Today we’d like to introduce you to Jermaine L Williams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Do you ever look back and wonder how you became what you’ve become now? For me, it was other people showing me the potential that they saw in me. I’m a performer in music and comedy, with a background in acting, standup, improv and filmmaking. Learning to play the keyboard at my local church alongside my dad, playing the piano, became my training wheels for developing the skill to perform in front of people at a young age.
I grew up as an only child in Burtonsville, MD. I was a pretty imaginative and funny person growing up (thanks mom and dad for your sense of humor), but I never considered expressing that on a large scale.
In high school, friends said I should be a comedian, which is when the seed to perform standup was planted. Junior year, I mustarded up the courage after persuasion from friends to audition for the musical, Guys & Dolls, which planted the seed for acting. I got the part to play Arvide Abernathy.
After college with a degree in Film/Video, experience making several collaborative film projects, and standup comedy experience under my belt, I decided to move to Los Angeles, CA. Both of my parents were at a stage in their lives where they wanted a lifestyle change too. Since we visited Los Angeles before and loved it, we decided to leave everything on the east coast and move to California as a family.
Our first visit to Los Angeles was an all expenses paid trip as a result of me being the first winner of the national WB Casting Call contest in 2000. This amazing experience planted the seed to move to LA!
After many years later, I cannot see myself living anywhere else. I enjoy a lot about Los Angeles, including it’s surrounding areas, and diversity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If I saw a guy that never had a struggle, I would poke his eyeball, and ask if he’s real. I’ve had my share of struggles. Most of which come from within. It’s challenging to showcase your talents during the times when you don’t feel talented, or good enough, comparing yourself to others around you. During these times, I try to find the silver lining. Instead of thinking, “I have to perform,” I remind myself, “I get to perform!” I also get to learn from others. And this is how we grow as performers. So it’s a win-win.
One of my biggest struggles was the passing of my mom in 2014. I was very close to my mom, and loved her very much. She always wanted the best for me. She was so wise, and had the right thing to say at the right time.
Having a support system was always something I had prior to this pivotal moment in my life. No matter how bad the crowd was that night at the comedy club, or how awkward that audition was across town, I always had a support system to come back home to, where I could debrief, simply by talking it out. It definitely took a while to adjust to this major life change.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I perform acapella originals and cover songs as a looping vocal artist. I use a loop machine (aka looper). It records and plays back every part I sing. I then build interwoven vocal harmonies right there in front of the audience in realtime. There’s definitely a looping community of artists out there that continues to grow. It’s a complex method and skill that I agreed to take on and develop, and I love it! In passing, I’ve had people say to me, “Hey! You’re that DJ guy!” Technically, that’s right; I’m the DJ of the parts I sing in the moment. I also tend to be meticulous in habit, and naturally silly. So with an act like this, both traits go hand-in-hand.
Since I was a teenager, I loved listening to vocal harmonies from my favorite musical artists, like Take 6 and Bobby McFerrin. My style is mainly shaped by funk, pop, and jazz, which a splash of humor.
I’ve also had my share of success booking several national commercials, including one for Snickers. I played one of the friends of Godzilla! It was a campaign ad for the new Godzilla movie at the time. The highlight for me was getting to hit the dirt roads on an ATV with the iconic monster. What an amazing three day shoot! The other reason this project means so much to me is it was the last highlight in my career my mom got to see me in before she passed.
One of the things that has helped me to navigate different facets of my life, especially in social situations, has been comedy. I’m thankful to have a background in both improv and standup. I studied improv at The Second City Theater in Hollywood. In addition, I would hit up various standup comedy clubs in Hollywood and abroad.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Living a peaceful life with as minimal stress as possible. I’ve learned what stress can do, and the older I get, the more I know it can take it’s toll. I watch the waves at the beach, take road trips, ride roller coasters at amusement parks, go whale watching, because in one way or another, these activities help me mentally let go of control. There are things out there so much bigger than me, and I can only control but so much. In a way, it’s freeing when I’m reminded of that. I strive to live my best life, because this life we have is short, and I want to look back on it and say that I lived it the best way I could, instead of living it to please others simply for approval. I want to please my Maker, the reason for my existence. I see everyday as a new opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy life, which in turn can assist me in creating more art.
I’ve always had a sense of play and wonder, challenging myself to think outside the box. Knowing that I played a part in causing someone to smile or laugh after having a stressful day, brings me so much joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jermaineLwilliams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jermaineLWmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jermaineLWmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/themainmaine
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/jermaineLWmusic
