Although singer/guitarist WiL (real name William Mimnaugh) has had a lot of jobs over the years, from waiting tables to felling trees, his favourite thing is rocking out on stage.
“I beat the snot out of my guitar,” laughed WiL, based out of Qualicum, BC. “I am not precious about it at all.”
Describing his sound as ranging from “a little church mouse wearing mittens to a gorilla riding a shark made of tigers,” the 20-year music veteran said he brings all of his energy and power onto the stage.
Known for snapping guitar strings with his forceful style, WiL has had a busy summer, not only headlining this year’s Sunshine Music Festival but also opening for Tom Cochrane at a large amphitheatre in Drumheller, Alberta.
“I try to make my live show as intense and dynamic as I can,” he said. “I bring that to all my shows, big or small.”
His most recent album, titled El Paseo, meaning “the ride” in Spanish, encapsulates the journey for the acclaimed rock guitarist, who started out 20 years ago playing cover songs in bars and now plays his own bold blues/rock style.
“There’s a constant evolution of sound,” he said. “I listen to stuff I made even five years ago and I don’t even recognize it as me.”
WiL said being managed by his wife Caroline Lambert-Mimnaugh helps as he gets to concentrate on what he does best, playing guitar, while his wife works to keep him relevant.
“I don’t tweet or do any of that,” he laughed. “I just like to show up, play, laugh and have a good time with the audience.”
According to WiL, this teamwork is what gives him the freedom to give his all on stage, something he’s happy about, given how hard it is to make a living playing music these days.
“You’ve got to be in it for the passion and not money and fame,” he said. “If you force it, you will just burn out.”
Although it’s been a lot of effort, WiL said playing music is worthwhile because it’s connecting with his audience and other musicians.
“If I end up 80 years old, just singing to my grandkids in the kitchen, then I’m fine with that,” he said.
WiL is playing at the BOMB in Townsite on Friday, October 9.
