Will Wesley on Country Music News International Radio Show!
March 8th interviewed by Big Al Weekley!
Will Wesley: Forged in Grit, Tempered in Tragedy, Rising in Triumph – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Grit. It’s a substance that seeps from the pores, a residue of life’s relentless punches. For country rocker Will Wesley, it’s a defining characteristic, a testament to his journey from a rebellious Louisiana kid to a seasoned artist channeling pain into powerful music.
Born in the idyllic town of Baker, Louisiana, Wesley was never one to play by the rules. A natural rebel, he found solace and expression in the strings of his beat-up guitar, a gift from his father. At 15, he was sneaking into bars, his burgeoning beard a flimsy disguise. But when he took the stage, his talent silenced any objections, a raw, undeniable force that demanded attention.
Wesley’s early musical inclinations leaned towards the sorrowful depths of the blues. He immersed himself in the Baton Rouge blues scene, touring with legends like Larry Garner, Tabby Thomas, and Grady Champion. His talent was undeniable, earning him two victories in the New Orleans regional division of the International Blues Challenge. For five years, he served as Music Director for Grammy-winning blues artist Grady Champion, seemingly paving a smooth road to success.
Yet, beneath the surface, a storm was brewing. Wesley found himself at a crossroads, both personally and professionally. The relentless pressures of life pushed him into a dark depression, a period of profound struggle. But within that darkness, a new creative fire ignited, drawing him towards the storytelling heart of country music.
He was more than just blues. Legends like Hank Williams, Marty Stuart, and Chet Atkins, alongside modern icons like Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, and Eric Church, had always held a fascination. Aldean and Church, in particular, resonated with his rock-infused country spirit.
In 2020, Wesley teamed up with producer Phil Chandler to create “Both Sides of the Tracks,” a collection of 17 hard-hitting songs released in April 2021. The album’s raw energy and authenticity resonated with audiences worldwide. “Attitude” soared to number one on the Euro Academy of Country Music Charts in Milan, Italy, while tracks like “A New Kind of Blues” and “Leah” showcased his versatility and talent. He toured with Swiss Rockabilly star Florian Fox and collaborated on the classic country drinking anthem “Wasted Again.”
Then, tragedy struck. In 2023, Wesley’s brother Daniel succumbed to a heroin overdose, a devastating blow that forced him to confront grief head-on. Yet, from the ashes of sorrow, inspiration arose. Wesley is now pouring his heart into a new collection of songs, a testament to his resilience and artistic evolution, blending his rocker edge with a tender vulnerability.
Despite a career that has already taken him across Europe and Southeast Asia, performing at prestigious venues like the Switzerland International Country Music Hall of Fame and the Jackson, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and sharing stages with Alabama, Jason Boland & the Stragglers, and Robert Cray, Will Wesley’s journey feels like a new beginning.
Forged in grit, tempered in tragedy, Will Wesley is poised to ascend to legendary status, his music a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.
Saturday live show will be in German & English with Presenter Frank Hammer and the best in country music! 4 pm – 6 pm (CET) GER, 9 am – 11 am (CST) USA, 3 pm – 5 pm (GMT) UK!
For Country Music News International Radio Show follow link: https://stream.laut.fm/countrymusicnewsinternational or https://laut.fm/countrymusicnewsinternational