iTunes CDbaby Amazon Digstation
"Chasing the Sun", an independent release, is the debut album by Bill Wilson, Jr.
Bill's album, produced by Rudyard Lee Cullers and Alex Cox, was recorded and mixed at Stratosphere Studios and mastered by legend Scott Hull at Scott Hull Mastering Studios in NYC to reflect the sound and quality of a major label. The result of Bill's seasoned songwriting and a stellar production team is "Chasing the Sun", delivering a multi-sensory listening experience.
Bill Wilson Jr.'s songs on "Chasing the Sun" tell the story of an artist searching for a voice. Following the tradition of many singer/songwriters such as Tom Waits, Bill created a conceptual album whose memorable characters express universal themes. These dark lyrics and lush guitar- driven musical landscapes draw upon Bill's experiences derived from growing up in Philadelphia and moving to New York City.
History
BILL WILSON, JR. grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and developed an interest in music at about 10 years old. He picked up the guitar for the first time after seeing his uncle get drunk and play classic rock tunes on an old, out-of- tune Les Paul knockoff. This began his love affair with music.
Shortly thereafter, Bill started a band with a friend; picking up the keyboard and writing lyrics for songs. The band became a serious creative outlet for the young musician. The keyboard and singing eventually gave way to the bass guitar, which Bill picked up when the band's bass player unexpectedly quit. This instrument was a natural fit for Bill, who quickly surpassed the previous bass player.
At about the same time, Bill entered high school and joined the school's jazz band. In his senior year, the young musician got his first taste of playing for a live audience: Bill performed " Axel F." by Herbie Hancock solo in front of 2,000 classmates. He got a standing ovation, which scared him so much that he lost his place in the song. The thrill and excitement of the audience made Bill crave more live performances.
After high school, Bill attended Philadelphia Community College for music and learned many of the fundamentals of music and musical technique. At night he played bass in the heavy rock band, Ignota, in the nightclubs of Philadelphia and in larger venues like The Khyber Pass, J.C. Dobbs and The 40th Street Underground, as well as punk rock squats and colleges in the tri-state area.
After years of meager successes and significant lineup changes, Bill and the band decided to move to New York City. In New York, they enjoyed many successful gigs; having played in legendary clubs like CBGB, The Continental, The Knitting Factory, and The Lion's Den.
Bill and the band parted ways in 2003 and he decided not to join another band but to pursue his lifelong dream of writing and performing as a solo act.
Bill rediscovered his roots: he picked up his acoustic guitar and started songwriting again. He crafted a body of work that tells the troubled stories of loveless times through simple pop songs. His soulful voice, in simple melodies, brings the experience of love lost to a level both personal and universal.
After years of couch performances and open mics, Bill Wilson Jr. finally released his first solo album, "Chasing The Sun", in the summer of 2010.