Today we’d like to introduce you to Ansley Williams.
Ansley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Singing and songwriting are what excites me most in life. I play the piano and the guitar and utilize both when writing my own music! Most of the music I write is pop or dance music. My biggest strength is my work ethic. I started acting, performing, and singing at an early age and by age nine, I was playing musical instruments and writing songs, sticking to a dedicated practice regimen. I joined a performing arts program in Atlanta and I have had the good fortune to sing in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. I have also showcased at the renowned Atlanta music club “Eddie’s Attic,” acted in TV commercials, and appeared in an episode of “Sesame Street.” By the age of fifteen, I recorded my first EP, filmed a music video, created a YouTube channel, and connected with fans through all social media platforms. Subsequently, I have released three more singles and created several music videos! I love music, and can’t imagine doing anything else for the rest of my life.
Has it been a smooth road?
I love music and especially writing songs, and when I decided to show some of my friends, I kind of did not know what to expect. I thought and hoped my peers and classmates would support me, but their reaction turned out to be somewhat opposite. At first, no one took me seriously. It was just the making fun behind my back, some gossiping, then turned to laughing, telling me how terrible my music was to down-right bullying and humiliating me in public This was an eye-opening experience because I had never stepped that far out of my comfort zone before.
I blamed all my troubles on the “thoughtless” decision to pursue music. The problem was that I started to believe the words the bullies were saying, and I started to become my own bully. I started to criticize myself with the same words I had heard before from the other kids at school, hating the passion I loved most because I put my value into what other people said, rather than following my own heart.
Nevertheless, my parents continued to encourage me. And despite the negative thoughts running through my head my love of music pulled me back to my passion. I pressed with more music. Instead of succumbing to all the negative energy around me, I decided to turn this energy outward, and use it as fuel to drive my work ethic even stronger.
Ultimately, I feel that this experience, which began so negatively, turned out to make me a more resilient person emotionally and mentally. I have also had great mentors that have explained the competitive side of the world of music and the necessity of having a lot of patience, toughness, and determination. Talent is helpful, but hard work and persistence is key. I have become a more positive person from these experiences.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ansley Music story. Tell us more about the business.
Well, I am still an independent singer and songwriter, but have hopes to sign with a major label sooner than later. From there I would love to establish my own label one day to sign other young artist like me. I know more than anything that people will be able to relate to my music. Whether they’re getting ready in the morning or driving in the car, I want them to be able to listen to my music and have a good time. Besides, I am in the business to entertain. Knowing that I have the ability to create music that makes people want to dance, cry, smile, or sing means everything to me.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5-10 years, I see me performing everywhere, going on tour, having sold out shows, and inspiring people with my music.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ansleymusic.com
- Phone: 404-889-0969
- Email: ansleywilliamsmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: Ansleymusic
- Facebook: @Ansley
- Other: Ansley – YouTube, Ansley – Spotify
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