Nick Williams is a singer-songwriter, musician and producer based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. His music has been placed in TV shows like “Bill Nye Saves the World,” “Life of Kylie” and “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” as well as local Oklahoma films. Williams frequently performs in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas at local venues, various events and festivals.
How did you get started?
Two words, one legend: Jack Black. I saw the movie “School of Rock” a few weeks before my birthday and was totally enamored with the guitars, the music, the energy. I raced home after the movie and begged my parents for an electric guitar for my birthday. A few weeks later, I was walking out of the music store alongside my dad with my brand new Epiphone Les Paul. Thus began my music journey, from emo-punk bands in jr. high, to singer/songwriter gigs on Campus Corner in college.
Did you always want a career in the music industry?
Not always. The beginning of picking up the guitar and music was really just for the love of it. I found out fairly early on I had somewhat of a knack for it, which was a great boost for a young kid. The early years were really just driven by an excitement at discovering this entire new universe that was unfolding before me. I really didn’t have any family members who were involved with music in any degree, so I didn’t have any examples growing up of what a career in the industry would be like. But it wasn’t long, as my love for music and aspirations grew, that I started dreaming of a music career.
Most Recent Successes / Placements / Accomplishments / Projects? Career highlight?
I’ve had some plugs on TV shows like “Bill Nye Save the World,” “Life of Kylie” and “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” as well as some local films. Playing SXSW and some TV morning shows were a blast. But honestly, one of my favorite experiences/successes has been having a few residencies at venues in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas over the past few years. The fact your abilities are loved and appreciated enough to keep being invited back, it makes the city feel all the more like a close community, and that your music is a part of making that happen.
What is your favorite Oklahoma music venue, music store, or recording studio?
- Favorite Music Venue: Jones Assembly
- Favorite Recording Studio: Lunar Manor
Networking and connecting with others who share your dream or vision is a vital aspect to the music industry. Can you share which Oklahoma organizations (if any) have contributed to your success and are there Oklahoma organization you would recommend other connect with? To help further their craft or promotion?
I did a short stint at The Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO) when I was just starting college, which was a great spot to find like-minded musicians and get plugged into the local music scene in Oklahoma (especially since I was coming from out-of-state). Also, connecting with Box Talent and being included on their artist roster really opened up some fun opportunities and connections, as well as ultimately linking up with the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (thanks guys). All of those organizations play great roles in the Oklahoma music scene for helping and connecting artists.
How can we follow you? Best place to purchase and listen to your music (if applicable)?
I’m on all the streaming services, social medias, internet sources of highly convenient consumption. Whatever the listener’s preference may be. : )
Advice for someone interested in working in the music industry.
Stay connected to, and nourish, what initially got you started: your love for it. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed (and eventually burned out) with the challenges and complexities of building and maintaining a career, as well as reaching your aspirations. But remaining rooted in your love for it, that’s what really fuels a sustainable, fruitful and ultimately fulfilling career.
What are some of the benefits of having a music career in Oklahoma?
The cost of living in Oklahoma is definitely a plus. But I think the greatest benefit is the quality of people here, both as artists and as humans. I’ve spent time in LA and NYC pursuing music, both of which are great. But there’s also a certain kind of manic striving energy that’s easy to fall into there and get lost within. Oklahoma provides the space and support for you to discover who you are as an artist, and grow in a way that’s organic and unpressured.
Favorite quote (if applicable)
“If the musician is illuminated from within, he becomes a lamp that lights other lamps. Then he is serving as a vehicle for the healing ocean of sound to wash over our planet and its people, healing what ails us. Such music is truly important.” – Kenny Werner
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
