aaamusic | On 05, Feb 2019

Who are you and where are you from?

My name is Anthony Williams also known as IAMREBELWILL. Originally from Montreal, Quebec living currently in Toronto, Canada. Growing up, I never followed convention and I always found myself in trouble. While encouraged to walk in the path of my family members being part of the medical or hospitality field, I chose art, music, and dance as a means of expression. I got punished for not following convention. IAMREBELWILL came from me accepting and affirming my differences. I AM the REBEL of the WILLiams family.

What inspired you to get into music?

I have always had a passion for music and entertainment but I became serious about it after my father’s suicide. He was very artistic and had a love for music but did not have the means to pursue it. Music has been a way I feel a connection and has been a mechanism to how I cope with life. Musically, my influences vary from Prince to Miguel to Stevie Wonder to Janet Jackson.

What have you done?

I have been blessed to opening up for artists such as 112, Azealia Banks, Bobby Valentino, Ciara, Kranium, Tinashe. I have also had the opportunity to perform on and appear in commercials for BET, Disney, MuchMusic, and MTV Canada.

However, what I’m most proud of is my Quebec-wide High School, College and University tour I did in Fall/Winter 2017 where I got to chance to perform but also speak to students about what it means to follow your passion and living in your truth as an artist. It was touching to see what an impact one person can make. My goal is not fame but to truly relate to like-minded people.

Another proud achievement is when I had the chance to perform at Black Lives Matter Event during Montreal Pride. It was beautiful to see black queer youth being care-free and living in their youth. It was truly inspiring.

What are you like live?

I am an ENTERTAINER and SHOWMAN. When people come to an IAMREBELWILL show, I want them leaving wanting more but satisfied because they know for that short amount of time I gave them me. I sing, dance and interact with my audience from the moment the curtain opens to close.

What makes you different?

Some days I’m brunette, other days I’m blonde. Some days I love my women, others I need a man in my life… What makes me different is my oath to stay authentically me and my openness and honesty. I want people to understand and accept themselves as being who they are!

Physical vs Downloading vs Streaming…How do you listen to music?

For a person like me who loves different genres of music having quick access to searching for whatever you want is key. However, nothing beats the authenticity of opening a vinyl at my grandparent’s house and playing a record on their record player. I always felt closer to an artist after buying their CD.

What have you been listening to?

I listen to Stevie Wonder – “Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer” and Janet Jackson – “That’s The Way Love Goes” every day; its morning ritual. Lately, I’m falling for artists like Frank Ocean, Ella Mai, H.E.R. and MNEK – I love that they bring a different perspective to the traditional RnB genre.

What are your aspirations for the future?

My goal is really to break into the UK market in 2019-2020. I want to release my full-length EP “The Confessions of a Broken Man”, which talks about the trials and tribulations of love, heartbreak and being in a modern-day relationship while exploring the fluidity of sexuality. I would also like to tour Asia.

Questions answered by: Anthony Williams a.k.a IAMREBELWILL…