WILLIS
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WILLIS

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2016 | INDIE

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2016
Band Alternative Indie

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Music

Press


"25 essential Alabama musicians to know for 2018"

WILLIS "comes off like the younger sibling of Alabama Shakes’ already classic “Boys & Girls” album. But with a synth jones to go with the garage-R&B moves." - Matt Wake, AL.com


"WILLIS"

Since WILLIS released “Locals 2” in June, reception has been overwhelmingly positive, and rightfully so. Their style of music is undeniably original, especially for the Shoals. After playing together under the radar for years now, the appreciation is well-earned and undoubtedly rewarding. - Rebekah Milwee, SET Magazine


"WILLIS - Now & Then"

“ ‘Now & Then’ is a yearning, lush track from WILLIS, a band from Florence, Alabama. “Now & Then” comes from the band’s recently released EP, Locals 3, touting a sound touching on alternative and dream-pop. Light synth flourishes accompany guitar tones fit for night drives. The “lonely,” lyrical cue signals a bridge that leads into the glistening chorus, which touts a more refreshed vocal presence — “take a chance on someone new.” “Now & Then” is a strong showing from WILLIS along with the rest of Locals 3.” - Obscure Sound


"Indie/Rock Band WILLIS Boasts Beachy Surf Rock Vibes In New Track “Now & Then”"

Florence, Alabama based collective WILLIS has just released their 3rd album titled “Locals 3”. The 5-piece indie/rock band is comprised of Murphy Billings, Edward Armstead, Trey Murphy, Glenn O'Steen and Will O'Steen. The band that is already known for singles like “Real Estate Sale” and “Fight the Vegans” is coming out with an album full of melodic and surf-rock vibes. The album is a fully written, composed and well produced selection of 7 tracks that definitely show the characteristics of the band. All songs are recorded, arranged, written and performed by WILLIS.
The second single on the album and my personal favorite is a beachy tune titled “Now & Then”. The rhythmic attitude and chill rock vibe takes the listener on a journey through the hypnotizing and mellow rock sound arrangements. “Now & Then” has slight undertones of alternative blues and soulful roots. The track focuses on the ups and downs of love and the dating world. “I’m starting to get tired, The same old conversations, And all this time I've wasted is adding up, And maybe I’m just out of touch.” is my favorite lyric because it perfectly explains everyone's frustrations and struggles. I think “Now & The” can be interpreted differently depending on the listeners situation. The pummeling guitar, echoing vocals, surf-rock vibes and overall chemistry on “Now & Then” are a brilliant indication of what’s to come on the rest of their album “Locals 3”. I highly recommend you check out this track and the whole album. Stay on the lookout for WILLIS who will be heading out on tour and announcing dates in the near future! - Buzz Music - LA


Discography

Locals EP:
1) The Kumite
2) C.Y.D.D.
3) Camille
4) SOS
5) Naptime
6) Locals

Locals 2:
1) Slow Party
2) 27 Reasons
3) Catamaran 
4) Only
5) I Think I Like When It Rains
6) CJ’s Van

Locals 3:
1) Ballad of the Basement 
2) Now & Then
3) Be Like That
4) Dry
5) The Move
6) Fight The Vegans / VTF
7) Could Be Worth It
8) Real Estate Sale

Photos

Bio

Made up of five Florence, AL locals, WILLIS effortlessly blends surf and indie rock influences with soulful melodies, catchy hooks, and improvisational solos to deliver unique works of art to the world. WILLIS has an impressive musical resume - from playing and recording at some of Alabama's most famous studios like FAME Studios, Muscle Shoals Sound, and The Nutthouse - to playing alongside national touring artists like Tim Reynolds of the Dave Matthews Band, The Weeks, and Panic! at The Disco. 

WILLIS - Murphy Billings (26) Bass & Vocals, Glenn O'Steen (24) Drums, Will O'Steen (20) Synth, Edward Armstead (26) Guitar, and Trey Murphy (24) Guitar - combines the musical stylings of bands like Alabama Shakes, Mac Demarco, and Rex Orange County to create a truly original sound that al.com called "instagram era soul rock". 

WILLIS was named #8 on the top '25 Essential Alabama Musicians To Know for 2018' by al.com and since their start in 2016 WILLIS has become one of the state of Alabama's most streamed unsigned bands averaging 60,000 monthly listeners while also surpassing more than one million streams for their s
ophomore six-track EP “Locals 2”. Al.com says "'Locals 2' comes off like the younger sibling of Alabama Shakes’ already classic 'Boys & Girls' album, but with a synth jones to go with the garage-R&B moves." 

Their latest EP, Locals 3 was released in late July 2019 has already been streamed over 80,000 times.


Band Members