Ian Wills of Wills & The Willing Talks New Album, Musical Influences And More

Who is in Wills and The Willing, what do they play and how did you meet?

Wills & The Willing is organic in its existence. Since I founded the group, I have been blessed to work with many gifted musicians. One example is Brendon Taylor who was in the band from 2004-2006 where we became dear friends. Brendon has continued to contribute to W&TW and his artwork is the CD booklet cover for the new album. He also did the covers for a couple of previous singles ‘Drawing Straws’ & ‘Skin Love Don’t Hate’. Another long-term member is Sean Genockey who has produced and engineered my last four albums. Sean’s guitar playing is very special. We first met in 1998 at the Mercury Lounge, New York and have been friends and musical brothers ever since.

When did you begin songwriting and recording music?

My first commercial recording was in 2003 and was a collaborative between myself and two musical legends, Trevor Morais & Alvin Lee. I called the band Hundred & 3 as at the time I was 42 and Trevor was 61. We released one single “HIV” on the label One Little Indian.

Your new album ‘Another Long Week’ is released on 5th July 2024. How did you want to approach the making of the record?

I knew going into the studio that it was important to make sure each song flowed, gave a feeling of belonging, and that the connection and emotion between the lyric and music was never lost.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

“Another Long Week’ was recorded at Camden Recording Studios, Dublin; Saunton Sound, Devon; Black Dog Studios, London; and Adj’s House, London. It was produced by Sean Genockey, Charlie Morton, Ruadhri Cushnan & Adj. Ruadhri also mixed the album. It was mastered by Amy Marie at Yes Master studios, Nashville.

One of your tracks is the latest single ‘Scuffed Knees’. What was the story/inspiration behind that song?

Recalling my early childhood living in the slums of Finsbury Park, and then moving to the new “Roundshaw estate” which was a south London concrete jungle. Playing “runouts” on the blocks, falling over, knees scuffed, torn and bruised, sitting on a strangers doorstep looking at the blood trickling down your legs trying to be 8 years old and tough, sharing your dreams about what we was going to do with our lives when we grew up.

Who created/designed the album artwork?

I asked John Carey to shoot the album cover and CD booklet. John and I last worked together in 2005 when he took the photos of me that were published in the Sunday Times magazine. The graphic design was done by Jade Thompson.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals etc?

Guitar Guitar Guitar

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I grew up amongst slums of South London, primarily St Helier Estate and the Roundshaw Estate both reside within the London Borough of Sutton, in describing Sutton in five words I would say:

Embracing, despairing, inspiring, unforgiving, challenging.

 Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

We are playing London June 19th then the Isle of Wight festival on June 22nd. Early Autumn plan is to tour the UK.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

This is a tough question! In the end it has to be “Bound For Glory”. An original film adaptation was made in 1976 so another script is long overdue. The spirit of Woody Guthrie has enriched my life. In 1990 I was fortunate enough to spend an afternoon in New York with Harold Leventhal, where I performed ‘HIV’ in its original poetic form in his office over tea and biscuits. His words to me post-performance gave me such a lift of inspiration, those few hours remain priceless.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Happiest “First Violin”. Angriest “Fluorescent Blu“. Most reflective is ‘Do You Dream An Ordinary Life. ’

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

My musical influences include Bruce Springsteen, Woody Guthrie, Pink Floyd, Phil Ochs, Bob Dylan, Sex Pistols, Barry Manilow, John Mayer, Jason Isbell, and Jesse Malin. My youngest daughter Summer recently turned me on to ‘The Red Clay Strays ’which was a pleasant surprise. While I was recording with Adj he played me several tracks by Bess Atwell which I have now spent time listening to. I would recommend Brian Fallon – his solo work in between Gaslight Anthem albums in my opinion are stunning.

Was it a difficult album to write?

Lyrically, on pen and paper I am very blessed never to run out of thoughts. I did though work extremely hard at creating some very unique tunings, which made it interesting and also challenging to produce.

How do you look after your voice?

I don’t eat 6-8 hours before recording or gigging. I drink still water and Jasmine tea with honey and avoid shouting at the TV when watching Liverpool!

What makes Wills and The Willing happy and what makes you unhappy?

Hearing your songs being played on the radio makes everyone involved with Wills & The Willing immensely happy. Personal unhappiness I try to avoid. Losing my sister Linda 6 years ago could have taken me to the despairs I last visited as a 15 year old heroin addict. I think being diagnosed with prostate cancer in the same year helped me to swim above the tide.