"I got really passionate about music with early Smiths and Joy Division. And New Order, Sonic Youth, Cramps...kind of right across the board, whatever fell underground. Kraftwerk...it was really mixed. Quite confusing, I suppose, but it just felt good."
About Jez Williams
Jez Williams — Life and Legacy
Jez Williams is a prominent British musician and songwriter, best known as the guitarist and co-founder of the acclaimed band Doves. His work is characterized by a unique blend of atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics, which often reflect themes of identity and emotional depth. Williams's perspective on creativity is encapsulated in his assertion that 'Art is a reflection of life,' highlighting his belief that artistic expression is deeply intertwined with personal and collective experiences. This idea resonates throughout his music, where he frequently explores the complexities of human emotions and societal challenges. One of his notable contributions is the way he challenges conventional notions of success in the music industry, advocating for authenticity over commercial appeal. In his view, 'Creativity thrives in chaos,' suggesting that the unpredictability of life can lead to profound artistic breakthroughs. This philosophy is evident in Doves' work, which often captures the tension between joy and sorrow, reflecting the dualities of human existence. Williams's quotes and ideas continue to inspire artists and audiences alike, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in creative endeavors. His ability to articulate the emotional landscape of life through music ensures that his insights remain relevant, encouraging others to embrace their own creative journeys.
Quote collection
Jez Williams quotes
7 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"We know how to work certain toys, and if you've got something in your head you know how to get in on tape, even if it's got an abstract sound to it. We are kind of producers as well as a band, so we're a self-contained unit. We can produce our own record as well as write it."
"You come out of doing that kind of side of electronic music, you're gonna take that knowledge with you and not ignore it. That'd be ridiculous to spend 10 years on something and not use that as an influence."
"A lot of Manchester now - it's creating jobs and that's great, but some of the character is getting sucked out. There's good and bad, but our personal perspective is that it's just a shame. You in Chicago protect your buildings, we don't have that. You'll find a good building will get replaced by a horrible looking thing."
"What we've noticed is that people latch onto our music, and are very, very supportive of it, even almost defensive about it. Quite fanatical, some fans, aren't they? Just like they are in England, once they get a hold of "their" band, they don't want their band to get too big anyways."
"We wouldn't be so naive to say something like "feel any competition with Coldplay." All we can do is come out and gig, and we have a really good loyal fanbase, people really "get" the band, and that's all we can do."
"I've heard that Oasis or Coldplay will sell tickets, but they can't sell records. They sold out Madison Square Garden in three hours. And they can't sell albums. I don't know what's going on."