Born and raised in Hydes, MD, talented artist Will Buck spent his early years working on his family’s farm and growing an immense obsession with the guitar. Marveling at his parent's records, Will remembers songwriting attempts as early as age 10. By his early 20s, he was on the road over 100 days a year throughout the US with West Water Outlaws until the band suddenly split in 2015. After a year-long solo journey with only a few suitcases, a guitar and his truck he decided to move to LA with a notebook of new songs and an undying determination for another shot. Will announced himself as a solo artist in 2018 and released his debut single “Fuse” in May 2019. With the release of his debut EP “Stone Feather,” there are a number of reasons to keep an eye on Will as he continues down the artist's path.
“Stone Feather” comes in hot from the offset with an introductory track titled “Burn”. The song offers an underlying sentiment that seems fairly inspiring and of depth, inviting the listener to consider these ideas, and to feel the embrace of the music as its weight and intensity fills the room. The resulting effect is hopefully that you feel as if there’s a certain power or possibility within you with the intention and purpose of Buck’s lyrics. “State of Mind” follows the opener and immediately changes things up. The lyrics stand tall, this catchy melody and the references feel extremely vulnerable and appealing for their desire to connect with their listeners. The lightness of the music captures your affection and Will Buck’s voice is contagious and very genuine to listen to. With the next and title track “Stone Feather” there’s an apparent sadness but it’s intertwined with optimism and a hopeful search for the future. The song takes you on a journey with it, loaded with imagery and self-reflection, you feel enjoyably involved in the experience as a listener. “Stone Feather” is an absolute highlight and a definite personal favorite. A simple yet addictive melody is accompanied by intriguing, questioning lyrics, and the minimalist strum of a guitar.
To finish off an incredible project, “Regular Man” is another highlight! Gorgeously gritty vocals entrance the listener, while deeply considerate and honest lyrics drive a concept through. You get so much clarity from this project as if these are the songs that had to be sung, the thoughts that had to be shared. “Stone Feather” features incredibly expressive lyrics and delicious melodies, plus a musical build-up that intensifies superbly. Will’s vocal tone and the style of these songs offer a distinct thread throughout, mood-wise though there’s plenty of eclecticism at work, and for these reasons, this EP makes for a wonderful playlist to escape within. The musicianship on this project is consistently flawless, well done Will Buck!
Check out “Stone Feather” here and read more with Will Buck below!
Hey, Will Buck welcome back! Congratulations on the new EP! What is the concept behind “Stone Feather” and what does this release represent for you?
Hey thanks, I appreciate the continued support! Stone Feather is about embracing both the light and the dark within yourself. It’s knowing that you can fly even if you feel heavy sometimes or reminding yourself to be humble and gracious when things are going your way. Letting go of control, but taking the reigns of your life. Looking up from rock bottom and smiling at the sun. Paying homage to those who came before you, accepting failure, forgiving yourself and ultimately giving yourself permission to try again.
If someone only has time to check out one song from your collection, which would you recommend and why?
I would say listen to “Regular Man.” While this is currently my longest and perhaps least commercialized song, I think it would give you the closest look at me and my redemption arc as an artist. It follows an inner monologue through a depressive time in my life, looking back on previous highs enviously and perpetuating an overwhelming amount of negative self talk until I reach a breaking point. Right around the bridge of the song I’m faced with a choice - let my ego die, stop complaining and start over again or go out an unhappy unfulfilled so-called musician who almost ‘made it.’ Thankfully I chose the first option when the consequences of not doing what I really wanted to do finally became perceivably greater than doing it. I had run out of excuses and frankly had nothing to lose at that point besides a few suitcases, a truck and my guitars. So by the third chorus I admit to myself that I’m flat on my face right now, so what’s the harm in trying again? At least I’ll go down swinging a free man. And then I proceed out with a raw uncut guitar solo and impromptu Jimi Hendrix “Machine Gun” style ending that my drummer Andrew Oakley came up with in the middle of a live studio take.
“Stone Feather” has a strong lyrical depth to it! Do you always write in this manner? Do you ever worry about divulging too much through your songwriting? Or do you think it’s better to be vulnerable?
Awww chucks, thanks! Yes, I always ‘attempt’ to write in this manner and yes of course I’m worried about divulging too much in my songwriting but I have a saying about that. As soon as I want to stop my pen from writing the next word - that’s when I know I’m onto something good. If it touches my soul and makes my heart pump than my only hope would be for it to do the same for others. So yes, I think it is not only better to be vulnerable - I think it is imperative.
How do you remain on track to continue writing new content so consistently?
I heard recently that motivation is fleeting but drive is continuous. I do lots of things to keep myself motivated because that’s what makes the car run smoothly but my car is driving weather I like it or not. My brain never stops writing or scheming. I’m obsessed. My mom used to look right in my eyes knowing I was somewhere off in the clouds and say, “Will, you have another bee in your bonnet don’t you?” Which is just an old fashioned way of saying I had an idea buzzing around my head and I’d stop at nothing until I brought it to fruition. So I guess songs are like bees to me - they hum around in the air around me until I either swat them away or calm myself enough to let them land on me and embrace them. Either way, I generally get stung, morn their death and then marvel at the idea that their entire life led up to that last moment with me. I’ll admit sometimes I’ve felt cursed like, “why can’t I just turn this dang thing off and go mow the grass or something.” But ultimately I’m extremely grateful for this internal drive and most of all I’m glad I found an outlet for it!
Where is the best setting to listen to your songs, and what do you hope people take away from them?
Maybe a road trip, that’s far too long but you’re determined to finish? Perhaps you’re driving to the coast or the mountains and are running out of steam. Maybe you’re driving through the night and need something to keep you going in the wee hours? Or you’re driving one of those 70mph roads in the desert that’s so empty, straight and narrow you almost don’t feel like you’re moving at all. You could be running from something and not even know it yet or you could be having the time of your life on a new beginning. All I hope people take away, is a sense of self and humility. We are all flawed - that’s what makes us beautifully connected. The pain of being human is existing in both the light and the darkness at the same time I think. You could listen to this EP in any setting really - I’m just grateful people will be listening to it anywhere!!
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