Daily Inspiration: Meet Wil Blades

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wil Blades.

Hi Wil, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up right outside of Chicago, where I began playing drums at seven years old. I immediately knew music was what I wanted to do with my life. As a kid, I played all the time, non-stop. I played along with my older brother’s records, took lessons at school, played in school band and even starting my own band in 4th grade. I ended up quitting that band because my friends didn’t take it seriously enough! Eventually at 13, I began taking guitar lessons as well and became just as passionate about the guitar. Being in such close proximity to the city (the L train went through our backyard) exposed me to all kinds of music and I found a particular affinity for the Blues.

By the time I was 18, I was listening lots of Funk, Bebop, Soul, Reggae and Classic Rock and I was hooked on the sound of the Hammond B-3 organ and the various vintage keyboards that were used in all that great music. I moved to Oakland CA in 1998 and began studying with a bass player named Herbie Lewis, who played with Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner, to name a few, and he also played on some classic B-3 records himself… He helped encourage me to focus on the B-3. Around the same time, I picked up a gig in San Francisco at John Lee Hooker’s Boom Boom Room. I was underage and soaked up all the great music, eventually becoming the house organist and playing with many national touring Blues acts, including John Lee Hooker Himself. Eventually, I befriended and was mentored by Dr. Lonnie Smith, one of the all time great B-3 organists.

Since that time, I’ve been able to make a living as a musician in the Bay Area, raise a family while also getting to tour the world playing the Hammond B-3 Organ. These days I’m living in Los Angeles and still continue to travel and make music with my heroes, old friends and new friends.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a musician for a living is never smooth or easy, but it is almost always worth the struggle, especially when I consider doing anything else. Raising a family while gigging, touring and teaching is not for the faint of heart! The beauty of it though is that when I’m home, I’ve been able to be very present with my family. Having daytimes mostly free has meant being able to take the kids to and from school, go on their field trips and enjoy getting time in with them.

Probably the biggest struggle being a musician is the business. Music is rarely the problem. The business is always tough and always finds new ways to challenge your resolve. It’s a constantly evolving Wild West! You have to stay sharp and street smart.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m mostly known for my work on the B-3, playing blues, funk and bebop. I’m most proud of the fact I’ve been able to play with a lot of my heroes, musicians who are not necessarily household names, but who have made significant contributions to American music. And honestly, I’m proud of the fact that I’ve survived this long with a career in music while having family. Success isn’t always tied to money.

I think what sets me apart from others is, while I’m dedicated to learning the lineage of music before me, I’m equally dedicated to trying to carve out a path for myself. All my mentors took pride in having their own sound and I’m trying to follow in their footsteps.

In my most recent recordings, which started in the pandemic, I mostly recorded all the instruments myself and just let all these collective styles of music bleed together.

What were you like growing up?
Like I mentioned, I discovered music early and was immediately obsessed. Whenever I get into something, I’m obsessed. I’m 1000% in. My mom is an artist and taught art, I also obsessively drew as a kid. Even in my 30’s, I became obsessed again with Basketball. If it was up to me, I’d be out doing shooting drills for hours every day! I can’t turn off my obsessiveness, but it is also the reason I was able to transition to a new instrument so late.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wilblades.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/wilblades
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/wilblades
• Twitter: B3Blades
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/willisb3 

Image Credits
Ryan Hughes Tam Starita Pete Fallico