Southern Indiana artist Stephen Wilson Jr. has announced some exciting news for music fans in Nashville. His debut double album, “søn of father” is set to hit the shelves on September 15, via Big Loud Records. This highly-anticipated album marks a significant milestone in Wilson’s musical journey, showcasing a unique mix of indie rock, grunge and country influences.
Pre-order the album here.
‘Søn of father’ encompasses a range of emotions and experiences, for Wilson’s late father, Stephen Wilson Sr., a two-time Indiana State Golden Gloves champion, trained his son as a boxer since childhood. In this cathartic and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll album, Wilson Jr. explores his varied history as a scientist (with a degree in microbiology and chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University) and songwriter for a deeply personal and introspective journey.
Leading up to the album launch, Wilson Jr. gave fans a taste of what’s to come. He shared two new tracks from the LP, giving a glimpse of the album’s unique sound. “Mighty Beast” emerges as a creation of chaos and discord, with subtle religious undertones and satirical adrenaline that reflects the impact of the pandemic on the song’s genesis. Meanwhile, ‘All Wars Hereafter’ is inspired by Wilson’s late grandfather, a veteran of the Korean War, watching war veterans reminisce about his grandfather’s era.
Earlier this year, the touching single “Daddy’s Son” was released, serving as a touching tribute to Wilson’s late father and earning recognition as one of Rolling Stone’s “Best Country Songs of 2023 Ever.”
Wilson’s musical prowess is already well received and his ‘bon aqua’ EP has received acclaim from publications such as American Singer, Wide Open Country, Holler and Whiskey Riff. His distinctive sound, described as “Death Cab to Country,” melds elements of indie rock, grunge and country into an irresistible fusion that captivates listeners.
The album’s release comes five years after Wilson Sr.’s passing, carrying deep significance and emotional weight for the artist. In the process of creating ‘Father’, Wilson Jr. found solace in exploring his identity and the impact of his father’s legacy on his life’s journey. As he puts it, “Writing and making this album was very therapeutic for me to learn who I am and what my existence after my father is like. Because life must go on.
In addition to his impressive musical achievements, Wilson Jr. has graced the stages of prestigious events such as the Grand Ole Opry and Stagecoach, entertaining audiences with original and original performances. Rolling Stone hailed him as “one of the most exciting artists to emerge this year, a true original.”
The LP features all six tracks from the previous Bon Aqua EP, including the hit single ‘American Gothic’, a duet with ACM 2023 New Female Artist of the Year Hayley Withers.
With ‘søn of father’, Stephen Wilson Jr. embarks on an incredible musical journey, showcasing his diverse talents and honoring his father’s memory. This highly anticipated double album promises to make a dramatic impact on the music scene, cementing Wilson Jr.’s place as a fascinating and multi-faceted artist to watch.
Wilson Jr.’s upcoming live shows with the likes of 49 Winchester, Joss Stone, Larry Fleet, and his first show supporting Midland at Red Rocks on October 14th are sure to captivate audiences and cement his reputation as a rising star in the music industry.
For more information about Stephen Wilson Jr. and his tour dates, please visit his website.
