We had the good fortune of connecting with Richard Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Richard, how do you think about risk?
Choosing to pursue music as a career was a complete risk in the first place. I could have had a secure job but I chose to take the risk to learn how to compose. I was trying to challenge myself and pursue something that I thought is innately valuable – beautiful music. Throughout my career I have taken a number of risks. I spend the time and money to pursue many opportunities, and many of them don’t pan out, but a good number of them have panned out.

The Student Emmys in Hollywood (College TV Awards) was one. I didn’t think I was qualified, but I won the national award in 2010. I later won another Student Emmy in 2014. The decision to join various workshops around the country like GDC for video games and Chris Walden’s Jazz Band Masterclass is what prompted me to return to Capitol Studios one day, and it started the seed that would grow to become this album- yet another risk.

This album definitely was a risk in terms of what I could create, how much time I had to do practically everything on the project, and to see if the project would catch fire. But especially in the arts and music industry, risk taking is a necessity. One quote from Jeffrey R. Holland has giving me much support and determination when the years seemed to drag on too long: “God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream. In short, He can’t if you don’t believe.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been most impressed with the composing side of music because to me, that’s where the seed of the final product is born. I tend to think of my compositions as generally better than average, and it’s what I hope people can recognize in my music despite other factors that might affect the final product. I get most excited from a great composition. Similar to how a lyricist or songwriter might be impressed by good lyrics, I love a great composer who can constantly be coming up with memorable pieces or can throw in unexpected and appropriate twists and turns to keep you interested, whether by orchestration techniques or modulating key changes.

It was not easy at all to get to where I am at. I spent years worth, working until 10pm or midnight for 9 years of school, and after graduating, I have still had to press on to find projects and essentially work to find work. But despite all of that, I am very proud of a number of songs I have written in the past and I hope to continue to write songs that I and others love to hear.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I could, I would book a session at Capitol Studios or East West Studios and let them enjoy being there where so many famous artists have recorded. It’s always great to be able to record in places like that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my dad who has watched me and been with me the whole time, rooting for my success. A composer’s journey can be very lonely because you get many more doors shut in your face than are ever opened, so his encouragement and support has been extremely helpful. I also want to give a shoutout to Jeff Broadbent. We went to BYU together, so he has been a great support to me ever since as well, and I have sincerely appreciated his friendship and helpfulness.

Website: www.Richardmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicrichardwilliams/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bufjap

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=714541366

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLfcRvGFQVmBJmqKlsAImw

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2qj9lrQAC40WfaxQtS3ziv Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/hollywood-christmas/1646966540 Amazon CDs: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BK4K12LH/

Image Credits
Ionut Cuc Jacob Boden Viktor Szende Josh Sales

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.