Radio IST List: Graham Williams
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Do you find that people already have a preconceived notion of your style of music, like that you're a bluesman, by just hearing your name?
When I was first getting started and was opening for other bands, people would have that expectation (that I was a bluesman), but it seems less and less as time goes on. The name was inspired by older blues players though. Pink Floyd is a reference to a couple of blues players, but they aren’t exactly blues.
You graduated from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College, correct? Do you think that had a big impact on the musician you are today? Do you recommend aspiring musicians study music in school?
I studied music engineering at Purchase, so it didn’t really change the way I play music or the style. I think that it really depends on what style of music you play if you should go to music school. Purchase is a great school, but if I had it over again, I might have not have gone to school for music. I would probably have tried to learn another skill.
Your self-titled album made it on to a bunch of 2008 best of lists at the end of last year. Were you surprised about the response? Did you notice interest from the blogosphere first?
I’m really happy that so many people liked the record. I wouldn’t say “surprised,” but certainly happy about it. When you put out records, you hope that people are going to like them. I try not to read reviews too often. The blogs have been very friendly to us though.
You did a lot of touring with the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow players. Was that a unique experience? Did they start to consider you a part of the extended family? Any interesting anecdotes you'd like to share from touring with them?
TFSP were the first band to take me on a national tour, which I’m really grateful about. I feel that they are my extended family and incredible friends. I truly love them.
Who came up with the concept behind your video for "Restless"? Did you have a hand in the creation of the wooden man? Is there a certain overall theme or feeling you were trying to get across with the video?
Our director Joey Garfield came up with the treatment for the video. He had the idea of having a tree that became restless, so he carved a woodman out of himself. He travels the world and experiences things for the first time. In the end he gets overwhelmed and goes back to where he came.
I know you typically put a lot of juice in your live performances. Do you think that's an important feature for a musician these days to have in their bag of tricks?
When I play music it makes me want to move. It kind of just happens. It isn’t something that I do to make the show better. It is just me.
Lastly, I've noticed in every picture of you that you are wearing hats, one in particular. Is there a story there?
I’m just a big fan of the pork pie hats. I have several of them that I have found at thrift stores.
You can catch him along the way this year at SXSW at the following spots…
Thursday, March 19th @ Club De Ville
Thursday, March 19th @ Apple Bar
Thursday, March 19th @ Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery
Saturday, March 21st @ The Purevolume.com House
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