"The Wandering" is an alt-rock song about a girl finding her way in the world, but making the wrong choices getting there. So she wanders through life the only way she knows how. It's a sad look at humanity and the way we respect each other and ourselves. The homeless, the less fortunate, the lack of empathy, the wandering.

Chronicles of Her

The Wandering

“The Lonely” is an alternative rock song about a girl that can’t find her confidence in the world and her upbringing isn’t helping matters. In many lives, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression cripples the soul, but occasionally we are saved by someone that completely understands us. That person allows the broken to live and be themselves without fear of retribution. This song is the story of the damaged and the savior.

The Lonely

“The Fire” is an alt-rock song about a girl who is tormented by her father’s abusive behavior, while her mother suffers in silence. She faces the decision to stay and endure or run away from the fire that threatens to consume her. The poignant imagery speaks to the hopelessness that accompanies abuse, the irreversible damage that is caused by such trauma, and the limitations of a higher power to offer a way out.

The Fire

“The Cut” is a raw alt-rock anthem exploring the complexities of tumultuous relationships and the struggle to rebuild trust. It exposes our tendency to ignore clear warning signs that those we love are going to hurt us and our attempts to hold on despite the inevitable end. The song combines explosive energy and a poignant message with foot-stomping rhythm and raw, darkly beautiful lyrics.

The Cut

“Little Pieces” is a raw and honest alt-rock song that explores the fear and uncertainty that comes with allowing someone in after pushing people away as a defense mechanism. The track builds with acoustic and electric parts, complementing the emotional lyrics about the weight of love and the pressure to please in order to keep someone close. Ultimately, it’s a song about finding the missing pieces and holding on for dear life when that one person fits perfectly.

Little Pieces

“Still Waiting” is an empowering and defiant alt-rock anthem that encapsulates the struggles and determination of an individual in a world that seeks to break them down. The lyrics evoke a sense of resilience and the refusal to conform to societal expectations, a reminder to persevere despite overwhelming human obstacles. It celebrates the strength to break free from societal constraints and find purpose amidst the chaos. The song inspires individuals to embrace their unique journey and defy the expectations of others while everyone else waits.

Still Waiting

“Deep River” is a haunting ballad that delves into the depths of remorse and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a solitary figure, marked by a relentless pursuit for redemption and closure. The song invites listeners to embark on a journey through regret and solitude, culminating in the cathartic embrace of coming home at the end of life.

High Tide Lies

Deep River

“High Tide Lies" is an evocative alt-rock song that delves into the complexities of life, legend, and lore in a small town and the significance of not letting important things slip away. It’s about squeezing every ounce you can out of this brief stay on Earth we are all given. We slowly slip away and rarely notice until it’s too late. In the end, we all return to Earth and its waters. What matters the most is what we do while we are here.

High Tide LIes

“Ghosts in the Mirror” is a haunting and introspective song that weaves a tapestry of emotions, portraying the aftermath of a fractured relationship and the painful journey toward self-forgiveness. The past cannot be changed and the difficulty of letting go is not always apparent until the end.

Ghosts in the Mirror

“How I Sleep” is a dark back woods alternative rock song with a theatrical flare. It’s about losing touch with your mind and seeking vengeance on those who have wronged you in life, be it family, friend, or foe. Listen closely and you too may hear the voices within.

How I Sleep

Fools (featuring Rami Jaffee from the Foo Fighters | Wallflowers)

Rain (featuring Rami Jaffee from the Foo Fighters | Wallflowers)

J. Coursey Willis is a haunting figure in the alternative rock scene, known for his poignant lyrics, brooding sound, and galvanizing performances. Born on the banks of the Delaware River, he was adopted and raised on Kent Island, Maryland, where he found solace in the small town’s muddy roots. Growing up, Willis was drawn to the moonlight and macabre, discovering comfort in the darkness and channeling it to write music, an outlet to process his pain and trauma.

With a voice reminiscent of Eddie Vedder and Layne Staley, Willis captivated audiences during his early shows in dive bars and seedy clubs. They appreciated his raw honesty and introspective songs filled with tales of torment, tragedy, madness, and nostalgia. Despite spending a decade at the National Security Agency, Willis remained committed to music and released his debut EP, Missing October, in 2015. It features Bryan Ewald of PRS Guitars and Rami Jaffee of Foo Fighters.

Spurred by its success, Willis quit the NSA in pursuit of music and caught the attention of Candlebox guitarist and producer Island Styles. Together, they solidified his signature sound, delving deeper into the depths of the human psyche with the release of Isolation Diaries, a collection of moody melancholic singles created during COVID quarantine.

The chemistry continued when Willis formed a studio production team with members of Candlebox and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, which doubled as his touring band, and began releasing music monthly. His most successful single to date, “Niles,” has been likened to a modern-day “Ballad of Curtis Loew.” He also co-wrote two well-received singles, “Goodbye Man” and “Am I Even Here,” with L.A.-based songwriter, filmmaker, and producer Jack Piatt. 

Currently, Willis is working on his most ambitious project yet, Midnight Sirens, and releasing a collection of singles called Chronicles of Her. He has performed alongside musical greats like Days of the New, Seven Mary Three, L.A. Guns, and Blackfoot, as well as up-and-comers Daphne Eckman, Kavoossi, and Skribe.

J. Coursey Willis remains haunted by life’s little demons and although gritty themes of addiction, despair, and heartbreak permeate his music, there is a strange beauty amidst the darkness. His evocative voice and poetic lyrics have earned him a devoted following which grows with every release, a testament to the power of the naked sincerity found in the shadows. Willis welcomes the willing to his tumultuous ride … all aboard the train to Windy Hill.

JCourseyWillis

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