🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Will Jones: Inside the Life of a Country Music Singer & Songwriter
Host: Jeff Hopeck
Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Interesting Humans Podcast, host Jeff Hopeck sits down with Will Jones, a dedicated country music singer and songwriter. Their conversation delves deep into Will's journey in the music industry, his creative process, personal challenges, and the influences that have shaped his career and life.

Meeting and Early Impressions

Jeff and Will first met at a venue called the Caverns, which Jeff describes as an "incredible venue" on his bucket list, especially enjoyable for its unique atmosphere. Will, who was opening for Josh Turner, left such an impression that Jeff's wife encouraged him to reach out, leading to their studio meeting in Nashville.

[00:00] Jeff Hopeck: "We met a couple weeks ago at the Caverns... it was for my wife... incredibly interesting is we were opening up for Josh Turner."

Building a Career with Substance

Will emphasizes his commitment to creating music with lasting impact, avoiding gimmicks in favor of authenticity and emotional resonance.

[02:02] Will Jones: "I believe in writing stuff that makes people feel, whether it's happy and carefree or if it's sad or if it's touching, some sort of emotion."

He discusses the challenges he faced when he first moved to Nashville in 2020, navigating the commercial pressures of the music industry while staying true to his artistic identity.

[04:18] Will Jones: "I was kind of thrown into a machine... feeling that pressure kind of like... being a rock and a string that smooths out all these things..."

Overcoming Early Challenges

Will recounts a pivotal moment when he turned down an unfavorable publishing deal, a decision that initially made him feel he had "screwed up every opportunity." Encouraged by his father, he persevered and eventually secured a rewarding deal with Universal.

[07:43] Will Jones: "I saw some red flags in that deal, and I was like... my gut tells me this is not the right thing to do."

His father’s support was crucial in reaffirming his choice to prioritize integrity over immediate opportunities.

Roots and Influences

Growing up in Cana, Virginia, Will was deeply influenced by his father, a hobbyist guitarist and small-town attorney, and his grandfather, Buster Jones, a World War II veteran who built a successful produce business from scratch. These familial ties instilled in him values of hard work, faith, and resilience.

[12:59] Will Jones: "My grandpa... started several businesses... he played guitar around the house... instilled in me probably by then too."

Will’s early exposure to music through his father’s bluegrass band and weekend performances at local radio stations laid the foundation for his musical passion.

[14:58] Will Jones: "We would sit out there on the front porch... listening to stories and talk and spend that time."

Creative Process and Songwriting

Will describes his songwriting process as multifaceted, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, conversations, nature, and spontaneous ideas. Whether a hook, melody, or lyrical concept, his creativity flows from various sources.

[22:21] Will Jones: "It can be anything... personal conversations... fishing... reading books... watching old movies."

When working on his latest song, "Lonesome Dove," the collaboration with fellow songwriters Davis Corley, Leigh Starr, and Dan led to a heartfelt narrative inspired by the Western series.

[38:28] Will Jones: "We kind of evolved into this conversation of, if you've ever seen it, what would Gus say to Lori Darlin..."

Living the Music Lifestyle

Will shares a gripping story from his touring days, highlighting the unpredictable and often challenging nature of life on the road. From battling snowstorms in Montana to managing equipment breakdowns before major shows, he illustrates the grit required to sustain a music career.

[50:15] Will Jones: "I was driving up there... driving through two winter storms... my truck breaks down..."

This anecdote underscores his resilience and problem-solving skills, essential traits for any touring musician.

Balancing Personal Life and Career

As a father, Will discusses the profound impact of parenthood on his priorities and sense of responsibility. The birth of his daughter, Evie Everly, brought a new level of purpose and grounded his career ambitions.

[57:31] Will Jones: "When Evie was being born... it's a miracle... the child is completely reliant upon me in every way."

He emphasizes the importance of family support, particularly his wife Kristen, who helps maintain his healthy lifestyle and supports his musical endeavors.

[43:57] Will Jones: "My wife... meal preps me... she keeps me on a pretty healthy diet..."

Dealing with Pressure and Mental Health

Will acknowledges the constant pressure to perform and meet expectations, both as an artist and a father. He advocates for effective coping mechanisms and the importance of seeking support from mentors and family.

[62:26] Will Jones: "I feel that pressure and stress all the time... it's about how you deal with it."

He shares strategies for maintaining mental health, including regular workouts, listening to podcasts, and intentional thinking during long rides.

Faith and Legacy

A strong sense of faith guides Will’s life and career choices. He draws inspiration from his grandfather’s military service and entrepreneurial spirit, embodying the "American dream" ethos of hard work and perseverance.

[83:37] Will Jones: "Faith was always around... my great grandpa was a Primitive Baptist preacher... my grandpa was a World War II vet..."

He is committed to passing down values of faith, family, and hard work to his children, ensuring his legacy continues through them.

[86:18] Will Jones: "Instilling hard work, faith, and family... being respectful and knowing what's humbling..."

Connecting with Fans and Future Aspirations

Touring with established artists like Josh Turner has been a significant milestone for Will, allowing him to reach wider audiences and build meaningful connections. He enjoys both full band performances and solo acoustic sets, appreciating the intimacy each format offers.

[70:04] Will Jones: "I love that challenge... I love to play music for a living."

Will expresses gratitude for the support from his fans and the opportunity to share his music across various platforms, including Instagram and TikTok.

[88:08] Will Jones: "Go to Will Jones country dot com... engage with people on all platforms."

Closing Thoughts

Will Jones's journey is a testament to staying true to one's passion amidst industry pressures. His dedication to creating meaningful music, combined with strong family values and resilience, offers inspiration to aspiring artists and listeners alike.

[87:58] Jeff Hopeck: "We should do it again. I learned a ton today. I'm sure everybody out there is going to learn a ton about you as well."

For those looking to support Will Jones, you can visit WillJonesCountry.com to explore his music, schedule, and social media profiles.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeff Hopeck [00:23]: "You're opening up for Josh Turner."
• Will Jones [02:02]: "All of who I am is music."
• Will Jones [07:43]: "I have completely screwed up every opportunity I ever had." (Referring to turning down the initial publishing deal)
• Will Jones [22:21]: "It's typically all of them."
• Will Jones [50:15]: "I was driving through two winter storms..."
• Will Jones [83:07]: "I think just instilling hard work, faith, and family has to make it to my kids."

This episode provides a comprehensive look into Will Jones's life as a country music artist, highlighting his personal growth, professional challenges, and unwavering commitment to his craft. Whether you're a fan or new to his music, Will's story offers valuable insights into the dedication and authenticity required to succeed in the competitive world of country music.