Conversations with Greg Wilson

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

Hi Greg, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a very musical family. My dad was a fabulous guitarist and I was on stage with his band when I was about 5 years old. I didn’t know what I was doing but I knew that I liked the way the crowd clapped for me when I sang. I was hooked after that. My uncles, grandfather, and a whole bunch of my cousins were and are musically gifted as well. I had always played guitar and sang but didn’t get really interested and involved in songwriting until after college. It was then that I really started to explore the craft of songwriting and how music connects us all. After a few years of writing, I began making the trip to Nashville to play in various writer rounds all the while working as an educator back in Louisville, Kentucky. I did a lot of late-night driving on I-65, making the trip back home to Louisville just to get up early and work all day as a teacher and eventually an administrator. After 28 years I retired from that job and moved to Nashville in the fall of 2019. With the blessing of my wife Michele and her never-ending belief in my songwriting, we packed up all of our belongings and put down roots in Nashville to chase this dream. I was fortunate to meet some really great people when I got to town who have been instrumental in getting me connected in the little time I have been here. I have been blessed to play some of the coolest venues in town, write some amazing songs with some super talented artists/songwriters and have some of those songs recorded by some future superstars. Nashville has truly become my home and where my heart will always be. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey has not been a smooth one but I never expected it to be. I’ve learned that everyone has to make their own way. There is no “prescription fits all” for this life. While one person might find success, the journey they took is probably going to look a lot different from yours. I believe that hard work, networking, luck and God’s will all play a part. Success is a tricky word to use in this business. Some people have a different definition for that word and many believe that you have already won if you get to do what you love. I wholeheartedly believe that but I also really want to hear my songs on the radio. I really want to write songs that move people and I really want to leave behind a legacy after I am long gone. My struggles are the same as everyone else in this town. How do you get your foot in the door? How do you get someone to believe in what you are doing? How do you get what is in your heart and soul to the masses? My mantra is “keep chopping wood”. If you write something undeniable, then people will take note and doors will start to open. Thankfully, some of those doors are starting to crack open just a bit and I can’t wait to kick them wide open. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love writing and singing. I came to town to connect with as many “like-minded” people and I am finally finding my tribe. I wrote well over 200 songs last year and met a lot of really cool people. During that time, I found those people who I connect with best. We are starting to find a little success and that only makes us work harder. Personally, I mostly love to write but I feel like I am hitting my groove as a performer as well. I was once very nervous at the thought of getting on stage and playing for a group of people. However, after doing it hundreds of times I finally feel at home in front of a crowd. I didn’t really consider myself an artist when I came to town but now, I do. Who knows where that will lead but if it helps to connect my songs with people, I am all for it. As a writer, I feel like I have many strengths. The biggest is being able to take an idea and put it the absolute perfect melody and structure. Any writer will tell you that their role can change according to the people they are writing with that day. I truly believe that I can contribute in any setting. 

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I have a decent social media following. I am on Instagram and Facebook as Greg Wilson Music. I have music on all of the streaming and downloading sites. Any aspiring writer/artist is welcome to reach out to see if we have some common styles and interests. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregwilsonmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregwilsonsongs
• SoundCloud: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fgreg-wilson-9449961%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3dZ-nrYN49gMyvUwW7MkZKUDlLzu-nleO2wiFtc6IKtISC4CRKRQk9mrw&h=AT1czlG0nOMx4aEQ2169PMF_96ErOxZ5VdEx_3CUjSXphCus_Ly2xNGpZ6rhCmtK0IWKhcy-mpIDdMgIC3vHvRUqePTLy900a7F4UVRibaXXtR4rfB_N-igcexH80zs5RtDnl0nJejCKVykfmSaxtQ