Virginian native Keller Williams began his musical career at age of 13. Three years later he began playing before an audience. In addition to his live shows, Williams also has his own radio show, \Keller's Cellar: Ruleless Radio,"" which airs on seven stations in North Carolina, Alabama, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. The Daily Cardinal recently spoke with Williams about his new album, , working on his radio show and how exactly his dogs figure into his songwriting.
Since you were 16, how has the audience changed throughout the past 15 to 20 years?
Before it wasn't even a music audience. I mostly played in restaurants and bars. I was like the live entourage in the corner; I just played whatever I wanted to play. My audience now is definitely more into my music.
What gigs have been the most fun?
I've played at a lot of big gatherings that were a lot of fun: Bonaroo in Tennessee and the Gathering of the Vibes in New York.
What kinds of stuff do you play on ""Keller's Cellar?""
My show is a pre-recorded show and I play anything from Bobby McFerrin to Dave Grisman, Ween, etc. It's a very collective group. I play jazz, techno, funk, bluegrass-anything and everything.
Why did you name your album ?
The album was recorded only a short distance from my home. Also I was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and that's where the album was recorded.
In the past you have worked a great deal with The String Cheese Incident. Who else have you released songs with?
I've also worked with a fantastic band, Moderico, in their album, Light Show. I also performed with Martin Saxton in Austin, Texas about a month ago at the City Limits Music Festival.
Is the first album you went completely solo in?
No, the first album I went completely solo in was Loop. It's a live album. Home is the first studio album I have recorded completely solo.
When recording your music, what instrument do you start as the base of a song?
When I am alone, I always start with the guitar. Next I think about lyrics and focus on the words then I incorporate drums. Usually you start with the drums, but I'm not really a drummer, so I start with the guitar.
How long did it take to record ?
It took 15 days to track and another week to mix. That's about three weeks total.
I would like to hear some of your thoughts about some of your songs from Home. How about ""Love Handles?""
It's about my acceptance of my gut and about how it doesn't bother me.
How about ""Dogs""?
It's about the two dogs, Earl and Sheeba, that travel around with us. Unfortunately Sheeba is no longer with us as she is now in heaven.
Does ""Victory"" have anything to do with the war on Iraq?
Yes, it has more to do with post 9/11. I saw everyone unite together for a special cause and that's where I came up with ""Victory.""
Is there anything else you'd like to comment on regarding Home?
Yes. It sounds a lot better when you buy it than when you burn it.
Last question-besides playing music, what are some of your hobbies?
Mountain biking, kayaking, throwing the Frisbee with Earl and watching TiVo.
