Will Sims is a Baltimore-based singer-songwriter whose music lives at the intersection of rock, alternative, and pop—equal parts emotional weight and undeniable punch. A fixture of the Mid-Atlantic music scene for over a decade, Will Sims has built a reputation for crafting hook-driven songs that balance vulnerability with intensity, moving seamlessly from intimate confessionals to full-throttle anthems.
With “I Gave It All For You” out now, we took some time to hear from Will Sims. Read below to learn more about Will Sims, the story behind “I Gave It All For You,” and what’s to come.
Hi Will Sims! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
It’s an abbreviation of my middle and last name. But, I generally wanted something that sounded slick and rolled off the tongue while still being able to present it like a band. Kind of similar to Alice Cooper.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I was born and still live in Baltimore, MD. I have been able to create a lot of great opportunities for myself here, so I haven’t considered moving anywhere else at the moment.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I started playing guitar my senior year of high school (about 17) but even then, I was just trying to release my inner angst and try to relieve the struggles I was facing in life. I didn’t really seriously consider pursuing music as a career until about 12 years ago during the recording of my last band’s (Roll It Over) album. It was then I could actually see a road to being successful in the industry as a DIY artist.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I’m sort of an amalgamation of a lot of ’90s bands. I draw a lot of influence from Matchbox Twenty, Goo Goo Dolls, Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, and Oasis. I’m always trying to capture a lot of influences in my music though which is why some songs may veer into experimenting with genres, such as Reggae, Country, EDM, and Metal.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I have done Martial Arts for most of my life. I did Tae Kwon Do for about 20 years and have been training in Muay Thai as a way to stay fit. I also have a nice camera and have done several of my own music videos. I’m also a gamer and have all the current gen consoles.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Aside from the ’90s influences that I mentioned, I love a lot of classic rock acts like The Eagles, U2, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, as well as some more modern acts like Queens of the Stone Age, Thrice, Circa Survive, Anberlin, and Coldplay.
What are some of your dream collaborations?
I would love to have a song remixed by Nine Inch Nails. I have been doing some remixes for my old songs for some anniversaries coming up. I have had some really fun ones done recently that I’m excited about. I would love to collaborate with any of my influences to write or perform with. I love teaming up with friends for some cool cover songs.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
I’m just lucky to be able to produce the kind of music I’m making with people I consider friends and talented musicians. I have really generated some of, what I think, the best songs that I have ever written over the last few years.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
There’s no skill that you can’t learn if you just give it time and have the patience to learn. YouTube is a great tool for learning. I’m always working to generate skills that can help me present my music in new and exciting ways.
Now onto your release, “I Gave It All For You.” What inspired this song? What is “I Gave It All For You” about?
I had the guitar riff bouncing around in my head for months. I finally sat down and started working out the song and lyrics just poured out. I think, initially, I was writing a love song. But it eventually morphed into a song about my relationship with my music career and how much I’ve sacrificed to get to where I am. Any ambitious person has to sacrifice time and relationships with friends, family, and lovers to get to a place of success, and I guess I was channeling that when writing this song.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “I Gave It All For You?”
I wanted to try and capture the feeling of being trapped inside of your own creation, reaching out for help even though it’s likely nobody will help you.
What was the creative process like when making “I Gave It All For You?”
It is probably one of the quickest turnarounds from idea to release that I’ve had to date. Usually my music will sit for years before being released. So, it’s awesome to have this song out there for people to hear.
How long did it take to complete “I Gave It All For You?”
It was recorded in only a couple sessions. I usually have sessions about a month apart from each other. So, about 10 months from conception to release. Most songs might sit for 2 to 3 years from being recorded to being released.
What is your favorite lyric in “I Gave It All For You” and why?
The song title feels very cathartic to me. But the line “I could write you a thousand symphonies, it wouldn’t mean a thing if you don’t believe” feels like me calling out all the people who don’t take the time to listen and take music for granted. I pour my heart and soul into my music, and it sucks when people won’t even give it the time of day.
What do you hope fans take away from “I Gave It All For You” and your music in general?
I hope they’ll rock out to it. It’s gonna hit hard live, and I hope people will come out to get their face melted.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
“I Gave It All For You” is part of a forthcoming album. I don’t know when we plan on releasing it, we’re currently focused on pushing this song hard in hopes of getting some kind of label support.
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.facebook.com/whoiswillsims
https://www.instagram.com/whoiswillsims
https://www.youtube.com/@whoiswillsims
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
