Devin Williams
Overload
No guidelines, no sermons, no preconceived intentions --- Devin Williams delivers a raw, introspective and sharp blow to audiences on his latest release Overload. His passionate performance and veracious lyrics provided the perfect canvas for this Music City rocker to approach topics he hadn’t tackled on previous praise and worship releases. “I wanted to take this record back to the sound that initially sparked my fire to begin creating music,” says Devin. “These songs and stories were the reason why I decided to start stepping on the stage. They define me and I think this is a personal journey that I have wanted to take for a while.”
This six song EP anchors itself as an unguarded view into experiences that we all encounter. Inspired by both personal memories and world headlines, Devin tackles subjects that can often be hard to swallow. “My background is Christian rock, so those influences are still there,” examines Devin. “However, you’ll also find matters of substance abuse, loss, abandonment, uncertainty, forgiveness, encouragement, and inspiration laced throughout this record. I wanted a real depiction of life and its experiences and I hope that’s what this album has created.”
The lead single from the record is the pounding and angst driven title track Overload. This accounting of one’s life is driven by a fueled hatred for the constant mistakes that a person can encounter. “Be it a drug addiction, an utter disregard for laws and/or morals, or any reoccurring dilemma, the catalyst here is that you must remove your own blinds in order to fully grasp the damage and break the chain of mistakes. The raw and harsh delivery of this track was exactly what I needed to tell this story.”
Devin’s musical journey can be traced back to his roots in Selma, CA. His father was a connoisseur at instruments including the piano and organ, while his mother was a drummer, dancer and polished vocalist. “We didn’t have much money after my parents divorced,” remembers Devin. “When I was about 7, our TV went out and we couldn’t afford to fix it. I didn’t have anything else to do, so I started playing my father’s instruments. It was at that point that creating and listening to music became my main source of entertainment.” Devin’s father taught him any instrument that he could handle: piano, trumpet, baritone, French horn, bass guitar, drums and then finally the guitar. Through his teenage years, his musical influences included: Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Jimmy Hendrix, Third Day, Stone Temple Pilots, Eric Clapton, Pearl Jam, and Metallica.
Devin is no greenhorn on the music scene as he has taken the stage alongside some of its leaders including Jeff Deyo (former member of SonicFlood). “His voice is amazing, his talent is very evident and his heart and commitment to seeing God work through him is steadfast and contagious,” says Deyo. Mac Powell of Third Day also states that he is not only impressed by his music, but by his desire to spread the message of God’s love and grace. “You won’t be disappointed! I believe God has something special for this guy,” says Powell.
When Williams isn’t on the stage, you’ll find him at home with his wife and two boys. “At this point, when I can find free time, I try to spend every minute with my family. Me and the boys will be banging around on some toys or firing up the Wii.” There are no games or fail-safes on this record. It’s a steadfast and vulnerable outlook that teems with self discovery and empowerment. This new project proves once again that the only thing Devin overloads on, is his unwavering energy and dauntless pursuit of the truth.
