Meet Jerred Williamson of DirtyKeyz in Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerred Williamson.

Jerred, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My musical journey started as far back as I can remember, in Illinois. My dad started teaching me drums on a little First Act kit when I was 18 months old, and I kept at it for a few years. When I turned five I started piano lessons and that instrument became my primary focus, though I picked up the guitar a few years later and still play it now. In school, now in Missouri, I took just about every musical opportunity that came my way: marching/concert band, jazz band, choir, state solo/ensemble competitions, while also playing in a classic rock cover band with my dad. That band gave me my first experience as a paid musician. During this time I also started writing my music and loving that process. After a few years in college hopping between majors; Classical Piano Performance and Jazz Piano Performance, I decided to pursue music production more fully. This is when I moved to Phoenix, AZ to study at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. I made it through the program and got a lot out of it but moreover, it brought me here, where other opportunities found me.

I soon found some local bands and artists to gig with, as I was determined to make music my full-time career, and eventually found my good friend Ryan and started DirtyKeyz Duo. We are still playing regularly. Shortly after this, I was fortunate enough to fill a keyboard spot in the Motown group The Miracles, who are all here in Phoenix.

I’ve been blessed with opportunities to travel around the country, play on cruise ships, enjoy playing many styles of music, and play with / learn from so many amazing musicians. I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve gotten and can’t wait to see where the music takes me in the future.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t all been “living the dream” of course. Deciding to go full-time with music is an invitation to financial struggles. I had my fair share, especially once I moved to Phoenix where rent is much higher than I was used to! At first, I didn’t know anybody here nor did I have any leads for gigs beyond what I could find on my own. I did work in a deli for a week or two to help with expenses, but ,that didn’t work out for me. For a while, I had to borrow some money to get by, but I soon started connecting with other musicians who were already working.

Another challenge that often presents itself is uncertainty. If you let it get to you, not knowing what the future holds can become mentally/emotionally taxing. Sometimes the uncertainty comes from my indecision regarding the next step in my career, or what genre to focus on, or what instrument, or even whether to specialize as a performer or a producer. Sometimes it’s uncertainty about having enough gigs during the summer to sustain me. But I suppose what gets me through all that is realizing that I ultimately hold every decision in my hands, and also being grateful for the opportunities that I already have and what I’ve already accomplished. That and remembering the people in my life who have supported me are the best motivation to keep going.

Tell us more about your art.
I perform and produce a variety of music. Playing keyboard is my specialty, thus why I often go by the name DirtyKeyz. I’ve played many gigs on guitar and bass, but now those are mostly used in my songwriting and producing projects. My performing is split mainly between playing keys with The Miracles, playing keys and singing with DirtyKeyz Duo, and singing and playing keys as a solo act. What sets my playing style apart is my dedication to the original song arrangement when it’s appropriate as well as my unique embellishments when it’s appropriate. And if I’m not playing in a full band, I try my best to make the whole band arrangement heard in my keyboard accompaniment. Piano by itself can get soft and boring without the proper attention to dynamics, fullness, percussive playing, proper basslines, etc. When I perform solo, my set is unique in that it includes a wide variety of genre and era, with more of a lean toward classic rock and soul from the 70’s-80’s. When hearing me play, you’ll hear many songs you know and love, some that you may have forgotten about, and you may even be turned on to something you haven’t heard before.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have many people to thank for their support or contribution to where I am. First of all, my parents, Dennis and Jo have been the most supportive in the world for a growing musician. During my childhood, they made sure I stuck with piano lessons, had the instruments I needed, and got the opportunities I needed to experience and learn music more fully.

Many instructors in piano, voice, and band deserve a mention: Liz Dusenbery, Marilyn Lowe, Kyle Aho, Marty Morrison, Dr. Hye-Jung Hong, Jerry Hoover, Amy Jameson, and more.

Ryan Arguillo is the main vocalist of DirtyKeyz Duo and does most of the admin work; he deserves a lot of credit. Kevin Stratton got me interested in CRAS, and so he ultimately got me to come to Phoenix in the first place.There are too many musicians to list here but they have all played an ‘instrumental’ role over the years, either directly or indirectly, in putting me where I am today. I’m so thankful for every person I’ve gotten to share a stage with.

Contact Info:

• Website: jerredwilliamson.com
• Email: jerred.williamson@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtykeyz_music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerred.williamson
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/JerredAWilliamson/

Image Credit:
Ihman Esturco, Valerie Luxicon, William Coles

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