D.J. Williams: Soldier of Love
By Eric Frank
November 8, 2024
D.J. Williams: From Tiny Universe to Solo Star
It can be said that a man is measured by the calm he keeps in a storm. The dignity he maintains during hardships, the wisdom he gains from life lessons, and the courage he displays in being authentic may make him vulnerable, but through it, he finds peace and purpose. It’s this peace and purpose that leads to something truly profound—inspiration.
A testament to this philosophy, guitarist D.J. Williams remains a constant source of inspiration, balancing intensity with tranquility in both his music and his demeanor.
D.J. Williams is a talented musician and artist, known for his funky and soulful guitar playing style. And, in somewhat rare fashion, he’s an incredibly capable drummer and bass player, able to record songs and entire albums with a one-man-band approach.
The Journey of D.J. Williams
From the high-energy performances of Karl Denson's Tiny Universe to forging his own path as a solo artist, D.J. Williams demonstrates an unwavering commitment to his craft. And somehow, through the challenges of life and industry, he maintains a calm presence and steadfast grit that keeps him moving ever forward.
Williams sat down with COjam for our third installment of our new podcast, Eternal JamNation. The series is an effort to showcase local and rising musicians and bands from across the nation, offering local music at scale.
If you’re interested in being featured on Eternal JamNation, or would like to suggest someone, head over to our SonicPortal™ for more information.
Back in 2018, D.J. moved from L.A. to Denver, CO during a time in which I was booking bands at Mile High Spirits - Denver’s Distillery. His band Shots Fired played a show or two with us and, as is customary in the jam scene, D.J. participated in a super-jam or two with us as well. I’d sure like to get my hands on a recording of those shows because they were (and D.J. is) absolute FIRE.
But a lot has happened since then, both in our personal lives as well as the world at large (we need not discuss 2020). It was a strange time for all… The music industry was put on hold, and it seemed many experienced some cosmic shift around this time—I know I did—and the same would seem to hold true for Williams.
Nobody claims the music industry to be an easy path. There are no gimmes, no free-rides or easy victories. And you certainly can’t “fake it ‘till you make it.” You’ll get chewed up and spit out before the curtain call.
Having toured routinely since 2011 with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Williams was deliberating whether to continue cruising at highway speed with the band, or to exit and forge his own path. Such a decision takes introspection, thoughtful ponderance, and, let’s be honest… some pretty big balls.
D.J. Williams's Musical Evolution
By 2020, Williams entered this state of soul-searching, deeply considering his contributions to the industry, his band, and his craft. This contemplation (among other factors) ultimately led to his sobriety in August of that year and with a new outlook, steadfast determination, and unbreakable resolve, he went on to write and record a new album each year since.
In 2021, D.J. Williams released Short Stories, a collection of tunes that borrows some Tiny Universe vibe but stands on its own feet through competent arrangement and funky, low-fi delivery.
That debut was followed by Mistah Weems, a simultaneous continuation and progression of his previous record. The sophomore release explored new sonic territory, offering layers of vibe, bobs o’ funk, and pure silk nasty. It also features a plethora of guest musicians. Included are singers Michelle Sarah and Kim Dawson, drummer Max MacVeety, former Turkuaz singer Shira Elias, Lettuce trumpeter Eric Benny Bloom and more.
2023's Soldier of Love leaned into a fusion-funk sound, rooted in rock but still maintaining Williams's neo-soul core. His latest release, 2024’s By Way of RVA, further refines this sound, as D.J. Williams continues to innovate, define his unique style, and draw from his deepest musical instincts. It’s pretty rad shit.
D.J. Williams on Eternal JamNation
Our conversation reaches interesting and varied topics. From Phil Lesh’s recent passing and D.J.’s experience performing the music of the Grateful Dead in Phil Lesh & Friends, to touring with KDTU and performing with heavy-hitters like John Medeski and Jeff Coffin, Williams has played out a musical career most could only dream of.
But he has his sight set on new goals, including developing his own musical brand while achieving a personal balance of his own. In his past are Richmond, VA and Los Angeles, CA. In his present is Denver, CO. His future, ill-defined, awaits him, but one thing is for certain—he will continue to inspire, to explore, to work, and to persevere.
He is a rare musical talent. He is diligent, tenacious, and resilient.
D.J. Williams is, indeed, a Soldier of Love.
Check out the full conversation below, and please subscribe to COjam’s YouTube channel!
Edit: Support a great cause and purchase a limited copy of XMAS in VA, a Christmas album featuring DJ Williams and other Virginia musicians! All proceeds go to chairty.