Multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, instrumentalist, actor and label owner, Timothy J. Wilson is the definition of a true chameleon. Having relocated to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue his career in music, his album Kiss Me sold over 1,000 copies within five months. Since then, he’s been on a mission to live his passion fervently.
Wilson has also been a session musician for powerhouse label, Atlantic Records, all the while with Wilson creating his own, Tim’elody Records, and acting part-time in such shows as BET’s show “Let’s Stay Together,” and the Warner Brothers film, “The Nice Guys.” He also started his own show “Timothy J. Wilson Live!” where fans enjoyed an hour-long music performance from Wilson for free.
Wilson lets his sensual and romantic side run free with his new single “How ‘Bout We Make Love,” which is a heartfelt and straightforward message about a new chapter of a relationship with a specific woman. Wilson took a few moments to chat with us about his new single and music video, how he wants to imitate what he’s wanting and looking for in his new single, how he balances creative aspirations and more, and be sure to check out the music video for “How “Bout We Make Love!’
Like many musicians yourself, you honed your musical skills in church. How did this influence, shape and mold you into how you perform music today?
Timothy J. Wilson: Growing up playing in church as a drummer was a major influence on who I am as a musician and performer today. I was able to play out several times throughout the week for the various services, and even when the church traveled to fellowship with other churches. It was kind of like getting early touring experience playing in front of huge crowds. I also had several singing groups as a pre-teen in church, and we’d sing at different church-based events, and that helped as far as showmanship, and learning how to work a crowd. I feel like you get that extra “soul” boost from honing your musical skills in the church…getting to really move the crowd in a deeper way where they can feel the music in their bones.
I love that you play several instruments; do you have one that is your most favorite to play and/or perform with?
Timothy: I can’t really say that I have a favorite instrument to play, because I love how it feels to play each one. I mean, when I’m on the drums, there’s this aggressive feeling that comes over me when I sit down at my kit. It’s like I have the keys to rock the world! The personality of the bass is like being the leader of the funk. The slap bass technique is what made me fall in love with it as a child. The piano is a beautiful instrument, so there’s this pure sound when you hear it, and I enjoy running my fingers across the keys. Then you have keyboards and synthesizers where I can utilize hundreds of sounds, which is very exciting. The guitar can give you either the prettiest chords, or that hard-core rock sound with the right effects pedals, which I love to use!
How do you balance your music career with having your own record label?
Timothy: For me, being a musician and label owner is pretty much in the same lane. Even as a kid, I was always fascinated when I’d see a record company logo, or when I’d look through the credits of an album cover, so there was always that love of the business side. I like the fact that I’m in control of my musical output, release dates, ownership of my masters, etc.
How do both encourage your creative aspirations?
Timothy: I’m encouraged daily by even having the gift of being who I am as an artist. Some people just sing, some just write, and some just play an instrument; so to have been blessed by God to do multiple things musically is encouraging enough to go all the way and reach for the stars. Being the owner of Tim’elody Records gives great encouragement to my musical goals, because I know that as the label owner, I can give the green light on anything that I desire to do creatively.
Where did the inspiration come from with your new track “How ‘Bout We Make Love,” and what was it like filming the video for it?
Timothy: “How ‘Bout We Make Love” is basically a place that I want to get to in my own personal life one day. To meet a young woman that I can fall deeply in love with to the point that I’m saying the words of that song to her. So often as a writer, I end up writing about things that are even a fantasy to me at that moment, but that I desire to become a reality. We all love a good fantasy! The video shoot was an awesome experience! I made sure that the set had a real sexy vibe…The rose petals that you see in the bedroom scene, I personally placed them on the bed myself, one by one. That’s how involved I like to be! I worked with director Christopher Jones, and he and his staff were great throughout the whole shoot. We filmed into the wee hours of the morning, but it was worth it! Of course I should add that I didn’t mind at all spending all those hours with my gorgeous leading lady either!
What’s next through 2019?
Timothy: I’m currently working on new music and always keeping the creative juices flowing. I’m also getting ready to launch “Tim’elody Branding” a company that will manufacture brand products for businesses. It will also serve as the home of all my official, “Timothy J. Wilson” brand merchandise, so stay tuned!
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert? Have a favorite, so far?
Timothy: The first concert that I remember going to as a small child was for the contemporary Gospel group, “Commissioned.” My favorite concert so far would probably have to be seeing the R&B group “Jodeci” in Concert. I’ve always looked up to them as influences, and it was a great show!
What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?
Timothy: The first album that I purchased myself as a kid, would’ve been the debut-album from Jodeci.
Which five albums or artists would you not want to live without?
Timothy: The five artists that I wouldn’t want to live without would be: Stevie Wonder, Prince, Fred Hammond, Anita Baker, The Jackson Five.
Do you have a guilty music or entertainment pleasure?
Timothy: My guilty entertainment pleasure would be going to the movies. I’m a huge movie buff so I go pretty often.
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