Here’s the latest single from Atlanta-based multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter J. Wilms. ‘Props’ is a well-crafted song with melodic instrumentation that immediately engages the listener. Over the brightly tuneful layers, Wilms’ voice is smooth and warm, perfect for an intimate performance. In the middle of the song, there’s a dramatic musical interlude, a quietly epic section in which Dave ‘Smoota’ Smith’s trombone swells. This section is the highlight of the song; a compelling, powerful burst of musical energy.
Wilms says of the song: “‘Props’ is the latest single from my recent release ‘The Fighter’. The song was inspired by a quote from Taiun Elliston Roshi, an American Zen Buddhist teacher, when I was complaining to him about maintaining my old house. It led me to think about how this kind of basic upkeep could be a metaphor for day to day existence and life in general, a sort of comment of entropy and the human urge to try to ‘keep it all together.’ The trombone is provided courtesy of Dave “Smoota” Smith. The virtual orchestral arrangement only occurs in the video version by request of the videographer Lance Haugan.”
During his career, Wilms has been involved in a huge variety of projects, from recording with Beyoncé to playing bass on Broadway in the musical ‘Fela!’ There’s been TV work, such as ABC’s ‘The Gong show’, and he leads metal/prog band NOMOTO. Wilms was a sought-after session musician in New York for a number of years but in the pandemic he took a step back from the busy life in the Big Apple and moved back to his hometown of Atlanta. Now, the multi-instrumentalist is releasing his third solo album. ‘Props’ features on the new record, ‘The Fighter’, which is out today, 4th June 2024. Check it out.
