All about me.

Born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC, Cellist/Guitarist/Vocalist Ward Williams studied music on his own and at the North Carolina School of the Arts. In 1994, he moved to Charleson , SC to join the band Jump, Little Children. After nearly 11 years of international touring with Jump, Ward has released his solo debut album. Recorded at his home, and at Rebellion Road Studios (assisted by production prodigy, Ash Hopkins), it is a 12 track collection of intimate, country-tinged compositions. Ranging from pop/rock ("Forever's not Thirteen"), to haunting, melodic folk ("Hurts to be Alone") this musically rich recording features guest performances by Ash Hopkins, Josh Kaler (Slow Runner), Cary Ann Hearst, Kit Gillespie (Chimney Sweeps), Jake Sinclair(The Films), and all of the members of Jump, Little Children.

Influenced by singer songwriters such as Ryan Adams, Aimee Mann, Andrew Bird, and Gillian Welch, Ward's songs emerge from authentic, American roots music. He describes the writing process as an exploration of the unconscious, as many of his song ideas come immediately upon waking up in the morning. "Usually a song starts with one melodic idea, or a chord progression. Then i usually just sit with it and play with it for a while, maybe come up with a complimentary idea. Gradually words start to arise, and eventually I may know what the song is about. I try to finish everything I start regardless of whether I think it's good or bad, because I think it's important for any artist to respect whatever comes out of them . That's the only way I think a songwriter can improve their craft."

Ward's live shows feature cello, guitar and recorded loops combining the two instruments. His goal at shows is to take the audience into the state of mind he was in as he wrote each song. Thus, he will often talk about whatever inspired him to write, or whatever happens to be on his mind at any given moment. "I sort of try, during a show, to imagine myself sitting in my room at the moment I was writing whatever particular piece I'm performing. Between songs, I like to engage the crowd spontaneously. I've always loved artists, like Lyle Lovett, who aren't shy about their insecurities, who aren't afraid to show their humanity."

It is precisely that sense of humanity that permeates all of Ward Williams's music. His straightforward, non-pretentious songs are an honest reflection of the way he sees things. "I think the job of a musician isn't to show off, but to entertain, and connect with people and help people connect with themselves."