We had the good fortune of connecting with Willy Will Yanez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Willy Will, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
In no particular order: Hard work and perseverance. Tunnel vision on my own journey and not focusing on what everyone else is doing.  Believing in myself, even when others didn’t. Intent on focusing on my own sound so I can be known for that, even if it took longer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I currently work as a music producer, songwriter and musician here in LA. I’ve been fortunate to work with artists like Eminem, Future, Daddy Yankee, EXO and Eladio Carrión, among others and have played guitar in the orchestra with Broadway musicals such as The Bodyguard, Pretty Woman, School of Rock and Kinky Boots, among others as well.

I started out my journey as a session musician and was first introduced the the studio world that way. It was a blessing because I got to work with huge producers and see how they communicated with artists, moved and acted in a studio that ultimately shaped the way I think and move as well. I am currently managed by legendary music producer Om’Mas Keith and work out of his studio in LA. That mentorship and relationship has been a huge blessing to me.

I would say one thing that sets my music apart is that it almost always has real instruments in it, and often times they are very old lol. Vintage guitars, Analog Synths, amps etc. It gives my music a distinct human feel that I think gets lost in today’s digital, fast paced times.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d probably not think about it until they got in my car then we’d wing it and have a great ass time. I like to have blueprint plans, not so much concrete. I’m working on it haha

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom. She’s always believed in me from the jump. Even at times where I could tell others felt my “dreams” where too big or sounded foolish. I could just feel that she believed in me and that kept me going a lot of the time.

Instagram: willywillyanez

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