Lee Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Wilson.

Lee, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am a singer-songwriter, who at most times has been ahead of the “wave”, at many times I have lost my artist self-trying to fit into the “wave”. As I grow, I have come to learn that following my gut is the best thing, I can do, when doing what comes naturally to me, and that is to create from my heart and soul what feels right to me at the moment I am creating. I am no longer competing for fame, I am competing to use my God-given talent as much as possible and in front of as many people as possible around the world while my spirit is still here.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I, write and sing, songs that get stuck in your head. I create music that fits life and all of its many feelings. On stage, I am most at home in front of an audience, taking them on whatever journey I happen to be on at the time. I feed off the energy of the people.

How can artists connect with other artists?
Being an artist can be lonely, we are a special species and sometimes it is hard to find people who get us. I recommend that you go to open mics, even if you are not performing. I strongly suggest that you go out and support other acts. Most of us think it is only about us but if you want people to support you, you have to support other people. Go to all types of shows to network, not only in your field/genre. Most of all, be humble, no one wants to be around an arrogant asshole. Everyone has some kind of talent, if it only took talent, we would all already be extremely famous.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My music is on Spotify, Apple Music, Traxsource, and all other digital music services. My website is Iamleewilsonmusic.com You can also find me on YouTube and Sound Cloud. My Facebook Lee Wilson Official is a great place to find out about shows, and to chat with me. You can also find me on Instagram Lee Wilson Music.

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.iamleewilsonmusic.com/
Email: Bookingleewilson@gmail.com
Instagram: Lee Wilson Music
Facebook: Lee Wilson Official
Twitter: Lee Wilson Music - Edward Clark

Dopewax. Well-established and world-renowned producer/DJ Kenny Dope's imprint has begun its re-launch so far with some of the biggest names in the industry. Amid his deep and varied history of original club hits, hip hop productions, and remixes for independent and pop artists alike, Kenny's diverse fanbase stems from those just discovering him to those who have been faithful for nearly 30 years. With an equal amount of effort being poured into building his brand, it's no surprise that Dopewax continues its sonic heritage with a fair few of the most talented producers, both pioneering and newly emerging, as part of its global family. Dopewax now presents another explosive remix package as part of an original new single from one who is being touted as 'house music's new voice', Lee Wilson. It includes 3 remixes from Kenny Dope himself in collaboration with fellow innovator and a name synonymous with House Music, Todd Terry! A bonus remix from East Coast producer and Dopewax newcomer Kelvin Sylvester is on board for additional club flair. Originally produced by Marco "El Mago" Calderon and mixed for release by Kenny Dope, Dopewax is following the tradition of all the great dance tunes by hitting the clubs first with this remix bundle, while breaking tradition by presenting an artist that crosses musical boundaries and laying the foundations for an immense year ahead. - Inhale

Introducing Lee Wilson
By e1live
www.downtimeonline.net


Have you heard the buzz?

Twenty-one year old Lee Wilson is the closest thing to the truth in Boston. This singer/ songwriter has recently been creating a buzz due to his original sound, which he has been perfecting since beginning his career in elementary school. Last Spring he independently produced his debut release Unsigned Hype Vol.1. The level of maturity and quality in his album returns us to the essence of what R&B is-soulful and rich. Each song defies expectations and represents multiple genres of music that fuse to make a strong album.

Is Boston ready for Lee Wilson who is about to re-define what R&B means for today's Generation Next?

Lee has been creating quite a stir in Boston's underground music scene due to his eclectic range of music and his raw performance ability. Interestingly enough, the buzz really began with a performance last summer on the "Do You" segment on 106 and Park; BET's highly successful music countdown show hosted by Boston's own FREE.

Lee Wilson's music is a reflection of his young life and is his life. He spends a majority of his time crafting his talent. He does his own writing and the arrangement of his own vocals. When he performs he creates a multi-dimensional show that incorporates other rappers and singers, a live band, dancing and high energy. His songs are heart felt and well written. Recently at a performance at the Milky Way in Jamaica Plain; Lee's melodic voice moved the lively audience to a standstill.

Being inspired by artists like Stevie Wonder, Patti Labelle, and Kenny "Babyface" Edmond - Lee Wilson has developed his career by learning from the successful careers of the musicians he idolizes. Lee works toward being a great musician and a successful businessman. He has modeled his performing and producing style to that of his illustrious predecessors; and picked up the savvy and strong business sense of the industry by studying people like P. Diddy and Oprah Winfrey. Inter-twined with having learned to smartly build and grow in a successful business; Lee uses what he loves to empower and impact people. In Wilson's words, he sees music as his "purpose, a reason for waking up everyday, and an opportunity to leave this world knowing that [he] did something positive."

Support this brother by getting Unsigned Hype Vol.1, which is available at Virgin Megastore in Boston. For more information on Lee Wilson and upcoming shows log on to

www.leewilsonmusic.com JOIN THE MAILING LIST!!!

- ELive

Boston Herald


Lee Wilson is the top unsigned artist in America. Just ask the editors at Vibe magazine and the fans who line up outside his Boston shows.

Vibe’s February issue (out Friday) names Wilson, 23, as its top Free Agent.

After 15 years of writing, recording and performing across genres, his locally touted skills are paying off. ”I’m hot real estate,” Wilson said in an interview at the Financial District’s soulrific Blue Wave Bar and Grill. ”I’m that property that everybody wants. But sometimes when I wake up and I’m struggling, it’s hard to see it. Sometimes I wake up and my rent is late and I know my roommate’s pissed or I didn’t have a lot of food to eat this week.”



It looks as if Wilson’s luck is about to change. Dramatically.

Since a pair of well-received guest spots on BET’s ”106th and Park,” he’s been rubbing elbows with music and TV executives. MTV has been filming a ”True Life” documentary on him for the past year.

”MTV was like ’We want to follow your hustle,’ ” Wilson said. ”They knew I was struggling and they like that drama.”

His ”True Life” should air soon; the show’s producers want the final episode to feature him signing a record contract.

Until then, he’ll be celebrating the Vibe honor with two shows close to home: one at All Asia in Cambridge on Friday and an in-store gig Jan. 21 at Virgin Records.

Wilson may look the r & b part - tinted shades, custom gear and a diamond stud - but he has broader horizons.

For one, he doesn’t dance, and vows that even a broken ankle wouldn’t hinder his live set. Wilson has also worked and performed with artists ranging from Lawrence rapper Termanology to multiple Grammy nominee John Legend to Boston funk-hop unit Audible Mainframe. His influences broadened beyond standard urban music, he says, after his family moved from Dorchester to the suburbs.

”My parents moved to Needham when I was 7 and it was all white kids,” he said. ”They weren’t ready for me and I was unprepared for them. But after we got over the initial stuff, I started listening to what they were listening to, groups like Guns N’ Roses.”

Despite soaking in music from such artists as Freddie Mercury and Prince, Wilson’s music has heavy shades of Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo.

He’s endured his share of disappointments. The first came at age 14, when he says Motown reneged on a deal promised to the winner of a talent show at Dorchester’s Strand Theatre.

”I won a whole bunch of prizes that I never got,” he said. ”It was a great introduction to the business but, still, music was my Plan A, and that was my only plan.”

Now that he has more clout and his talent is developed, Wilson has a message for major label scouts: ”Do you want a new house? Do you want an office next to your boss? Do you want that vacation?” he said. ”If you do - then you need to sign Lee Wilson.” - Chris Farone

LEE WILSON
Unsigned Hype Vol. 1
Whats Up Magazine
By. Dj Nomadik

In singer Lee Wilson's debut release you will find several guest appearances by local hip-hop favorites like Ed Rock (2002 Superbowl MC Battle Winner). Lee Wilson's flava is similar to R&B artists Usher, Jodeci, and 112. While many of the selections on Unsigned Hype Vol. 1 sound like they can easily be heard on any commercial radio station, many are clearly from the heart. The drops between songs are clever. One is a series of answering machine messages on various topics like this very album. In another, Lee talks about how the song, "I'm A Believer" gives him more confidence.

Standout tracks:
"Get Away" featuring Jon Jon, is all about trying to get away from that drama! (Aren¹t we all?) "Get Away" has that "down south" flava going on.
"She Stopped My Breathing" reminds me of the slow jams from a decade or so ago, and that's a good thing!
In "My Last Cry", Lee's fantastic voice flows so nicely over the music of Teddy Pendergrass's, "Come and Go With Me."
www.leewilsonmusic.com
- DJ Nomadik

Lee Wilson
April 1, 2006
Interview: Lee Wilson
Show: The Secret Spot

Lee Wilson is something of a phenomenon in Boston–a hometown soul singer who manages to dabble in rock and hip-hop while making music that is decidedly not in either of those categories. He rolled through WERS’ studios for Live Music Week 2006, and brought with him G-Eyes, a Cambridge-bred emcee who makes self-described “simple hip-hop,” which in today’s game is more refreshing than ever. After his smokin’ live set on The Secret Spot, Wilson sat down with us to answer some questions for WERS.org.

How would you define your music?

My music is very soulful, and it has mixtures of things that I’ve been influenced by Latin music, Hip-hop, blues, pop, singer-songwriter stuff, so it’s definitely a fusion. I have a CD out now called My Time To Shine, and I’m working on another right now that I’m shopping around to major labels, so that stuff should come out [soon].

Who are your musical influences?

Stevie Wonder. Mary J. Blige. Whitney Houston. Queen. The Chili Peppers. [My influences are] all over the place. [Lately] I’ve been listening to the new Mary J. Blige album. I’m also actually listening to a lot of James Taylor. I love the voice and the guitar, the whole vibe of it. Those two things are getting me through right now.

How’s the tour going?

The tour is really grassroots–we’re doing the East Coast. Boston, Providence, we just did New York, trying to make it to D.C., Miami, and possibly L.A. Places that I like and enjoy. The last date is in May in Puerto Rico on April 20 th.

Where are your favorite Boston venues to play?

If it’s an acoustic gig, I love All Asia because they’re very pro-artist. I enjoy the Milky Way, not just because I [have a show coming up there], but because they have great sound and it’s just a fun place. They love music. A lot of venues, they’re great but they aren’t set up for live music, and that’s very difficult for musicians. We want to play our music and hear ourselves. When the music’s right, you’re gonna grab whoever wants to hear it.

How do you feel about the local Boston scene?

There’s definitely people here that I enjoy. [Boston] is definitely a rock city and an underground hip-hop city, so sometimes it’s hard for me fit in, but I’ve been doing very well.

Your Myspace page (www.myspace.com/leewilson) is streaming a collaboration with Mos Def. How did that come about?

That song is called “Soul Kiss,” and I actually wrote the song for another artist but they didn’t use it, so a friend of mine who was in Iraq at the time called me and was like “Yo, I bought this mixtape, ‘Soul Kiss’ is on there, and you got a song with Mos Def – You didn’t tell me?” and I was like “nobody told me” You know, in R&B and hip-hop culture, if you hear something you like, you jump on it and remix it. So I think that’s how that came about. It took on a life of its own.

-Ben Fishner

- WERS

LEE WILSON
Unsigned Hype Vol. 1
Whats Up Magazine
By. Dj Nomadik

In singer Lee Wilson's debut release you will find several guest appearances by local hip-hop favorites like Ed Rock (2002 Superbowl MC Battle Winner). Lee Wilson's flava is similar to R&B artists Usher, Jodeci, and 112. While many of the selections on Unsigned Hype Vol. 1 sound like they can easily be heard on any commercial radio station, many are clearly from the heart. The drops between songs are clever. One is a series of answering machine messages on various topics like this very album. In another, Lee talks about how the song, "I'm A Believer" gives him more confidence.

Standout tracks:
"Get Away" featuring Jon Jon, is all about trying to get away from that drama! (Aren¹t we all?) "Get Away" has that "down south" flava going on.
"She Stopped My Breathing" reminds me of the slow jams from a decade or so ago, and that's a good thing!
In "My Last Cry", Lee's fantastic voice flows so nicely over the music of Teddy Pendergrass's, "Come and Go With Me."
www.leewilsonmusic.com
- DJ Nomadik

Lee Wilson's woo
Email|Print| Text size – + By Meredith Goldstein
Globe Staff / January 11, 2008
more stories like this

Boston's answer to Usher, Lee Wilson, is at the Milky Way Lounge & Lanes tonight to woo you with R&B ballads and a some danceable, radio-friendly tracks. Wilson is no stranger to the Milky Way - he hosts a Latin dance night at the club called Mango's. We expect the Mango's crowd to be out in numbers tonight because Wilson's special guest will be Jean, another young wooer who sings a Latin, R&B blend. 9 p.m. $10. Milky Way Lounge & Lanes, 403 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, 617-524-3740. milkywayjp.com
© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.

Link:http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2008/01/11/lee_wilsons_woo/ - Boston Globe

“This Electric Boogaloo Celebration is also our three-year anniversary,” Knife said, “so we wanted to give people a wide variety of entertainment to choose from.” Along with their record-spinning, the entertainment will include the r & b stylings of Lee Wilson, recent winner of Vibe Magazine’s “Free Agent” competition spotlighting unsigned artists on the verge of breaking out. The Boston native writes his own tunes (and has opened for John Legend in concert), and owns a smooth, libido-enhancing tenor. On his new single, “Unsigned Hype,” Wilson makes sure to set the record straight, boasting, “What separates me is that I sing on key.” Thankfully, the Boston native backs up that claim.
- Boston Herald

Lee Wilson knows the road to stardom isn't easy. That makes him all the more driven.
By Renee Graham, Globe Staff | September 24, 2004

Someday, Lee Wilson will spend the hours before a performance sipping tea, listening to Stevie Wonder and Patti LaBelle, or watching a Whoopi Goldberg movie. He'll relax, while others scurry about testing microphones and checking lighting. It'll be someone else's job to make sure there's a sturdy stool and a soothing beverage awaiting him when he takes the stage.



This is not that day.

Just before his set at the Western Front in Cambridge, Wilson walks through the audience and steps onto the stage, but it has already been a long night. Earlier, on an evening in May, he worked to have everything in place for his 30-minute performance. Wilson, an aspiring singer-songwriter, is his own roadie, as well as publicist and manager.

Flashing a broad, inviting smile, he adjusts his microphone and surveys his bandmates and back-up singers. A smattering of applause can barely compete with people talking, laughing, and coming down from the previous singer's set, which was part R&B smooth, part conniption fit. Yet, Wilson soon has the audience swaying to his original songs and a heartfelt cover of Babyface's "When Can I See You Again." In these moments, the sweat and the struggle fade, and what remains is the infectious incandescence of Wilson's sweet smile, his even sweeter voice, and his belief that breakthrough success is destined.

"Sometimes it's hard to get onstage when I'm tired or I've been running around trying to do so many things, but I love to see people's expressions when they're enjoying my work and my art," says Wilson, after his well-received set. "This is what I've always wanted to do, and I know in my heart I'm going to make it."

Wilson's story is the tale of many other young singers and musicians pursuing dreams of success in the fickle music business. At 21, Wilson has spent much of his nascent adulthood sending demos to record companies and performing anytime and anywhere he can. He also has a self-released CD, "My Time to Shine," (a revamped version of his debut originally released as "Unsigned Hype, Vol.1") a blend of R&B brushed with hip-hop flourishes, and ballads, which showcase a voice reminiscent of Wonder, one of his musical heroes.

Also a songwriter -- he co-wrote all of his album's 12 tracks -- Wilson is determined to stay true to himself, and away from the materialistic and women-bashing cliches of contemporary R&B and hip-hop.

"I don't want to sing what everybody else on the radio is singing," says Wilson, who performs today at the Virgin Megastore. He launched his "Starving Artists Tour," which will hit small venues and colleges along the East Coast throughout the fall, and was scheduled to stop at the Western Front last night. Wilsonis also scheduled to perform at the All Asia Cafe in Cambridge Oct. 6. "I don't want to call women [expletives]. I want to make music I like," he says. "When someone asks me about my music, I want to be proud of it, and be responsible for it. I don't want to do things just for the fame -- although I want that, too."



So far that approach hasn't attracted the major-label attention Wilson desires. If success has proved elusive, it isn't because Wilson devotes less than 100 percent to his career. Unlike other struggling musicians, Wilson doesn't have a day job, and hasn't had one in nearly a year and a half. He was a maintenance worker, then an administrative assistant for the Cloud Foundation, a Boston nonprofit agency. Now, he survives off whatever he can make at his gigs and sales of his CD.

"I could get a job, but I've just made the decision to do what I like," says Wilson, who briefly attended Berklee College of Music. "During the day, I'm on the phone trying to book gigs, I'm trying to book venues. I'm trying to get the band together to make sure they show up at rehearsals. It's a sacrifice, but I think the sacrifice is worth it."

Jonathan Gosselin, who runs Gosselin Marketing & Promotions, met Wilson through a mutual friend, turntablist DJ Hectik, when the young singer gave an impromptu performance at Gosselin's birthday party. Wilson hopped onstage to sing a remixed version of Ludacris's "Stand Up," and Gosselin was impressed.

"I think he's a great singer and has a lot of talent," says. "He has a lot of enthusiasm, he's very driven, and he's just an all-around great guy." Gosselin wants to sign Wilson to his management company, but the singer is wary of his career getting less attention than he believes it deserves. "I'm the most alone I've been," Wilson says. "I don't have management because I'm looking for someone who works as hard as I do or harder."

Hours before his Western Front performance, Wilson talked about his life and career -- which includes a live performance of his song, "She Stopped My Breathing" on BET's show "106 & Park" -- between bites of a chicken C - Renee Grahm

Lee Wilson knows the road to stardom isn't easy. That makes him all the more driven.
By Renee Graham, Globe Staff | September 24, 2004

Someday, Lee Wilson will spend the hours before a performance sipping tea, listening to Stevie Wonder and Patti LaBelle, or watching a Whoopi Goldberg movie. He'll relax, while others scurry about testing microphones and checking lighting. It'll be someone else's job to make sure there's a sturdy stool and a soothing beverage awaiting him when he takes the stage.



This is not that day.

Just before his set at the Western Front in Cambridge, Wilson walks through the audience and steps onto the stage, but it has already been a long night. Earlier, on an evening in May, he worked to have everything in place for his 30-minute performance. Wilson, an aspiring singer-songwriter, is his own roadie, as well as publicist and manager.

Flashing a broad, inviting smile, he adjusts his microphone and surveys his bandmates and back-up singers. A smattering of applause can barely compete with people talking, laughing, and coming down from the previous singer's set, which was part R&B smooth, part conniption fit. Yet, Wilson soon has the audience swaying to his original songs and a heartfelt cover of Babyface's "When Can I See You Again." In these moments, the sweat and the struggle fade, and what remains is the infectious incandescence of Wilson's sweet smile, his even sweeter voice, and his belief that breakthrough success is destined.

"Sometimes it's hard to get onstage when I'm tired or I've been running around trying to do so many things, but I love to see people's expressions when they're enjoying my work and my art," says Wilson, after his well-received set. "This is what I've always wanted to do, and I know in my heart I'm going to make it."

Wilson's story is the tale of many other young singers and musicians pursuing dreams of success in the fickle music business. At 21, Wilson has spent much of his nascent adulthood sending demos to record companies and performing anytime and anywhere he can. He also has a self-released CD, "My Time to Shine," (a revamped version of his debut originally released as "Unsigned Hype, Vol.1") a blend of R&B brushed with hip-hop flourishes, and ballads, which showcase a voice reminiscent of Wonder, one of his musical heroes.

Also a songwriter -- he co-wrote all of his album's 12 tracks -- Wilson is determined to stay true to himself, and away from the materialistic and women-bashing cliches of contemporary R&B and hip-hop.

"I don't want to sing what everybody else on the radio is singing," says Wilson, who performs today at the Virgin Megastore. He launched his "Starving Artists Tour," which will hit small venues and colleges along the East Coast throughout the fall, and was scheduled to stop at the Western Front last night. Wilsonis also scheduled to perform at the All Asia Cafe in Cambridge Oct. 6. "I don't want to call women [expletives]. I want to make music I like," he says. "When someone asks me about my music, I want to be proud of it, and be responsible for it. I don't want to do things just for the fame -- although I want that, too."



So far that approach hasn't attracted the major-label attention Wilson desires. If success has proved elusive, it isn't because Wilson devotes less than 100 percent to his career. Unlike other struggling musicians, Wilson doesn't have a day job, and hasn't had one in nearly a year and a half. He was a maintenance worker, then an administrative assistant for the Cloud Foundation, a Boston nonprofit agency. Now, he survives off whatever he can make at his gigs and sales of his CD.

"I could get a job, but I've just made the decision to do what I like," says Wilson, who briefly attended Berklee College of Music. "During the day, I'm on the phone trying to book gigs, I'm trying to book venues. I'm trying to get the band together to make sure they show up at rehearsals. It's a sacrifice, but I think the sacrifice is worth it."

Jonathan Gosselin, who runs Gosselin Marketing & Promotions, met Wilson through a mutual friend, turntablist DJ Hectik, when the young singer gave an impromptu performance at Gosselin's birthday party. Wilson hopped onstage to sing a remixed version of Ludacris's "Stand Up," and Gosselin was impressed.

"I think he's a great singer and has a lot of talent," says. "He has a lot of enthusiasm, he's very driven, and he's just an all-around great guy." Gosselin wants to sign Wilson to his management company, but the singer is wary of his career getting less attention than he believes it deserves. "I'm the most alone I've been," Wilson says. "I don't have management because I'm looking for someone who works as hard as I do or harder."

Hours before his Western Front performance, Wilson talked about his life and career -- which includes a live performance of his song, "She Stopped My Breathing" on BET's show "106 & Park" -- between bites of a chicken C - Renee Grahm

Lee Wilson was chosen as Vibe Magazine's Free Agent Winner for their February 2006 Issue.

Lee has been crowned the "Top Unsinged Artist In America". Use the link below to read the story.

http://www.vibe.com/community/free_agent/2006/01/lee_wilson/ - Vibe Magazine

Lee Wilson was chosen as Vibe Magazine's Free Agent Winner for their February 2006 Issue.

Lee has been crowned the "Top Unsinged Artist In America". Use the link below to read the story.

http://www.vibe.com/community/free_agent/2006/01/lee_wilson/ - Vibe Magazine

Lee Wilson: A Believer
Interviewed by: Adeniyi Omisore
02/26/05

Most people fail to realize a dream or goal is never out of reach, but Lee Wilson has never stopped dreaming and believing in his vision. He has forgone a free college education and a comfortable household on his journey to music stardom. He is an inspiration for everybody because in him we can all see our dreams and aspirations come true. We sat with Lee Wilson to discuss his budding career, today’s “bling bling” culture, his inspiration and working with Mos Def.

Can you give us some background information on who Lee Wilson is?

Lee Wilson: Lee Wilson is a singer, songwriter, former producer, publicist; I’m wearing every hat right now. I’m just a singer who just follows his heart. I’ve been following my heart my whole life, taking chances on this dream. I’m a dreamer.

As a dreamer and artist, what did you have to forgo to pursue your career of becoming a singer?

Lee Wilson: I’m still going through it now because I haven’t made it to where I want to be exactly. I had gotten accepted to a college and I got offered a full scholarship. I decided to pack my bags with no money despite what my parents were telling me and the comfortable lifestyle I had here at home with my parents. I just packed up and moved to New York. That’s me. Yo, New York is ruff!, it was a huge struggle. And the stress of going against what is the norm and what your taught to do and going against and trying to believe that your doing the right thing. It is easy to believe when your happy and things are going up but when things are ruff that’s when the true test; like are you gonna stick with it or am I gonna go back home and be miserable doing some job I don’t want to do. I just be going through it, it is hard. I just got a place to live, for a while I didn’t have a place to live. I wasn’t eating a lot, I was just real unhealthy. It was a sacrifice.

Have your struggles been an inspiration for your songwriting?

Lee Wilson: Yea, but it should be more so than what it is but right now I’m working on a new project. It is a real singer/songwriter project, it’s me and the guitar, it is real hot. For this album, I’m diggin’ into stuff… “Believing’ is the most personal I have ever gotten in a song. I’m not afraid to get deeper, it is just that I share so much.

When it does inspire me, it’s at my live show. For people who have seen my live shows, it is real emotional. It is real powerful. That is when I take out all my anger, all my stress, anything that I’m feeling I put it out on stage when I sing. I just put my all, that is where I release and am like ok. And like the energy I get back is like ok that is why I do what I do, I got to continue.

I heard in your live show, you come off the stage looking like you played a full court NBA game.

Lee Wilson: (laughter) For real I know it because I don’t dance and all that stuff. I be like damn, how am I sweating! I just be sweating because I feel it, I have so much built that people don’t even know. When I hit that stage it is my therapy.

In today’s urban culture, everything is bling bling, how do you think music fits in?

Lee Wilson: What I think it is with the whole bling bling thing, I never really been big on it. I even have a clip in my documentary where one show I had to wear these big earrings and I was so angry. The label and people who were coming to see me want a certain look and I compromised. But I just been true to myself because there are a lot of people who aren’t into the whole bling bling thing and there are a lot who can’t afford it. Like me I like how some of it looks but I can’t afford it, so I can’t do it. Then there are some people who can’t afford it but they still do it and that’s just a whole other topic. But I think I have gotten by and the same people who like the bling bling thing love my music and love what Lee Wilson does because the beats, the music or because of what I’m singing. I’m singing stuff that people can relate to, some of the stuff I sing uplifts people not in a churchy way but it uplifts people because it is real. And then I think if it sounds good and makes people move or the music feels good and it’s soulful then they just feel it. I think that the labels and a lot of TV brainwash us and make us think that everybody has to have grillz and chains and all that kind of stuff. But there are so many people that I have found when I perform or when I sell my CDs to people that don’t even care about that stuff. On my regular days you gonna catch me bummed out. (laugh) I mean bummy in a good way, it is my choice to wear jeans and a t-shirt. I’m a comfortable dude.

Who do you think that your music represents as far as the topics and sound of your songs?

Lee Wilson: My sound is so all over the place but I guess for ‘Believer’ it definitely represents music style wise and artist wise people who like John Mayer…India Arie and Babyface. Then songs like ‘Soul Kiss’ repr - Singers Room

Lee Wilson: A Believer
Interviewed by: Adeniyi Omisore
02/26/05

Most people fail to realize a dream or goal is never out of reach, but Lee Wilson has never stopped dreaming and believing in his vision. He has forgone a free college education and a comfortable household on his journey to music stardom. He is an inspiration for everybody because in him we can all see our dreams and aspirations come true. We sat with Lee Wilson to discuss his budding career, today’s “bling bling” culture, his inspiration and working with Mos Def.

Can you give us some background information on who Lee Wilson is?

Lee Wilson: Lee Wilson is a singer, songwriter, former producer, publicist; I’m wearing every hat right now. I’m just a singer who just follows his heart. I’ve been following my heart my whole life, taking chances on this dream. I’m a dreamer.

As a dreamer and artist, what did you have to forgo to pursue your career of becoming a singer?

Lee Wilson: I’m still going through it now because I haven’t made it to where I want to be exactly. I had gotten accepted to a college and I got offered a full scholarship. I decided to pack my bags with no money despite what my parents were telling me and the comfortable lifestyle I had here at home with my parents. I just packed up and moved to New York. That’s me. Yo, New York is ruff!, it was a huge struggle. And the stress of going against what is the norm and what your taught to do and going against and trying to believe that your doing the right thing. It is easy to believe when your happy and things are going up but when things are ruff that’s when the true test; like are you gonna stick with it or am I gonna go back home and be miserable doing some job I don’t want to do. I just be going through it, it is hard. I just got a place to live, for a while I didn’t have a place to live. I wasn’t eating a lot, I was just real unhealthy. It was a sacrifice.

Have your struggles been an inspiration for your songwriting?

Lee Wilson: Yea, but it should be more so than what it is but right now I’m working on a new project. It is a real singer/songwriter project, it’s me and the guitar, it is real hot. For this album, I’m diggin’ into stuff… “Believing’ is the most personal I have ever gotten in a song. I’m not afraid to get deeper, it is just that I share so much.

When it does inspire me, it’s at my live show. For people who have seen my live shows, it is real emotional. It is real powerful. That is when I take out all my anger, all my stress, anything that I’m feeling I put it out on stage when I sing. I just put my all, that is where I release and am like ok. And like the energy I get back is like ok that is why I do what I do, I got to continue.

I heard in your live show, you come off the stage looking like you played a full court NBA game.

Lee Wilson: (laughter) For real I know it because I don’t dance and all that stuff. I be like damn, how am I sweating! I just be sweating because I feel it, I have so much built that people don’t even know. When I hit that stage it is my therapy.

In today’s urban culture, everything is bling bling, how do you think music fits in?

Lee Wilson: What I think it is with the whole bling bling thing, I never really been big on it. I even have a clip in my documentary where one show I had to wear these big earrings and I was so angry. The label and people who were coming to see me want a certain look and I compromised. But I just been true to myself because there are a lot of people who aren’t into the whole bling bling thing and there are a lot who can’t afford it. Like me I like how some of it looks but I can’t afford it, so I can’t do it. Then there are some people who can’t afford it but they still do it and that’s just a whole other topic. But I think I have gotten by and the same people who like the bling bling thing love my music and love what Lee Wilson does because the beats, the music or because of what I’m singing. I’m singing stuff that people can relate to, some of the stuff I sing uplifts people not in a churchy way but it uplifts people because it is real. And then I think if it sounds good and makes people move or the music feels good and it’s soulful then they just feel it. I think that the labels and a lot of TV brainwash us and make us think that everybody has to have grillz and chains and all that kind of stuff. But there are so many people that I have found when I perform or when I sell my CDs to people that don’t even care about that stuff. On my regular days you gonna catch me bummed out. (laugh) I mean bummy in a good way, it is my choice to wear jeans and a t-shirt. I’m a comfortable dude.

Who do you think that your music represents as far as the topics and sound of your songs?

Lee Wilson: My sound is so all over the place but I guess for ‘Believer’ it definitely represents music style wise and artist wise people who like John Mayer…India Arie and Babyface. Then songs like ‘Soul Kiss’ repr - Singers Room

Remember the name LEE WILSON. The local R&B crooner, whom hip-hop heads might recognize as the soulful voice on Termanology & DC's "Circle of Life," is making moves all over the place. Having showed up as the featured February "Free Agent" pick in Vibe, and with an MTV show documenting his rise in the works, Wilson could very well be the next Boston artist to sign a major label deal. On Saturday night his streak continued with an awe-inspiringly soulful performance to a packed house at the Blue Wave Lounge on Congress Street. With his family in the VIP, a humbled Wilson thanked friends and fans for believing in him, then reminded everyone why they were believers in the first place -- with a local hit called, appropriately enough, "Believer." (You can hear it over at his MySpace page.)

If you missed it, you can catch him again . . . everywhere. He's doing the NECN morning show on March 22, the All Asia Cafe in Cambridge on March 23, Ralph's Diner in Worcester on March 30, an instore at Cambridge's Massive Records on March 31, the Milky Way in JP on April 2, and Bill's Bar on Lansdowne Street on April 27. For more, check www.leewilsonmusic.com or www.myspace.com/leewilson.

-- Matthew M. Burke

http://www.thephoenix.com/OnTheDownload/PermaLink.aspx?guid=4b828bf1-af94-4ada-8289-40cf1a03a1bd

- Matt Burke

Remember the name LEE WILSON. The local R&B crooner, whom hip-hop heads might recognize as the soulful voice on Termanology & DC's "Circle of Life," is making moves all over the place. Having showed up as the featured February "Free Agent" pick in Vibe, and with an MTV show documenting his rise in the works, Wilson could very well be the next Boston artist to sign a major label deal. On Saturday night his streak continued with an awe-inspiringly soulful performance to a packed house at the Blue Wave Lounge on Congress Street. With his family in the VIP, a humbled Wilson thanked friends and fans for believing in him, then reminded everyone why they were believers in the first place -- with a local hit called, appropriately enough, "Believer." (You can hear it over at his MySpace page.)

If you missed it, you can catch him again . . . everywhere. He's doing the NECN morning show on March 22, the All Asia Cafe in Cambridge on March 23, Ralph's Diner in Worcester on March 30, an instore at Cambridge's Massive Records on March 31, the Milky Way in JP on April 2, and Bill's Bar on Lansdowne Street on April 27. For more, check www.leewilsonmusic.com or www.myspace.com/leewilson.

-- Matthew M. Burke

http://www.thephoenix.com/OnTheDownload/PermaLink.aspx?guid=4b828bf1-af94-4ada-8289-40cf1a03a1bd

- Matt Burke