Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Williams.
Hi Jason, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since the age of 14, I’ve been fascinated by music generally; especially Metal and extreme music a couple of years later. I wanted to know how bands got their trademark sound, what rules did they follow/break musically to achieve them, thoughtful questions to get the most of their superb minds.
I was asked in 2013 by Andrew Bansal of Metal Assault to cover shows, interview bands, album reviews, and other contributions along the way. From Gorguts, Vader, Goatwhore, Dark Tranquillity, Children of Bodom, Dying Fetus, and countless others, extremely fortunate and honoured to had been a part of this journey.
With Metal Assault going in a different direction with Andrew turning the brand to a record label in 2018, and slinging merch for all sorts of touring groups, I decided to go solo and create my own Metal publication: Metalchondria. A play-on of mitochondria: the powerhouse of the cell, I see extreme music as the same; an enticing vast amount of sub-genres, technical mastery, gorgeous somber chords, as well as divine dissonance layer deep into the notes. Taking what I’ve learned, and going a step further.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overall, I can truly say it’s been a pleasant experience. Professional courtesy, kindness, thoughtfulness to the aspects of journalists, there hasn’t been a severely negative experience that I’ve had to deal with contacting an agent, a band member, or other media.
With the way the new media works just broadly, it could be such a crutch to do the 30-second clickbait titles, trolling for likes, and that’s just not who I am, and not my style. Being who you are unapologetically, with a vision and a voice, that’s all the clarity you’ll need.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I recently started a new job in mid July, and enjoying the various aspects and attention of detail for the new gig. Having a set morning weekly schedule, literally never obtained it due to working grocery/retail my entire life; it’s giving me a stronger incentive to have creativity flow. Able to essentially attend any show during the week and weekends, gives a flexibility that has jolted me positively through my bones.
Through life, work, love, passion, art, and just being a human being; I believe believing in the core values of what makes you, *you*, is heavily critical and massively needed. Whether it’s not apologizing for showing joyous, emotional tears at the majority of concerts I attend, or wanting the pictures you take to be as whimsically silly as possible, be yourself, unapologetically.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Seeing my first Metal show in 2002, barely a sophomore, witnessing Slayer at The Grove of Anaheim, being at the literal front row, clenching that gate to not lose my spot. Evergreen and lucky for a captivating, childhood memory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.metalchondria.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalchondria?stkn=c25oN3BwbTlpdjZj&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@metalchondria3188
