Categories: written

interview from J. Wilms

Atlanta, GA based multi-instrumentalist J. Wilms is releasing his third album as a singer /
songwriter The Fighter. The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered summer of 2023 by
Kyle Spence at RJS in Athens, GA, produced by Wilms and Spence. The Fighter will be
released on 12” LP vinyl, as a digital download via Bandcamp and through streaming platforms
on Cart/Horse Records December 8.
After years as a much in-demand session musician in New York, Wilms stepped away from the
grind of the city in 2020 during the beginning of the COVID lockdown and moved back to his
hometown of Atlanta. There he returned his focus to stripped-down, honest playing and singing,
writing songs that conveyed plainspoken but eloquent stories. J. was joined in Athens, GA’s RJS
studios with by Nick Robbins bass and Bo Bedingfield drums, Guest musicians included Julia
Haltigan on vocals on “Born to Die,” “I’ll Start Tomorrow,” and “Stopping on a Dime” and
David “Smoota” Smith on trombone on “Props”.
Jeremy “J” Wilms has had a long and varied career. He received his Bachelor of Music from
Georgia State University and his Master of Music from CUNY Queens College, NYC.
Jeremy’s jammed with Ornette Coleman at his loft and played Broadway revues at retirement
communities in New Jersey (sometimes over the same weekend!) He was briefly in Chico
Hamilton’s band playing guitar and played bass on Broadway in the musical Fela! During the
tour for Fela! Wilms performed with Patti LaBelle and played with Fela Kuti’s son Femi at
venues around the world including the Shrine in Lagos. He’s recorded with artists as diverse as
Bebel Gilberto, Beyoncé, TV On The Radio, and many others.
Wilms has been a guitarist in the orchestra for MacArthur Fellowship winner Taylor Mac’s 24
Decade History Of Popular Music as well as the bassist on ABC Network’s The Gong Show. He
was the arranger and musical director for The Heathens and other acts based at the fabled
McKittrick Hotel in Manhattan, home of “Sleep No More” immersive show. Wilms arranged
strings and brass for songs on Run the Jewels’ RTJ 4 and Tim Fojahn’s I Dreamed a Dream.
Jeremy is still busy working as a sideman in both NYC and ATL, scoring for film and other
media, and teaching. Wilms also releases instrumental music as Jeremy Wilms and is the leader
of the metal/prog band NOMOTO.
www.jeremywilms.com

A
https://www.instagram.com/jere_wilms/
https://www.facebook.com/J.WilmsMusic/

1. “What’s a common myth about Independent Artists and can you debunk it?”

I’d say a common myth about Independent Artists is that they can do everything by themselves. Even if you are incredibly gifted, can make music and video content, and don’t mind being on social media all day, you still need help. There is only so much time in the day audits essential, for me at least, to reach out to my network and find people to help with the heavy lifting.

2. “What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter the music industry?

My advice would be to make the music you love. If you get caught in the cycle of trying to make what others expect of you or what you think they will like, you will likely find yourself lost. And honestly, it seems like you have as much a chance at success making some really freaky stuff that turns you on as would trying to make a hit. That being said, if making hits is your goal, go for it! In any case, don’t be afraid to do something you’ve never done before and don’t be attached to any “image” of yourself.

3. “Are there any resources or even advice that have really helped you on your journey?”

My journey might not be the same as others. I’ve been pursuing my independent music while most of my career I’ve been a sideman for other peoples dreams. I’d say because of that, I’ve been able to take advantage of a pretty wide network of people who happen to be friends I trust. Find artists who do what you like and try to meet them, pick their brains. Also, google helps!

4. “What has been your biggest accomplishment in your career thus far?” Well, I recorded with Beyonce, played with Patti Labelle and Elvis Costello, and a bunch of other weird high end stuff, none of which helped my independent career. I still just love a small intimate gig at a good venue with good sound and an appreciative audience…
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5. “What do you wish you had known when you started out?”

Making money in music often means compromise. Get that through your head and you will be a lot less frustrated on the journey.

6. “What led you to becoming a singer-songwriter?”

I have been a singer songwriter since I was a teen. Hearing musicians express themselves through words and music has always been a love of mine. I also love poetry and prose, writing in general, and since I can remember have pursued trying to put that together with a love of music.
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7. “What do you think is your unique skill(s) that has helped you become successful?”

I’m honest. I show up when I say I’ll show up. I prepare, and I always strive to give the best to the audience.

8. “How was your journey to what you do
Now?”

9. “How did this project begin?”

Moving back to my hometown of Atlanta was the impetus for this record. I was taking long walks and writing these songs in my head. At a certain point I had 10 or so songs, I decided to record them.
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10. “What makes this project different from “past projects?”

As opposed to all my other songwriter projects which were do “bedroom” style, This one was recorded proper at a great studio in Athens, GA with Kyle Spence.
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11. “What’s the inspiration behind this project?”

12. “What word or phrase would you use to describe this project?”

13. “How can listeners get in touch with or support you?”

My website is www.jeremywilms.com Everything is there!

14. “What is coming up for you in the near future?”

I’m planning a small regional tour early next year, and I will be doing local shows in Atlanta and NYC. I also will be reissuing an album of instrumental music next year and making a companion record to “The Fighter” as well.
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15. “Many people believe that becoming a musical artist is challenging to the point it

becomes overwhelming and too much to handle. Why do you think people believe that?”

Because it is!

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