In Conversation With: JNR WILLIAMS
2019 has been quite the year for JNR WILLIAMS, the young soul singer from Hackney started with his first EP ‘Where We Start’. Which provided a perfect introduction to his beautiful style and voice, and now he ends his year with his second EP ‘Withers On A Vine’. He talks us through his creative journey between his two EPs, and the visuals for lead single ‘Us In Major’.
Your new EP ‘Withers On A Vine’ is out now, what is the inspiration behind the title?
If something isn't cared for it withers away. I found this phrase very impactful, especially in these times, where faith in our government is declining. I found it very close in regards to a relationship with a partner and how over time the excitement and the love can sometimes wither away.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you would like to share with us from the process?
Us In Major, Don't Give up and U 4 Ever were all recorded in Peckham. The plan was to have two weeks to write the EP but I got really sick and then ended up giving it to my producer Royce, so we only had like 6 days in the end! There was moments when I thought we would never get better but the oddest thing is now whenever we get a week in the studio together we both always get sick loool
You released your EP ‘Where We Start’ at the beginning of the year, how do you feel this new EP differs from it? Do you feel your sound has evolved since then?
Yes wow my first EP feels so long ago I can't belive it was this year. Well for me I was on a journey, well I still am, I’m still finding my sound now. I love that EP, and that EP to me was a collection of styles, where as this one feels more like a solid cohesive body of work and has a real focus behind it.
You have just released a video for the lead single ‘Us In Major’, where was the video filmed? How do you feel it links to to the track and you as an artist?
Yes the video was directed by the incredible Fenn O’meally, it was so much fun. It was all filmed In Hackney in one day in one location. It's so crazy how a song can just take another level of meaning. Us In Major was always about seeing us in a better place, seeing us work together, build something from nothing and I feel the video shows this. It’s all about community and joy.
When putting this EP together, what would you say were the key influences for the creative process of it?
The key was that I just really wanted it to flow well, I also wanted it to feel as raw as possible from the lyrics to the production to the mix..
Your next headline show is at London’s Omeara on the 12th March 2020, have you been there before? Its a beautiful venue. So what can we expect from you live set?
I love this venue had the pleasure of supporting the incredible Celeste there last week, I can't wait to go back maaaan I want to step it up and really create a moment for everyone I'm so gassed
Now the EP is out there, what next? What are your plans for then next few months?
More music, more music, more music! I’m working on some new tracks and I’m also getting back into my art & drawing so keep an eye out for that! I also run a monthly open mic night at Kansas Smitty’s Jazz bar in Hackney, I’ve got the second one coming up on 17th Dec and I’ve got some amazing artists playing, I get a bunch of my artists friends and special guests to play and we open up the floor to anyone afterwards, it’s a vibe!
Having played headline shows in London at Servants Jazz Quarters and Camden Assembly Hall this year, JNR is pleased to announce a show at Omeara for March 12th 2020. See here for tickets.