On Tuesday, January 21, Stephen Wilson Jr. was a guest on Loudwire Nights, where he enthusiastically celebrated the release of the deluxe edition of his album, s?n of dad, which debuted in 2023. The conversation provided deep insights into the creative process and the significance of the new tracks included in this expanded edition.

Reflecting on the evolution of his music, Wilson shared with host Chuck Armstrong, “The conversation wasn’t over,” emphasizing that the journey of these songs continues. Listeners can catch the full conversation in the player located near the end of this article, allowing them to delve deeper into Wilson’s artistic vision.

Wilson articulated that the music still had stories to tell. He recalled how, during the creation of this record, he was without an audience, which made it challenging to predict how the songs would evolve. “I didn’t really know how these songs were going to evolve, how they were going to grow,” he said, reflecting on the organic nature of music development.

He described the world as “a bit of a laboratory,” where each performance in various towns allowed him to witness firsthand how his songs could transform over time. This experience inspired him to showcase that evolution in the deluxe version of s?n of dad, highlighting the dynamic relationship between artist and audience.

He elaborated, “[It’s] just a representation of what is happening,” indicating that the new tracks serve as a vital record of his artistic journey.

Wilson clarified that this release was not motivated by commercial interests, stating, “It’s not a business move. It has nothing to do with anything like that.” Instead, he expressed a desire to share how these songs have taken on new life forms through interactions with listeners, emphasizing that “these new life forms need to be heard.”

Exploring Stephen Wilson Jr.’s Musical Influences and Inspirations

During the interview, Wilson took the time to express his admiration for legendary artists such as Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp, while also discussing how the vibrant rock scene from Seattle has significantly shaped his identity as a singer and songwriter. His appreciation for these influences reflects a diverse musical background that informs his creative process.

He noted, “The Seattle approach to songwriting definitely has had an influence on me,” indicating that the innovative spirit of the region resonates deeply with him. Proudly identifying as a Nashville songwriter, he believes that the city is a hub for songwriting excellence, stating, “I moved to Nashville to learn how to write songs with the best…but you know, I brought a lot of that Seattle with me.”

For Wilson, the Seattle songwriting style is characterized by its abstract qualities. He expressed a desire to blend the structured approach of Nashville songwriters with the more freeform, abstract elements that Seattle artists like Kurt Cobain embraced.

He explained, “I really wanted to figure out how to write songs the way Nashville songwriters do, but I also wanted to incorporate the abstract nature that Seattle brought to the songwriting craft.” He admired how Cobain crafted songs in vignettes, noting that these “little snapshots…nothing really makes sense, it’s just different little vignettes” offer a unique storytelling approach.

Additionally, Wilson cited Chris Cornell as a significant source of inspiration, praising his ability to transform poetry into powerful music. “He literally turned poems into metal,” Wilson said, emphasizing Cornell’s poetic craftsmanship while managing to push creative boundaries in ways that many Nashville songwriters might not consider.

Reflecting on the courage exhibited by both Cobain and Cornell, Wilson shared his admiration for their willingness to tackle uncomfortable subjects in their lyrics. Their boldness, he noted, encouraged him to explore themes that might challenge listeners, stating, “I got courage from them to say things that, you know, often make some folks perhaps a little uncomfortable or it might just kind of shake their paradigm a little bit.”

Key Insights from Stephen Wilson Jr.’s Conversation on Loudwire Nights

• Wilson spoke about the profound influence of his father, emphasizing his role as a mentor in both boxing and music. He recalled, “When I quit my job as a scientist to do this craziness, he was one of the few people on Earth that was coaching me through that … He was a wild man. He was a real dream chaser. I’m just really lucky. I got really lucky.”
• He also discussed the impact of Willie Nelson on his musical style, revealing how witnessing Nelson’s performance at the Ryman Auditorium inspired him to embrace his guitar playing and singing style: “I’m just kind of copying him. Since that day [I saw him] at the Ryman, I just took as many notes as I could.”
• Wilson reflected on the emotional challenges of performing his song, “I’m a Song,” sharing that it was a deeply personal expression connecting him to his father. He noted that while it was initially difficult to perform, it has become easier over time: “That song was really effective for me kind of just getting closer to my dad. It was kind of like a conduit to me and my dad.”

Catch the Complete Conversation in the Podcast Player Below

Stephen Wilson Jr. joined Loudwire Nights on Tuesday, January 21. The show replays online here, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7 PM ET or on the Loudwire app. Additionally, check if the show is available on your local radio station and enjoy on-demand interviews for more in-depth discussions.