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

Hi Simeon, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
In the morning, I wake up playing my acoustic guitar. Before hopping in the shower, I might play some Bob Dylan for good measure. On my 30 minute car ride to work, I’ll pop in an album… I’ve been on Post-Beatles kick as of late; I’m currently enjoying McCartney’s prolific 30 album discography. When I get to the music store for my shift, you’re bound to find me either playing with lyric ideas or chord progressions… or by some miracle both being done together… hopefully well. On my way back home, I’ll listen to side B of McCartney or if I need something a bit more modern maybe Chris Cohen, Jessica Pratt, Angel Olsen, Kevin Morby, Dr. Dog… pick your flavor. Depending on the night’s work load, I might record, mix or master either my own or a client’s work. When I go to bed, I’ll pop something on that’s lite and relaxing… I have been known to spin an Enya record here and there. I learn the history of music by learning my favorite songs, listen to new and old records with my girlfriend, go to (excuse me) went to as many concerts as financially possible with her as well, I hum along to soundtracks and musicals, hum along to new songs sitting in my own head, etc, etc, too infinity and beyond. The fact is I live, sleep, and consume music almost 24/7; For as long as I’ve had ears, I’ve been obsessed. Wouldn’t know what to do with myself otherwise. And this is why I have decided to pursue music and all its mysteries!

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.
Wild Daydream is my indie folk rock solo project. I’m based in Dallas and have been cooking up DIY bedroom recordings since 2013. In 2015, I co-founded the group The Black Hills with Grant Mcmahan, now of Cowboy Grizzly. While playing in The Black Hills, I discovered a new voice in the world of folk and folk rock music. I went on to combine this new voice with my love of old folk and rock records from the 60s and 70s. Thus Wild Daydream was born in 2018.

I have this idea of where pop music could’ve gone: What if the genre never strayed from its acoustic or electric guitars like in The Beatles’ ’69 classic, ‘Here Comes the Sun’? Or its raw rhythm and bass just like in Led Zeppelin’s ‘Dazed and Confused’? Or its thoughtful and layered lyrics in Bob Dylan’s quintessential, ‘Like a Rolling Stone’? With Wild Daydream, I aspire to revive what people loved about old pop music and re-contextualize it for the modern ear.

My career with Wild Daydream is still pretty young, and I’m still pretty far off from being able to make a living of doing this stuff, but I love the challenge and discipline I’ve been learning from it. Marketing is not a strength of most artists, but I’ve been having a blast learning new skills to make it happen however I can. I’m just thankful to all the fans, friends, and family that have supported and enjoyed the music thus far! Thanks, Daydreamers!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you come to Arlington, TX, I’m treating you to some Sukothai… off of North Fielder. Best Thai food and people you will ever experience. I dare you to prove me wrong. Other than that, I can think of anything else…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge shout out to my girlfriend, Kari Smith, for all the love and support over the years. And for her exquisite tastes in art of all forms. The woman is a musical encyclopedia! Also to my mom for birthing me. Life would be impossible without that fact.
To my hip Brooklyn uncle for all the music he’s shared over the years and the thick skin he’s helped me develop.
To my musical friends I’ve had the privilege to know and work with, Cowboy Grizzly, Urban Cabbage, SOOTH, Back Acre, Outlaw Glenn Basil… you guys keep me inspired and always wanting to get better.

Website: https://wilddaydream.bandcamp.com/

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

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/wilddaydreammusic/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCzBpmDpY87v8banjMz46h-w

Image Credits
Photo: Dylan Olmstead

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW 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.