the room went quiet when he performed his song. “That was the first time I felt like maybe I had something that could connect with someone else. I didn’t feel that with football or anything else. I was completely taken back.”
Since then, he has performed all over the world, from “The Bluebird Cafe” in Nashville, to “The Troubadour” in London, UK.
Name: Joshua Anthony Williams
Genre: Singer-Songwriter/Pop Folk
Founded: My birthday! February 5, 1991
# of Albums: 2
Latest Release: “Sacred Conflicts”
Latest Single: “I Bet You’re Probably Up”
Latest Video:
Favourite band as a teenager:
Coldplay
Favourite band now:
Marcus King Band
Guilty Pleasure Song:
The Climb by Miley Cyrus
Live Show Ritual:
Lemon and Ginger Water while listening to a live album of one of my favourite artists
Road or studio?
Studio
Early bird or night owl?
Night Owl
EP or LP?
EP
Any shows or albums coming up?
I am excited to be back in the studio this fall and releasing a new record by the end of this year!
Where can we follow you?
***
Rapid Fire Qs from Calgary
Favourite Local Artist?
Jillaine Jurchuk
Favourite Local Musician?
Jann Arden
Nose Hill or Fish Creek?
Nose Hill
Favourite Street?
Centre Street (It has everything on it!)
Favourite Local Restaurant?
SALTLIK
Favourite Local Music Venue?
Cafe Koi
