If you’re not familiar with Justin Clyde Williams yet, you’re really missing out.
An incredibly talented lyricist and captivating storyteller, Williams has been a mainstay on Charlotte, NC’s songwriter scene for years now. While he doesn’t necessarily hail from within its bounds, Williams operates in an Appalachian-adjacent sort of scene, crossing paths with many of the scene’s artists on the road. And as a result, he’s forged a pretty strong relationship with one of the scene’s most important torchbearers in Nicholas Jamerson.
In fact, Jamerson is even producing Williams’ next record, and the two recently teamed up in a brand new single. A sophomore project and follow up to his debut album Empty Rooms in 2021, the remaining details surrounding Williams’ forthcoming endeavor are yet to be announced, and while I don’t know that it has been formally confirmed, I believe the new track could be the album’s lead single.
Either way, titled “The King of Telling Lies,” Williams’ and Jamerson’s latest collaboration was co-written between the two at an Airbnb in Queens, NY while on tour together not too long ago. Showcasing the duo’s clever lyricism and potent sonic prowess, “The King of Telling Lies” describes the fading aura of a relationship that once felt like forever, and it’s sure to hit you where it hurts.
Check it out here:
I got to hear that one live a couple of months back when Williams opened up a show for Jamerson at Charlotte’s premiere listening room The Evening Muse, and man, that was powerful.
There’s more where that came from, though. As we await more details on Justin Clyde Williams’ upcoming Nicholas Jamerson produced record, you may as well dive in to his first album Empty Rooms. Here are a couple of my favorites.
“Empty Rooms”
“No Demise”
If you like what you’re hearing this far, be sure to catch one of Williams’ upcoming shows if he comes to your city.
5/22 – Boxcars – Clinton, WI
5/23 – The Law Office – Yorkville, IL
5/24 – The Backroom Lounge – Riverton, IL
5/25 – The Thirsty Gnome – Kansas City, MO
5/26 – Buck’s – Venice, NE
5/28 – Slater’s – Williston, ND
5/31 – Ryder’s Saloon – Henrietta, MN
6/1 – Lebowski’s – Washington, IA
6/6 – 1890 Ice House – Meriden, KS
6/7 – Saint Cecilia’s – Tulsa, OK
6/8 – Talk Shop Lounge – St. Charles, IA
6/13 – Tribble’s Bar – Piedmont, SC
6/14 – The Evening Muse – Charlotte, NC
6/15 – The Bird’s Nest Listening Room – Dunn, NC
And while we’re still somewhat on the topic of Nicholas Jamerson, as always, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the link to one of Jamerson’s most popular originals, and a track that in my opinion, is one of the very best country songs ever made.
Give “Hindman” a listen, originally recorded with Jamerson’s iconic Kentucky duo Sundy Best, it’s the real deal.
