A Deep Dive into the Creation and Formation of WILLIS

Interview by: Zoe Blakeman – Photo by: Jina Kelly

ZB: How did the band come together, and what inspired the name, Willis?

W: We all went to high school together in Alabama, and we were all in the band together. Willis is my first name (Will O’Steen). We had a long list of names, but we wanted to keep it short and sweet, so we chose mine, and it kind of stuck. We discussed the name. We wanted something quick, two syllables, and really boy-band-ish. Once we thought of Willis, we knew it was the one.

ZB: Who are some of the artists or bands that have influenced your sound, and how do you incorporate those influences into your music?

W: Definitely Palace, Kings of Leon, Alabama Shakes for sure, and some Coldplay elements in there.

ZB: How has your sound evolved since the band first started? Are there any particular albums or songs that mark a significant shift in your musical direction?

W: We just started doing what we liked and evolved naturally as we got better. I really felt a switch around “Locals 4” (their fourth EP), which was the first EP that we did with producers and extra help in the studio. That one is also my favorite. We also got better at playing our own demos and better at the electronic production side of things.

ZB: What does Willis’s songwriting process look like? Is it collaborative, or do certain members take the lead?

W: Usually, someone will bring an idea to the table. Someone usually brings some type of instrument or two, and we’ll jam on that for an hour or so. I’ll just get on the mic and make a mumble track of whatever feels natural, and then take that and make it into a song. I’ll take the lyrics and just write from my heart. We just play what we’re feeling, and it just comes out how it comes out, and that’s that.

ZB: Are there recurring themes or messages in your music that you feel are central to what Willis represents as a band?

W: Definitely time. We talk about time a lot in our lyrics. We’re also very conscious about how long or short our songs are. Honestly, it’s a lot of sad stuff with a happy beat. Sometimes, themes of love, too. Like how it ebbs and flows in life. We really just write from the heart.

ZB: What have been some of the biggest creative challenges you’ve faced as a band, and how did you overcome them?

W: It’s easy because we each like different genres and artists. One of us will show up with a blues-type feel, while someone else brings in something more rock. If we like what one of us brings, we keep that and implement it into our sound. We try not to get too deep with it and just feel it out.

ZB: Where do you see Willis going in the next few years? Are there any specific goals or dreams you’re aiming to achieve as a band?

W: We try to focus on the present—making music and being the best musicians we can be. We want to make the best music we can and stay committed. Being a musician is a huge commitment, and you can’t give up. Showing up five days a week, working our hardest, and putting our all into everything we do are what’s most important.

ZB: How do you approach recording your music? Do you prefer a live, in-studio vibe, or do you lean towards a more layered, produced sound?

W: We always rehearse our songs and come into the studio ready to play them live to at least start the foundation track. It helps us look at what we like, what we don’t like, what we need to rehearse more, and how we want to layer or place things in our songs.

ZB: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects you’re excited about? What can fans expect in terms of sound and lyrical content?

W: More dope shit! “Locals 5” comes out next year. Be ready!

ZB: Can you describe your road to Lollapalooza? How did you get here (not literally)? Were there any challenges? Any special moments to highlight?

W: There have definitely been a lot of challenges. We’re not signed to any label, so we do most everything ourselves and in-house. That part gets a little hard with so many moving parts that we have to move ourselves. This is our first festival so we’re super excited for that.

ZB: Do you have any advice for younger artists?

W: Despite the cliches, just be yourself and be the best version of yourself. That’ll come out in whatever way it does, and you have to embrace it. Work hard and put your all into everything you do.

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WILLIS Biography:

WILLIS, a Nashville-based indie rock band, is a powerhouse of musical talent. The band, consisting of Murphy Billings (Bass & Vocals), Glenn O’Steen (Drums), Will O’Steen (Synths), Edward Armstead (Guitar), and Trey Murphy (Guitar), was formed in 2016. They have harnessed their individual musical talents to create a unique brand of indie rock, which is showcased in their popular hits like “In Between” and “I Think I Like It When It Rains.” In 2024, WILLIS embarked on a full US headline tour, selling out most of their 21 dates and sharing the stage with The Brook & The Bluff, Magic City Hippies, and The Greeting Committee.

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Links:

Willis:

Official: https://www.thebandwillis.com/
Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/thebandwillis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebandwillis

Lollapalooza:

Official: http://www.lollapalooza.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lollapalooza
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lollapalooza
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lollapalooza/