Meet Jason Williams | Writer and Interviewer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
With Extreme Metal and Music, it was vital, and important, being exposed to such high level bands at an early age. Hearing Metal that was unique, technical, non-conventional, and quite extreme, allowed me to have the proper ear for it. Ranging from Doom/Death, Progressive, Brutal Death Metal, to Operatic, Symphonic, Avant-Garde Metal, listening to the classic bands, as well as the ones who took different paths in songwriting, it allowed me to hear, observe, and properly assess the musical aspects I was around for.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My goal is to teach others how to listen to Extreme Metal/music. From breaking down riffing structures, counterpoints, hearing ‘easter eggs’ in arrangements and concepts, I’m confident in my ability to perceive new knowledge in song construction, as well as give a generally sober, well-balanced perspective, for the casuals and the hardcore fans.

After Metal Assault went into the direction of becoming a record label, I decided to go on my own, forming Metalchondria in March of 2018. Using Squarespace, I got used to the format, and was able to upload new content, as well as the majority of my content with Metal Assault on the page, too. I would happily give the advice for those wanting to be in Metal publication: Learn as much as you can, review all of the bands at a show. You can find at least a few qualities in a band that may not be for you. Be honest, forthright, and as objective and detailed, as you can be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My perfect trip, at least domestically, would be to stay in New York. I went to see Imperial Triumphant perform two nights at the St. Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, and got to see and experience so much. My best friend and I would check out Katz Deli in downtown New York, check out the breweries, see some hockey or the Nets game. The ease of public transportation in New York, we’d just stay out, brewery-hop, and eat at all the delicious food places.

I’m not an extravagant person, I care about experiences more than possessions. Go to a packed dive bar, or a local food spot. Comfortable atmosphere, personable, as well as quality product of all sorts from true artists.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Aniruddh Bansal, of Metal Assault. 9 years ago, Aniruddh posted an ad for a number of people to attend shows and review them/interview bands. Given my lengthy concert history, I happily obliged and replied to the ad. That’s how I was able to go forward, get the experience on how I learned to interview countless bands, properly assess and observe Metal shows. Without him giving me the opportunity, I would have either started much later, or not at all. I wrote for Metal Assault, for about 5 years, and those experiences, lessons, and moments, were unforgettable.

Website: http://www.metalchondria.com

Instagram: instagram.com/metalchondria

Twitter: @metalchondria

Facebook: facebook.com/metalchondria

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTVgWfj8kpoQ6RNoKe4Wyw

Image Credits
Metalchondria