JDeanWilliams

40 Days

2012-02-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

I’ve decided to give up musical recording for Lent.

Not because I feel like my music is a sin, but because I know that I’ve placed this creative passion in front of my walk with Christ.

My hope is to reestablish the connection that truly I desire, and I’m sure that these 40 days will be the beginning of something great!

Treading the Path (Musical Collection)

2012-02-16T22:01:00.001-08:00

Treading the Path (Musical Collection)

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Free Download Here!

Mono Mono Interview

2012-02-01T15:16:00.000-08:00

Check out the full interview here!

Then I'll Know (Remix) [Music Video]

2012-02-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

2012-01-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

This Common / Drake feud is blowing my mind... I'm so disappointed... Yet the lyrics are so personal, grounded, solid, that i'm intrigued beyond measures...

It's hard knowing that two of my three favorite lyrical artists have such negative feelings about each other. It makes me wonder, would André 3000 do the same thing? What about my own peers? Would Genesis Renji, JAMS or L.E.X do this?

Who knows. I guess nowadays you have to be prepared for anything.

The Countdown Begins . . .

2012-01-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

Treading The Path (Musical Collection)

Then I'll Know

2011-12-18T16:19:00.000-08:00

Download

Battle of the Bands

2011-12-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

‎"It is not enough to fight. It is the spirit which we bring to the fight that decides the issue. It is morale that wins the victory."

Thank you, Brave Sounds Entertainment, for the opportunity. I promise not to let you down.

King of the Hill

2011-12-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

Sending many thanks to S.U.C. and B.S.A at Bradley University for crowning me as the very 1st King of The Hill! All of my proceeds will be donated to the Peoria Public Schools Foundation. Thanks to all those who came out to support!

About Josiah Williams:

MTV Cribs: Josiah Williams

Josiah and Cory Pastoriza

King of the Hill (Intro)

Round Two: BSE Auditions!

2011-11-20T22:08:00.000-08:00

Party In The USA (Remix) from Josiah Williams on Vimeo.

Seize It

2011-11-11T08:04:00.001-08:00

Lost Soles

2011-11-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

11/3/11

2011-10-23T16:40:00.001-07:00

‎"Reoccurring messages of badness, reoccurring living bad dreams at the vortex of lost souls, wailing lost souls of shame, we are in one hole like a cup of mercury phosphate."

Lighters (feat. Jason Chen)

2011-10-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Lyrical (< Truth ]

2011-09-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

Growing Pains

2011-09-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

Since the beginning of my musical pursuit, I've reached out to over 40 artists/producers locally and through social media.. Out of all of those, I got responses from three. The rest either pushed me away, ignored me, or thought I wasn't good enough...

Even through the frustration and pain, I'm still learning about myself, the entertainment industry and what it means to be an individual. I can't promise to prove you wrong, because after this you still might not care... But I will promise be myself, always. . .

[Always]

Treading the Path (Official Video)

2011-09-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

"Carry On" - Single

2011-08-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

http://josiahwilliams.bandcamp.com/

Looking Forward

2011-08-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

growth/grōTH/Noun

~~The process of increasing in physical size.~~
The process of developing or maturing physically, mentally or spiritually.

Coming Soon

HarryPotter

2011-07-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

(16th November 2001)

This movie was my first date… Age 9, fourth grade

The year I decided I wanted to pursue Acting/Theater Arts

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

(16th July 2011)

Went to see this with my younger siblings

One being my 9-year-old brother

My final summer in Milwaukee, WI… Age 19...

The year I decided to grow as an aspiring Creative Artist

Thank you, HarryPotter!

[inspiration]

Right Now

2011-06-18T07:21:00.001-07:00

Josiah Williams - Right Now by jdeanwilliams

Misguided

2011-06-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

"I Won't Go"

2011-06-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Adele - He Won't Go (Remix) [feat. Josiah Williams]

Youtube Link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z2bUwDqrcl

Single download:
http://soundcloud.com/jdeanwilliams/josiah-williams-i-wont-go-feat

Download the full mixtape here!
http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/en/view-album/14744-black-mail

https://www.facebook.com/jdeanwilliams
http://twitter.com/JDeanWilliams
http://josiahwilliams.blogspot.com/

Last Of A Dying Breed - Official Review!

2011-06-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Artist: JOSIAH WILLIAMS // Album: Last Of A Dying Breed

Review by Jason Randall Smith

In the eyes of older generations, today's youth are more acquainted with nihilism than a love of knowledge. On any given day, the elders will point out their lack of respect, their perpetual concern with self-gratification, or simply complain about how they need to pull their pants up. However, the danger of such blanket statements about the youth lies in failing to recognize those who see beyond themselves, whose introspective moments are spent wondering how they can make the world a better place. While listening to Last Of A Dying Breed, it's clear that Josiah Williams has had more than his share of those moments. At only 19 years of age, he is well on his way to becoming a 21st Century Renaissance Man. Attending Bradley University as a Theater Performance major, he now has a pair of mixtapes under his belt along with his official debut album.

A jaded ear will quickly compare Josiah to Drake, particularly when listening to pieces like “No Effort Displayed” and “I Want It All.” Admittedly, the similarities are there: an ultra-confident lyrical swagger, the occasional drones of an Auto-Tune enhanced chorus, even the utterance of “Huh, yeah” that accents the beginning of his lines before he recites them. While he may consider Drake as an influence, rest assured that Mr. Williams is nobody's clone. His larger-than-life rhymes are saved mainly for the few rap/rock hybrid productions on the album. “No Effort Displayed” is buoyed by a deep bass tone that rides underneath the crash of cymbals, then steps aside halfway through for an electronic drum solo. “I Want It All” is far more aggressive in its arrangement, featuring grimy guitars that form a wall of distortion around Josiah's vocals.

Confidence doesn't always have to be expressed in lyrics laced with braggadocio. On “Because Of You,” we get to hear Josiah's acceptance speech for the music awards that await him in the future. Over reflective keys and airy chords, his humility and gratitude are windows to his soul. It's a triumphant moment brought to an abrupt end as he is snapped back to the reality of his surroundings. “Drowning Again” reminds us all that the greatest battles often take place within yourself. Written during a challenging first semester at school, this song captures Josiah at perhaps his most vulnerable as a melancholy piano melody and sparse percussion provide the island for his thoughts to reside. “This once was stable, now it's like a struggle,” he laments. “Good days and bad, wonder will it pass / but if I put it in the past, that's nothing but acting / All good for the moment, afraid of the reaction.”

“Running From Clouds” finds Josiah on the other side of his depression, finding the strength again to follow the path of those who sacrificed for him and to lead by example. Incorporating sound bites from a speech President Obama gave to students, we can hear the wheels turning in his mind as he ponders a strategy towards motivation and what it will take to see others make the same choice. With his oratory skills undoubtedly proven, Josiah presents a trio of instrumentals towards the close of the album, turning the listener's focus entirely to his production. The words are so rich that the beats don't have to follow suit, so they're almost spartan in comparison. “The Build” is erected around a cavernous thump and a freeze-dried hand clap, leaving room for sweeping synths and orchestral bells to fill the void.

It’s a rarity in this day and age to hear a hip-hop album debut this solid and focused. On Last Of A Dying Breed, Josiah Williams truly lives up to its title. Whether his next project finds him on the stage or behind the microphone, anticipation will certainly surround wherever he decides to share his talents.

Review by Jason Randall Smith

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

Black Mail

2011-05-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

"Welcome to the tale of a black male...

Suffered from rumors of blackmail...

Responded with these letters called Black Mail."
_________________________________

Sad Soul Intro (feat. The Roots)

The Build (Solo Version)

I’ve Lost It (Solo Version)

Capable Of Anything

All She Wrote (feat. T.I., Eminem)

Cypher (Prod. by Shawn Shantz)

Insane

I Won’t Go (feat. Adele)

Succession (feat. Rock City)

Fear (feat. Purple Reign, Drake)

Broken Dreams (feat. Shaman’s Harvest)

Rolling In The Deep (feat. Adele, John Legend)

From The Heart

Dream Of Mine (Extended Version)

The Build (feat. Genesis Renji, L.E.X)

Beautiful People (feat. Chris Brown)

(Listen/Download)
http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/en/view-album/14744-black-mail

Beautiful People

2011-05-12T00:48:00.000-07:00

Beautiful People (Remix) [feat. Chris Brown]

Download Here

Available Today!

2011-04-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen: I present to you, my debut Hip-Hop album, Last Of A Dying Breed.

iTunes link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/last-of-a-dying-breed/id428150963

Also available on Amazon MP3, Thumbplay, MySpace Music, Rhapsody, MediaNet, Nokia, Tradebit, Zune, Napster, Emusic, GreatIndieMusic and Last.Fm!

http://www.josiahwilliams.blogspot.com/

http://www.twitter.com/JDeanWilliams

http://www.facebook.com/jdeanwilliams

I Want It All (Snippet)

2011-04-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

Time for something different! I got really inspired after watching I Am Number Four.. There's this song by Civil Twilight called "Letters From The Sky" and I felt motivated to write a song.. Hip-Hop/Rock feel.. The full song will be on my album "Last Of A Dying Breed", available on iTunes etc in TWO DAYZ!

Standing Still

2011-04-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Cypher (Freestyle)

2011-04-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

"Last Of A Dying Breed"
"An inspiring and creative debut album from a young artist; It's an intricate blend of Hip Hop, Rap, Rock, R&B and Spoken Word." Available on iTunes, Rhapsody, and many major digital distribution platforms, April 26th, 2011.

The Build (Music Video)

2011-04-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

“Last Of A Dying Breed” ~ Six Dayz!
=>> “The Build” Music Video
Full track coming soon! (feat. Genesis Renji & L.E.X)

Drowning Again (Alternate Version)

2011-04-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

“Last Of A Dying Breed” ~ SEVEN Dayz!
=>> “Drowning Again” Behind-The-Scenes and Alternate Version. Credits to Morgan Green, and Alexandria Nicole Jackson. (This was a rough edit... Sorry for the sound issues towards the end.) Thanks for the support!

"I'm ready to be better please."

2011-04-15T00:13:00.001-07:00

Alot of things in this post match my day-to-day thoughtz..
Thanks Gypovieve:

gypovieve:

It’s been two months and instead of getting better, I’m feeling worse mentally and physically.
All I want is to rewind a couple of months and not have worked myself over little things as much as I did, to relive my whole life but change the times where I’ve over-analysed everything. To be honest, I know exactly why I became ‘ill’ [...]
I let my mind wander and it came to a point where the wandering became too much for my body. I wish I could change this part of my being, I wish I could change myself, tell myself that I should be confident with who I am and not worry about every insignificant thing but I cannot. Changing after [19] years is a terribly hard thing to do. I am trying, really hard but I can’t. I can’t stop thinking about everything [...]
I know I have so much in my future to look forward to, from my career to my home but I can’t even think about that without putting an ounce of worry on top. It’s horrible.
No one really completely understands what I’m going through, this is so painful, and [I'm sorry...]

The Premiere

2011-04-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

Extremely frustrated.. I spent a full day creating a song, intending on posting it for free download on iTunes, Amazon, etc.. Paid the submission fee.. And now I find out that it doesn’t work that way, and it has to sell for $0.99.. What a waste. I’m really sorry everyone.. Hope you’re still able to support

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-premiere-single/id431130225

GIVEUSaChance - Support The Arts!

2011-04-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

GIVEUSaChance

2011-04-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

GIVEUSaChance began as a group project in The Oral Communication Process (COM 103) at Bradley University. The main task consisted of designing a campaign with the intention of spreading an activist cause that promotes awareness,

action or kindness in the community.

Our idea was to shine a light on arts and education. We formulated a design to bring focus to the importance of classroom creativity through artistic expression. The project allows students of all ages to submit their thoughts on the topic, share their creativity, and keep up with the current news centered on arts and education.

The group will make numerous posts of student submitted material from any aspect of the artistic field. Each post will feature a short description of the submission, and a statement from the artist about arts and education.

Submissions may be sent to: giveusachance@ymail.com, and should include name, age, location, title of work, and short description

Our desire is to get your attention, so you can GIVEUSaChance .

Josiah Williams

Project Manager

GIVEUSaChance

Last Of A Dying Breed - Approved!

2011-03-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

Last Of A Dying Breed

2011-03-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

Debut album "Last Of A Dying Breed"

Available on iTunes & digital distribution sources on April 26th, 2011.

Artwork by: Chris Spears (@H1_Defintion )

@JDeanWilliams

Birthday Photoshoot!

2011-03-03T11:16:00.001-08:00

Drowning Again on iTunes!

2011-02-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

So much has happened throughout this first semester.

I've been dealing with many personal challenges, working through tough decisions.

But, many good things have come out of this as well, and this is only the beginning.

I thank everyone for their support..

This song means so much to me, and hope you enjoy!

Available Here!

iTunes!

2011-02-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

The first single is now available on iTunes!

Click Here!

Drowning Again

2011-02-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

"Drowning Again"

Last Of A Dying Breed

Inspired by T-Pain - Drowning Again (Live at Lay It Down with Cee Lo Green)
Cinematography by: Ashley Havens!

- Full (4:00) track available for download/purchase soon!!

Lyrics:

[Verse One:]
Too many days
I've been in this sad state
Only a matter of time until a man breaks
Pieces of the puzzle, lying on a table
Questioning connection, don't know if we're able
This once was stable, now it's like a struggle
Good days and bad, wonder will it pass
But, if I put it in the past, that's nothing but acting
All good for the moment, afraid of the reaction

Started as a fairytale
Now it's ending in a nightmare
Wishing I could say that all is well
But all I see is a bright scare

And I could play the part
Of doing what I feel, being easy on the heart
But not without someone hurting in the end

Slowly

But I'm feeling like it's
Too easy to hurt, too hard to save
All around it's dark; I'm trapped in a cave
That seems to be getting darker, and I'm just getting shorter
Officially diagnosed, depressive disorder
Time came to a block; mind came to a cease
I'm paying the same amount of struggle apiece
I'm calling for help, don't get a reply
Sinking in my skin as the days go by
And I drown

[Verse Two:]
Too many days gone, cause I let them go
Once sat on the top, now I'm sitting below
Wishing I was better, I can't even think
I'm stuck in a place feeling like a missing link
If you've been ever weighed, down, taken, a steal
Then this here's a connection, cause you know how I feel
Too hard to deal with all these restrained talents
Cause standing in the way is the chemical imbalance

Started as a fairytale
Now it's ending in a nightmare
Wishing I could say that all is well
But all I see is a bright scare

Doesn't help that I'm inanimate
Cause constantly I'm feeling so inadequate
Which only hurts me in the end

Slowly

And I'm Drowning Again

[End Verse:]
Too many days, feeling desolate
Never meant to fight until the death of it
It's not fair to attack what's uncontrollable
Cause it leaves you in the back and inconsolable
I couldn't make it if I tried to
Feeling useless, so I'm sinking in
Eye level with the ground
Desperate in depression and I'm down

Digital Downloads

2011-02-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

Just sent "Running From Clouds" and "Drowning Again" in for public digital download.

If approved, it'll be available on:

iTunes Mexico, IMVU, MySpace Music, Zune, MediaNet, Amazon MP3, Thumbplay, Napster, Spotify, Shockhound, iTunes U.S., iTunes Australia/N.Z., iTunes Canada, Nokia, eMusic, iTunes UK/European Union, iTunes Japan

Hoping for the best!

Beautiful Star

2011-01-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

She’s been

Blessed with a moonlit shine

But it seemed, impossible for her to find

Time to share her light

She was in the night alone

But I saw

What others didn’t see

And that star in the sky

Is now shining down on me

Illuminating in the distance

No longer will she shine alone

I won’t let you fade

Into the darker side of this world

You’re my star, my beautiful star

If you ever need the strength

To glisten in the night

I’ll be the one to lift you up

[...]

Uncaged

2011-01-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

ComingSoon

Running From Clouds (Video/Mp3)

2011-01-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

December 16th, 2010, Pastor Steve Jerbi asked if I could perform for the annual Kwanzaa service at All Peoples Church in Milwaukee, WI...

At the time, I wasn’t so sure of what to do…

But inspiration quickly came after watching President Obama’s Back-To-School Speech…

I took two previously written verses and edited a beat I’d made, adding in samples from our President…

After an emotional performance, I went home and began reconstructing… One week later, this is the final piece…

This is my first time doing this, so I'm a little nervous..

But, I hope you enjoy!

(Mp3 Link is in the Youtube description!)

@JDeanWilliams

Running From Clouds

2010-12-28T16:22:00.000-08:00

"I beat the odds, and didn't go with the crowd...

Because my eyes weren't focused on stars,

I was busy trying to run from the clouds."

Josiah Dean Williams

"Running From Clouds"

ComingSoon

Josiah Williams Performing on the Hilltop

2010-12-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

Dedication is no act for Bradley freshman

(Full Interview)

Q: How did you get interested in theater?

I attended Elm Creative Arts for elementary school, and that’s where it all began. Learning about music, dance, creative writing and drama was always enjoyable; I knew at a young age that it was something I would always want to do. I kept that in mind as I entered Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts, and eventually decided that I would pursue theater as a career.

Q: How long have you been performing?

Forever! All of my life! Well… According to mother, since I was three. I remember her telling me about how I memorized the entire script of The Lion King, and that I’d go around reciting my favorite lines:

“Look at the stars. The great kings of the past are watching over us.”

“Really?”

“Yes”

And then there was Lilies of the Field, and I would imagine myself as Sidney Poitier. People would as me “Josiah, what are you gonna do?” And I would reply with Poitier’s line: “I’m gonna’ build me a chapel!”

Q: How long have you been at First Stage Children's Theater?

Eight amazing years!

Q: You were an Artistic Intern at First Stage Children's Theater. What did that job consist of?

The Artistic Internship focused on the many creative processes of “behind-the-scenes” theatrical work. I mostly worked with the Artistic Director, Jeff Frank and Desi Rosas, the Company Manager. I read many submitted scripts, and responded to some of the authors upon arrival. I began understanding the selection process for a theatrical season, sat in on auditions, helped with a few classes, did some registration… The list goes on! And, of course, stapled a few papers…

Q: What was your favorite memory while at First Stage?

I wasn’t the most focused person throughout middle school. I was an average student, conceited, rude to adults, and somewhat of a disrespectful kid to others. And, unfortunately that was shown during my first main stage performance. I had the leading role of Dashaun Johnston in the production of Smoldering Fires. I wasn’t focused on anything except myself, which held me back as an actor.

I look at my second main stage performance as a second chance. It was two years after the middle school stage, I was a sophomore in high school, mature and much more focused. I had the lead role of Kenny Watson in The Watsons Go To Birmingham- 1963. I felt the change… I did much more studying of my character, was focused during rehearsals… And it was easier to connect with everyone working on this production because I had become an entirely new person.

Q: What was your favorite production while at First Stage?

The Watsons Go To Birmingham- 1963! I was fifteen years old, playing the age of ten. Pure joy! We quickly became a family, and I still keep in touch with my family members to this day.

Q: How did First Stage prepare you for Bradley?

My high school wasn’t artistic based, so all of my theatrical work came from First Stage Children’s Theater… First Stage believes in teaching life skills through stage skills, and this past year I feel like I understood that more that ever. I’m used to being on stage, and I have the idea down of what it means to be an actor. But, with this Internship, I was away from the stage, and focused on life skills. It prepared me as an individual, making the First Stage belief much more clear.

Q: Have you been involved in any of Bradley's productions?

As a member of the Bradley Jazz Lab Band, I've performed twice this semester.. I've performed with the improv group Barbecue Kitten, and participate on Wednesday nights.. I've guest performed with the BU Gospel Choir, participated in New Faces 2010, and will be apart of America Live! in Spring 2011.

2010-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Out of tragedy grows new gratitude for family

After taking in their orphaned relatives, family is buoyed by support

By Annysa Johnson of the Journal Sentinel

"A flurry of work - chopping, peeling, mixing - was under way in the Williams-Brown kitchen Wednesday in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner.

There is so much to be thankful for this year:

A verdant garden whose bounty still graces the family's table. The return, if only for a few days, of oldest son Josiah Williams from his freshman year in college. And two new faces at the family's table.

Six-year-old Makayla and 11-year-old Josh joined Venice Williams and husband Demetrius Brown's family just weeks ago, two of six children orphaned when Williams' youngest sister died suddenly Nov. 3.

Within 48 hours, Williams was on a plane. Even before that, she and her older brother agreed that they would work together to arrange the best placements for the children."

[...]

View Full Article!

2010-11-20T15:03:00.000-08:00

Josiah Williams Performing on the Hilltop

Dedication is no act for Bradley freshman

When freshman Josiah Williams arrived on the Hilltop to study theater this year his education in show business was already a work in progress. Eight years ago, as a middle school student, Williams joined the First Stage Children’s Theater, Milwaukee’s second-largest theater company. [...]

ViewMore!

By: Melissa McGuire

2010-09-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

"A young driven soul only wants respect. It's

Tired of being neglected

Let hope save the day at a flying speed

This is how it feels

Being the Last of a Dying Breed"

Josiah Williams

Available Now!

http://josiahwilliams.blogspot.com/2010/09/thepreview_05.html

Free Download!

ThePreview!

2010-09-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

Tracklist:

(Part One)

1) Explanation

2) Last of a Dying Breed

3) New Generation

4) Fading Dream

5) Honest Wordz

6) Last of a Dying Breed (Remix)

(Part Two)

1) Measureless Love

2) Unreal Exposure

3) Love From Afar

4) You Are...

5) My Sweet Dream

6) Looking Forward

Bonus Track

Where Is Love

Download Links:

(Individual Tracks)

(Full Mixtape)

Email me if you have any troublez

jdeanwilliams@rocketmail.com

#ThePreview

2010-08-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

ThePreview
September 6th, 2010

The Preview is a mixtape I’m making highlighting my upcoming lyrical collections. I am not a recording artist. I do not sing. I do not rap. These are just sound samples so I could see how the lyrics will sound over beats. I’ve been writing poetry for four years, and song lyrics for under a year, and I’ve found a joy in creating groups of written lyrics, and plan on releasing two within this school year.

Measureless Love
December 25th, 2010

Last Of A Dying Breed
Spring 2011

@BradleyU

2010-08-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

Move-In Day

Bradley University

August 21st, 2010

I had been thinking about this day for a while.. How it would be.. What emotions I would have.. And, as expected, it was a mix of everything. I was really nervous and kinda sad about leaving my loved ones behind. And I was unsure about the final moment of saying bye.. But, I also had alot of fun! I met my roommate, who's a really kool person, and we have alot in common.. I attended a mass church service.. I ate the biggest slice of pizza in the world for 5bucks.. I went to the big campus block party.. Sooo much has happened already, and I have so much to look forward too.

"It'll only be as hard as you make it."

(Something to always keep in mind)

But, I know that I'll be okay.

This is where I want to be.

This will become my new home.

View More Photoz?

ClickHere!

@PowerByService

2010-08-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

Over The Gap

Car Wash

Step by Step, With Self Belief

Being a member of Usher's New Look Foundation comes with many responsibilities. Along with building up artistic talents, you are required to help create a community service project. Camp New Look, along with Powered By Service, gives you both the motivational and educational guidance for the idea, and helps you along the way.

Sebastian Van Oudenallen has been working diligently on his project in Milwaukee, WI.

His initial idea was to take less fortunate middle school students of Hispanic culture to visit college campuses, hoping to open their minds to the possibilities of a bright future. Sebastian began with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and now is attempting to take 32 students to visit the campus, and surrounding areas, of

Harvard University

Intersted in supporting? Come out on August 21st, 2010 for the Over The Gap Carwash! Tickets are $5!

Send me an email for more information!

jdeanwilliams@rocketmail.com

Urban Underground

4850 W. Fond Du Lac Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53216

9:00am-4:00pm

@CampNewLook

2010-07-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

March 31st, 2010.. I received an informational email telling me about Usher's New Look Campaign. A decision was made to have the camp branch out from Atlanta to other cities around the USA as well, and Milwaukee was chosen as one of the new locations! So, with full interest, I filled out the general registration form, and waited for a response.

April 1st, 2010.. An immediate response.. My application was under review, and a decision would be made by April 15th, 2010

April 20th, 2010.. Nervous that I didn't make it into the camp, I emailed Brandon Hill (UNL National Program Director) for my application status. Due to the extended application deadline, the notification date was also pushed back. My thoughts? Relieved.. There's still a chance..

The following week.. I received a call during rehearsal of my school's first theatrical production, The Importance of Being Earnest, saying that my application was under full review, and they were interested in interviewing me! I hung up the phone with an incredible amount of confidence, mixed with worry and a few nervous thoughts.. But I was ready..

Two weeks later.. The interview process went well! It was amazing! I answered all questions thoroughly, presented some of my artistic work, and connected with my interviewers.. Afterwards, I spoke with Rachel Neal (Milw. Program Coordinator), who gave me the sad news that I was too old for the camp.. BUT.. Before I could have any thoughts, she told me that she wanted to hire me.. as a Theater Arts trainer/advisor for the camp! I didn't even know what to think! I was on my way to a grand experience!

June 30th, 2010.. Youth Service Day! I led a Theater of the Oppressed workshop, and listened to information about Powered By Service. Previous campers presented their projects and were praised for their hard work! Afterwards, we went to Usher's Soundcheck for his concert that night at Summerfest! He performed a variety of songs, introduced his dancers and spoke to our group of campers. He allowed a brief Q&A session, in which I was lucky enough to ask him: "If you could go back to when you were my age, with the rising star mentality, what advice would you give me?" He explained to me that his process was a little challenging, but he always had to have a high head. If he wanted to achieve something, he had to work for it. He had to listen out for opportunities and take full advantage of any and all of them. But what he said next stuck with me, "Don't be afraid to make connections."
=> (I knew what I had to do)
After a photo op, I walked up to my idol, and handed him my resume saying "This, is me following your word, and doing what you told me to do. I know you can't guarantee anything, but I believe there's nothing wrong with trying." He accepted my effort, my resume, and my courage.. I walked away teary-eyed, emotional, and hopeful.

July 15th, 2010
=> "I just finished my first day as Visionary Guide for @UsherRaymondIV's @CampNewLook.. Thank you for this position! It was really amazing! And I'm looking forward to the next few weekz.. =]"

( Usher's New Look / Powered By Service )

Expressing

2010-07-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm someone who believes that everything happens for a reason.. Most of the time, the positive moments bring something to be proud of.. Hard work leads to success, accomplishments, and various levels of satisfaction. All things to be happy about..

Then, of course, there's the reasoning for bad actions leading to a bad response.. You do something wrong, you pay the consequences.. That's life, and everyone has to learn that eventually..

But, what's the purpose of good things that lead to negative results? Why is it that someone who's on the right path, doing what they have to do, succeeding, and being the best person that they can be, have to deal with things that bring them down?

I've done many wrong things in my short 18 years of living.. But, I've learned from all of these things, and I've become a better person from it.. I've honestly been trying harder, but.. Why does this happen ??

The Journey

2010-07-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

My senior year began a series of personal changes: The beginning of my college search, dissolving friends, the end of a relationship.. Many problems, growing frustration, and lots of negative thinking. I've always believed in the idea of Creative Expression, using creativity to express thoughts and feelings, which helped me throughout the year. I began to grow through acting and theater, percussion, dancing, and even attempted photography! All things that motivated me, and/or inspired me. This positive outlook and creative outlet brought forth major changes as well: More of a free and open state of mind, the sweetest love imaginable, connections with new groups of people, and many more... All leading to the beginning of a more mature and focused young man! I believe that none of this would be possible without my appreciation for creative expression.

One thing that stuck with me most of this year was my newly found love for writing! I began journaling much more, picked up on my poetry and even began making a connection with lyrical writing! I felt like it would be a new way to test myself and further my creative abilities.

An idea for my first lyrical album popped into my head during early spring 2010. The plan was to dedicate it to my love, and present it to her as a gift before we went our separate ways for college in the fall. As I began to write, so many ideas entered me head at once! But this was my first project of it's kind, so I had to take my time. I wanted it to be my best work; I wanted to gain as much as I could from this experience. The main writing concept came from taking small pieces from already composed work, and then building my own work around it. In the end, the result was: nine reconstructed songs (with small samples), four completely re-written songs (with my own idea/concept), three original songs (my own work), and a few unused ideas that I felt would be better on the next album. With the idea in mind of having a completed project by August 2010, I had a sense that I would be ready around early May. I finally decided that the project was complete and ready for presentation around graduation time. I constructed a presentable way of display, and set 06.10.10 as the official "release" date of Measureless Love!

I found myself beginning to slow down with my writing afterwards. I wasn't taking time to express myself the way I was before. So, throughout the beginning of summer 2010 I tried to push myself again... Hoping to get back in the groove of writing. I eventually figured out that I needed another way to express myself... Something where I could take all of my thoughts and channel it through one form of expression...

ProblemSolved.

MissionAccomplished.

[ http://josiahwilliams.blogspot.com ]