“You need to grow up!” is not an insulting remark to singer/song writer Dar Williams who writes about “growing up on a regular basis with a specific focus of how important it is no matter how old you are.” Her music is described as folk-pop, but Williams is not afraid to take her sound in any direction she sees fit, even if that means crossing genres.
“It’s a nice thing to have started in the 90s because for all the people who were trying to define things we’re also trying to undefine them. So no matter what direction I took off in, no one ever blinked,” Williams recalls in a recent interview with The Badger Herald.
Growing up listening to the Byrds, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Judy Collins and the Beatles helped Williams hone in on her current sound. And her access to all these albums was made easy with her dad’s alphabetized record collection.
But being exposed to music at a young age was not what launched Williams into her music career initially. Instead, Williams got a late start at the age of 22. Williams had a friend who worked as a computer software designer, but took on the challenge of the guitar. This challenge brought him to perform at an open mic night at a coffee house. He dragged Williams along with him to sing along, which is where it all began.
Once Williams got started she just couldn’t seem to stop. Williams’ newest double CD, Many Great Companions, was released Oct. 12. The album goes back in time and creates a collection unlike any of her other works. Along with creating new songs, Williams went back to reinterpret her original songs by “stripping them down into their original form,” according to Williams.
Williams describes this album as “a meaningful project,” that took her back through her own musical history. The first disc is titled Songs Revisited with Guitar and a Few Friends, which pretty much explains the content of the album.
Williams’ revisited songs such as “When I Was a Boy” and “Calling the Moon” with the help of guest singers such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Patty Larkin, Gary Louris, and Sara and Sean Watkins – fellow folk country crooners.
And now that the album has been released, Williams is focusing on her tour- where she has said she gets inspiration for future musical projects.
Having performed in Madison over twenty times in the last fifteen years makes Williams a familiar face to the city. “Madison is one of my favorite places to perform,” Williams confidently states and talks about how great it is to see Madison students put music into practice instead of just talking about it. “Madison does this with a big cheer because it is a university town and you have all that great energy.”
It makes sense that Madison would be enthusiastic about Williams because of our affectation for folk rock lyricists and an appreciation for music in general.
Her lyrics are often described as elegant and honest. This mixed with a smooth, pure sound makes it hard to not be inspired to explore your own musical desires. Williams will be performing at Barrymore Theatre on Wednesday Oct. 27 to showcase her newest album.
Even though the focus will be primarily on her newest work, Williams said she’s not afraid to perform older pieces from her collection of over 100 songs, creating the perfect opportunity for old fans and new to enjoy Williams’ musical journey .
Dar Williams will be playing at the Barrymore Theatre, Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $26.
