Music Industry News

Willsy is a musician steeped in the past who reaches for the future. He is the young veteran of a constellation of diverse musical projects whose only commonality is quality. Willsy is a natural collaborator, magnetically attracting talent to a loose association of musos whose disparate skills come together in infinite permutations.

An instinctual bass player, so laid back he’s practically horizontal, his sound is rippled with the ocean breeze of his East Coast of Aotearoa home, Haumoana, and guided by the giants of the last century on whose shoulders he stands – Hendrix, Jack Bruce, Zappa all whispering inspiration in his ear, informing fat funky licks and dulcet vocal harmonies.

His debut album, Ambiguity, is itself a juxtaposition of expert arrangement and spontaneous joy, in which he achieves that rare sweet spot between polish and innovation, preserving something of the jam session magic that makes this record feel at once fresh and exciting, and like a sepia tinged vestige of the golden age of funk and soul.

Listen to Ambiguity here.

The album Ambiguity was first imagined at the end of 2022, of songs written and acquired along the lengthy road of Willsy’s musical journey since 2014 and was finally realized at the end of 2025. First tracked at Napier’s Paisely stage and his home studio with 10+ various artists playing on the record for a monumental, big band sound. It was then taken to the wise, Sam Johnson, at Rhythm Ace Studio for mixing, including some of his fine organ playing overdubbed. The final cherry on top was given by Chris Chetland at KOG studios for the mastering process. Three-piece horn harmonies, flirtatious flute, electric guitar, piano, electric keyboard, Hammond organ, moog synth, tasteful percussion, bouncy bass, and vocal harmonies all come together to deliver a unique, giant sound that’s fresh, yet nostalgic.

The meaning of Ambiguity is; when something is capable of being understood in more than one way.

Musically the record is ambiguous due to its genre defying arrangements ranging from soul, reggae, smooth jazz. Bebop jazz, funk, R&B and more.

The lyrical theme of this album touches on the ambiguousness on any given romantic relationship where there is often more than one ‘truth’ or perspective to look at things from, encapsulating both a masculine and feminine approach on a topic that is familiar to most.

Willsy has vinyl available, funded on his own accord; the listening medium fits, it is recommended for a fully emersed listening experience. Vinyl can be purchased from Willsy directly – willzeo@windowslive.com

Check out all things Willsy below:
Spotify
Instagram
YouTube