WMP 151: Melodies of Milwaukee: Jake Williams’ Journey through Wisconsin’s Music Scene as a self-taught musician

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Episode 151
Jake Williams

Hey there, music lovers! Welcome back to another episode of the Wisconsin Music Podcast. I'm Zach Fell, your host, and today we have an incredible guest with us—Jake Williams. Jake is a self-taught full-time musician who has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee's vibrant music community. With a repertoire of off-the-wall cover interpretations centered around his genuine piano and vocal performances, Jake redefines what it means to be a cover musician.

Jake's schedule is packed with over 200 shows a year and boasts 11 local award nominations, making him a true force in the Wisconsin music industry. Beyond his solo work, Jake is also a part of two exciting projects. Sons of Sconnie (formerly The Toys) delivers high-energy, crowd-pleasing performances across Wisconsin, while The Midnight Purchase offers an alternative folk-rock experience with powerful lyricism and intimate shows.

Join us as we dive deep into Jake Williams' musical journey. From his humble beginnings, playing the piano at Menards to becoming a full-time musician, Jake shares his story, his insights into the Wisconsin music scene, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Trust me, you won't want to miss this intimate and inspiring conversation.

So, grab a comfy seat, maybe a cup of coffee or a cold brew, and get ready to be inspired by the sounds and stories from our great state. Welcome to the Wisconsin Music Podcast, where we amplify Wisconsin music.

Jake takes us through his journey from a young introvert, fascinated by his grandma's piano, to becoming a versatile musician playing over 200 gigs a year. He shares candid stories about his first job playing piano at Menards, his college days in Green Bay, and the various musical projects he's been involved in over the years.

We also delve into the dynamics of his current projects, Sons of Sconnie and The Midnight Purchase. Jake gives us the inside scoop on why The Toys changed their name and how the band navigated through this transition. Plus, he talks about the new music The Midnight Purchase is working on and what fans can expect in the near future.

Jake offers valuable advice for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and knowing your place within the music scene. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of the Wisconsin music scene and the challenges it faces.

Whether you're a musician yourself or just a fan of great music, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration. Tune in to hear more about Jake's journey, his passion for music, and his vision for the future of Wisconsin's music scene.

Don't forget to check out Jake's solo performances and his shows with Sons of Sconnie and The Midnight Purchase. You can keep up with his latest gigs by following his social media pages or visiting his website.

Thank you for tuning in to the Wisconsin Music Podcast. We appreciate your support and love for local music. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends. Until next time, keep supporting local music and stay tuned for more amazing stories from Wisconsin's music scene.

Catch you later, music aficionados!