Meet Philip Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Williams.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Philip. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Wow, where do I start? So, when it comes to my story with playing drums, it all originated from my dad who was also a drummer as well. My dad was a strong believer in practicing, so he would always practice. I remember that he would have his drum set in the house and would practice daily. So, one day when I was 4 years old, he went to practice and he grabbed me and sat me on his lap. Then he put the sticks in my hand and with him holding my hands, we started playing together. And that’s where I got my start. I remember the first rudiment he taught me was the paradiddle. And now, that’s my favorite rudiment to play.

Then, at the age of 10, for Christmas my dad bought me my first drum set (which I still have) and ever since then, it’s been history. I used to come home from school and practice daily. Then that same year, I also got involved in concert and marching band in middle school. If anyone would have told me that those years would be the most impactful in my life of music, I wouldn’t have believed them. That’s where my love of music started to grow. I started to learn more about music than just drums. I started to learn how to be a true percussionist and at the same time also learn how to read music, learn scales, and to be more musically.

From that point, I continued on in marching and concert band all the way through high school. I even joined the jazz band in high school in my junior and senior year. And during these years, I learned so much. My knowledge of music was growing at the same time as my love for it. I honestly think this is where my love for different types of music started to be tapped in to. Which is why today that I can listen to any type of music?

My dad is a big reason why I have a diverse taste of music as well. He would always play different types of music in the car so it would just slowly grow on me. Then he would always stress to me that “to be a great drummer, you have to be versatile.” And that stuck with me.

Then, finally, I was raised in church whole life. So, when I entered in the 8th grade, I started playing in this youth band with my church which helped me start to get accustomed to playing with other people. Playing in this youth band also taught me how to play worship music as well instead of only playing gospel music. In addition, this band also got me the chance to play in front of people and then a couple of years later, I started playing at our Sunday and Wednesday services.

And this is pretty much how I got to where I am today.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh of course not. There have been struggles along the way. Some of the struggles that I’ve had to deal with learning how to enjoy the process and understanding that things take time. I know with me, there’s so much I want to do with music that sometimes I just want the end product without doing the groundwork to get there. In those moments, I would just have to remind myself that nothing worth having comes easy and that everything comes on God’s timing. Then I would realize that I would have to trust God and know that the doors and things that He has for me will come as long as I keep working.

Please tell us about your work.
So, I’m actually a drummer and producer. A lot of people actually don’t know that I produce music. Only a hand select few know that. But I would say I specialize in creating trap/hip-hop beats. And when it comes to playing drums, I specialize in the gospel, CCM, and worship music. I’m mostly known for being that chill laid back guy who just minds his business and tries to do whatever I can to help out.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I have such an open taste of music that I’m willing to try anything. I also think that I am a very teachable person who likes to sit back and learn new things. Like I’m willing to let someone else show me something and be more understanding of their point of view. Last but not least, I also think no one has my passion for music. Anyone who has hung around me would tell you that I always have music in my head. At any moment, I’m good to start beating on something or to start singing a song. It never fails.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from my childhood deals nothing with music but it was going to Mall of America in Minnesota. Till this day, I remember that trip perfectly. I still remember walking in and seeing an amusement park in the middle of the mall. It’s insane. Plus, they have over 300+ stores. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. I highly recommend going there at least once.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 470-612-0964
• Email: williamsphilip416@gmail.com
• Instagram: phildathrill__

Image Credit:
Caleb South & Mary Belcher

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