Just heard Stephen Wilson for the first time the other day when his live at the print shop concert dropped. I can’t remember the last time I was left in complete awe but this was one of those times. The live performance of ‘Holler in the Holler’ is unreal. And that distorted dropped classical guitar tone is so cool
From what I’ve read, it seems like Stephen wrote the album this song is a part of as a tribute to his late father. As someone who recently lost their old man, this album came at a good time. Music can be so therapeutic. Much love!
Michael, You’ve got to double down on Stephen and react to his Stand by Me cover. Also, side note. If anyone is trying to figure out why the melody sounds so familiar, it’s the exact same melody from the dueling guitar scene in August Rush, when Louis and August (unbeknownst father and son) meet for the first time.
Stephen's music is laden with musical Easter eggs -- your ear recognizes them even if you don't realize it. He was a true mad scientist in a former life, and I think he brought that into his music, mixing melodies like they're chemical compounds.
I saw Stephen last week in Amsterdam. One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to a lot of shows big and small. He was fantastic. Met him after the show, he was incredibly genuine.
Awesome, I just discovered Stephen Wilson Jr a few days ago and I’m absolutely loving him… this is one amazing artist with an amazing back story! I can’t stop listening to him
I was recommended Stephen on Spotify a few months ago. I fell in love immediately. American Gothic was the first track i heard, and i was hooked. Twisted is another great one. Thanks for doing this one, Michael!
I think he sounds a lot like Travis Meadows and I love them both! My father has always been my hero and he succeeded in spite of his. He promised to not repeat his father's mistakes. I'm trying to parent in his foot steps.
Big fan of Stephen Wilson jr and of your videos. What I love most is your honesty...the way you spoke at the end of this video and of the 'round here' cover you previously did really hit me. Keep up the great work. Big love x
Great reaction again Michael! Always enjoy your "new to" vids. I was also one of the Stephen Wilson Jr requesters not on Guitargate but some of his other stuff is stellar. Appreciate you my brother.
Really appreciate your analysis at the end. This song is the difference between art and entertainment. Art catches us and forces us to reflect on who we are the world around us. It was cool watching your genuine reaction. ❤
Beautiful reflections Michael, get that pretty deeply as a father reflecting on struggles with parenting, having to battle unconscious reactions that I learnt from my father. Bitter sweet.
I don’t get how Stephen Wilson jr doesn’t have at leaste 1 million listeners on Spotify, he should be known worldwide as an incredible artist,musician and songwriter. He’s astonishingly talented it’s mind blowing really🤯
Thank you so much for the comments. You opened my eyes to some things that have been on my mind and I didn’t realize it until hearing your thoughts. You have a fan! And btw Stephen Wilson Jr is amazing.
Growing up without a dad has its disadvantages, but I will say that the only gift my father ever gave me was leaving and staying gone. I didn't have his horrible example of how to be a human being as my standard. Great song great performance.
From his website - "Stephen Wilson Jr. is a singer/songwriter from rural Southern Indiana. Self-described as “Death Cab For Country,” Stephen Wilson Jr. draws upon indie rock, grunge and country to create a distinct sound that is influenced by artists as diverse as The National, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Nirvana." To me he sounds a bit like Eddie Vedder.
I haven’t listened to Steve in probably two decades. I only knew him from Porcupine Tree and it’s cool to see him doing something so different and being very active.
Michael, whats your take on that guitar for a strat guy? I an torn between a Fender strat with a humbucker in the bridge ( I already play a 98 strat with 3 singles), a PRS silver sky se, and that guitar. I have other guitars that I cant love like a strat, I have an SG, Tele,and epiphone les paul, and the strat always wins live, I use a Gibson tribute special for open G songs too
The mockingbird and the crow by hardy immediately made me fall in love w him. Such a unique concept and outside the box. Just ashamed I’m late to the game!!
![Stephen Wilson Jr. - "Stand By Me" [Ben E. King Cover] (Live at the Print Shop)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9kn7E-OauJI/mqdefault.jpg)
U need to listen to" Stephen Wilson's - Stand By Me"!
yup
💯
Agreed
Exactly what I came to say!!!!
100% 💥
DEEP DIVE on Stephen Wilson Jr!! His whole album is FIRE!!!!
Just heard Stephen Wilson for the first time the other day when his live at the print shop concert dropped. I can’t remember the last time I was left in complete awe but this was one of those times. The live performance of ‘Holler in the Holler’ is unreal. And that distorted dropped classical guitar tone is so cool
His vocal projection is killer
So stoked to see Stephen Wilson on your channel!! this guy is fire!!!
Stephen is great! Check out his live performances of his song Year To Be Young 1994.
Right on!!
Stephen Wilson Jr deserves the explosive popularity hes soon to receive. His music doesnt just sound good. It touches the soul
We took our family 10/6 year olds to his show. It will blow you away. Amazing show. The sounds he gets out of the guitar is a work of art 😊
From what I’ve read, it seems like Stephen wrote the album this song is a part of as a tribute to his late father. As someone who recently lost their old man, this album came at a good time. Music can be so therapeutic. Much love!
Watch the full podcast Live at the Printshop, great story
Unbelievable , raw emotions , I love this track, been on repeat , great channel , great review
Absolutely loved this video! Real dude with real feelings. Peace and love to your family from Ireland 🇮🇪
Michael, You’ve got to double down on Stephen and react to his Stand by Me cover.
Also, side note. If anyone is trying to figure out why the melody sounds so familiar, it’s the exact same melody from the dueling guitar scene in August Rush, when Louis and August (unbeknownst father and son) meet for the first time.
Stephen's music is laden with musical Easter eggs -- your ear recognizes them even if you don't realize it. He was a true mad scientist in a former life, and I think he brought that into his music, mixing melodies like they're chemical compounds.
I saw Stephen last week in Amsterdam. One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to a lot of shows big and small. He was fantastic. Met him after the show, he was incredibly genuine.
Fancy seeing you here 😮It’s a very small world. Was a great gig that night.
Awesome, I just discovered Stephen Wilson Jr a few days ago and I’m absolutely loving him… this is one amazing artist with an amazing back story! I can’t stop listening to him
His voice reminds me of Eddie Vedder and Chris Stapleton blended up. Sounds amazing. He's a lyrical genius and a Once in a lifetime artist.
I was recommended Stephen on Spotify a few months ago. I fell in love immediately. American Gothic was the first track i heard, and i was hooked. Twisted is another great one.
Thanks for doing this one, Michael!
Wow, that was so good. Another one I would have never heard without this channel. Thanks Michael
I totally meant to put Stephen Wilson's version of Stand by me and copied the wrong link. BUT... I do love this song too, its a close second.
1000%
Haha good news is that he'll definitely have to do the other sometime soon
Travis Meadows mentioned Stephen Wilson Jr. when you interviewed him 2 years ago. Been listening ever since.
I would love to see you go over his song “I’m A Song” which he played live at the print shop. Really special song!
I think he sounds a lot like Travis Meadows and I love them both! My father has always been my hero and he succeeded in spite of his. He promised to not repeat his father's mistakes. I'm trying to parent in his foot steps.
Stephen is my absolute favorite artist I’ve discovered this year. He’s on repeat in my house.
Once again amazed. Love the channel
Big fan of Stephen Wilson jr and of your videos. What I love most is your honesty...the way you spoke at the end of this video and of the 'round here' cover you previously did really hit me. Keep up the great work. Big love x
Great reaction again Michael! Always enjoy your "new to" vids. I was also one of the Stephen Wilson Jr requesters not on Guitargate but some of his other stuff is stellar. Appreciate you my brother.
Really appreciate your analysis at the end. This song is the difference between art and entertainment. Art catches us and forces us to reflect on who we are the world around us. It was cool watching your genuine reaction. ❤
You gottta do his stand by me cover. Such a fresh and beautiful take on a timeless classic.
"Every tree doesn't fall far from the apple..." I love that switch up to be more poignantand match the rhyme
Wow got right into this one, goose bumps all over thanks man I needed this today.
the second i heard this song i knew you were gonna love it. i had never heard stephen wilson jr. before, but holy smokes that voice.
Beautiful reflections Michael, get that pretty deeply as a father reflecting on struggles with parenting, having to battle unconscious reactions that I learnt from my father. Bitter sweet.
The whole album is brilliant.
Nylon strings with reverb - my god that intro is beautiful
Springsteen meets Cornell?
I don’t get how Stephen Wilson jr doesn’t have at leaste 1 million listeners on Spotify, he should be known worldwide as an incredible artist,musician and songwriter. He’s astonishingly talented it’s mind blowing really🤯
And I know that listeners on Spotify doesn’t matter or define one as an artist but still he should have millions of monthly listeners
Thanks, for picking this one, Michael! I've listed to this song a dozen times this week. So good. 🙏
I recommended this the day it came out. So glad you ended up shining a spotlight on this songwriter masterpiece!
He sounds like Travis Meadows...he actually wrote Cuckoo with Travis..the whole album is amazing
Yup
This track hooked me into him too!
I saw him live in June and was probably one of the best shows I have ever seen. It was him and his pedal steel player. Unbelieveable!!!!
Thank you so much for the comments. You opened my eyes to some things that have been on my mind and I didn’t realize it until hearing your thoughts. You have a fan! And btw Stephen Wilson Jr is amazing.
I was lucky enough to see him at Mercury Lounge in NYC earlier this year. So powerful and amazing live and def my album of the year.
stand by me is one of his incredible covers
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. This is deep roots music.
First time hearing this and really loved it
Just heard his stand by me cover, damn. Dude is good
There are parts of his voice that remind me of David Ramirez. Love it!
That stand by me cover is phenomenal
DUUUUUUDEEEE! I just discoverd this song last night! NO WAY!!! YESSSSS!!!!
Tnx,to you....Mr. Palmisano,.......I'd never would have seen/heard this without your post,,,,,,,,,,,,pat& family,,,,land o' lakes,wi.
i think his closed-mouthedness is reminding you of Chris Cornell
Definitely
Hits me more like Springsteen’s vibe…
It sounds like they added a bit of overdrive when they play the power chord rake section along that deep C note he's playing
The way Stephen gates his voice, it reminds me of vedder at times
Your reaction when he started singing is priceless
Honestly those boys play that thing so damn well, it's unreal
Love this! To answer your question about who he sounds like, it’s Eddie Vedder in the 90s :)
Stand by me next please!!!!!!
Growing up without a dad has its disadvantages, but I will say that the only gift my father ever gave me was leaving and staying gone. I didn't have his horrible example of how to be a human being as my standard. Great song great performance.
5:22 I don’t think I’ve ever seen the professor go awestruck on us
Listen to his cover! Stand by me
bro that orange PRS is beautiful
Comes from the jaw. And the heart.
Somehow the handshake at the end killed me.
Noah Rinker "Save my soul" Best song I've heard in years
A year to be young 1994, Kid, and The devil are my favorites
Unique, great timbre, I can't understand a lot of his words....and it's still great! Beautiful guitar work.
Cool song breakdown. Stephen is self-taught on guitar, from what I read. A most unique, captivating vocal style indeed.
The “closed mouth sound” reminds of the Tim Blake Nelson character from O’Brother…
Patches is a song that got me hooked on Stephen.. then his cover of Santa Monica blew my fucking mind..
Damn...this song hit me hard... Stephen Dear Jr and proud of it...
So awesome.
Sounds like the Boss
reminds me of Bruce Springsteen
knew someone else had to hear it
Better
From his website -
"Stephen Wilson Jr. is a singer/songwriter from rural Southern Indiana. Self-described as “Death Cab For Country,” Stephen Wilson Jr. draws upon indie rock, grunge and country to create a distinct sound that is influenced by artists as diverse as The National, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Nirvana."
To me he sounds a bit like Eddie Vedder.
I was just about to email this to you 😂
Imho, the familiarity of the closed mouth singing is because it's a common the technique among grunge singers like Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell, et al.
Great song! First time hearing it.
Unreal right ! ❤
Stephen Wilson Jr stand by me cover is insane
Want some guitar wizardry, listen to his version of “something in the way” 🤯 He’s my new favorite
Stephen Wilson Jr is the hottest and most original artists out there. What a beast!
Stephen Wilson Jr.s entire album is fire! Such a great new musican and writer.
This version w Hardy is hopefully expanding SWJs exposure.
Fantastic musician indeed. New to some but not all. He was in a successful band named autovaughn. They used to tour with cage the elephant.
I haven’t listened to Steve in probably two decades. I only knew him from Porcupine Tree and it’s cool to see him doing something so different and being very active.
That's "Steven" Wilson. Also a great musician!
You have to go through Stephen’s son of dad album!
SWJ is…….. can’t explain it, just want more of it. Thanks for sharing his music with your audience
Just love this tune! It’s like Willie Nelson spoofing on Temple of the Dog!
Hear a lot of Springsteen in his singing. Song writing is amazing as well. "Grief is Only Love" is a must listen
I was just about to suggest Stephen Wilson Jr!!!! Kismet
Almost sounds like Eddie Vedder a bit at times. Pearl Jam. Loving Stephen’s stuff and just found him. Makes it all his own and creating awesome music.
You seriously need to react to his stand by me at the print shop. Clark Kent performing like Superman.
Michael, whats your take on that guitar for a strat guy? I an torn between a Fender strat with a humbucker in the bridge ( I already play a 98 strat with 3 singles), a PRS silver sky se, and that guitar. I have other guitars that I cant love like a strat, I have an SG, Tele,and epiphone les paul, and the strat always wins live, I use a Gibson tribute special for open G songs too
Gives me that Willie Nelson feeling
Stumbled here...great content. He's got Eddie Vedder vibes with some of that closed mouth sound.
That orange NF3 is 🔥
Whole album is amazing. His covers are great. Check out his nirvana cover. His voice reminds me of Springsteen and Willie Nelson.
If Springsteen, Willie, Cornell, and Vedder had a baby!
The mockingbird and the crow by hardy immediately made me fall in love w him. Such a unique concept and outside the box. Just ashamed I’m late to the game!!
Hes gonna be huge. Him and Evil Creek
Stephen Wilson Jr is incredible. Get the album. Buy it properly.
The closed mouth singing is very Springsteen to me.
Michael you have got to check out his cover of Stand By Me it is absolutely incredible