Podcast Summary: Takin' a Walk Nashville – Singer-Songwriter Will Paquin on his Indie Music Journey and Viral Success

Podcast: Takin' a Walk
Episode: Nashville: Singer-Songwriter Will Paquin on his Indie Music Journey and Viral Success
Date: November 13, 2025
Host: Sarah Harrelson (for the Nashville edition)
Guest: Will Paquin

Episode Overview

This episode of Takin' a Walk Nashville features indie artist Will Paquin, who rose to prominence when his debut song "Chandelier" went viral on TikTok in 2020. Host Sarah Harrelson engages Paquin in an intimate conversation at The Russell Hotel’s podcast studio, delving deep into his musical roots, creative journey, viral moments, the making of his new album, and his transition to Nashville. The episode is a candid look at the power of DIY artistry, social media's impact on music careers, and the transition from bedroom recordings to full-band productions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nashville Move and New Beginnings

• Motivation for Moving: Will recently moved to Nashville, driven by both professional and personal reasons—especially meeting his girlfriend and working with friends in music engineering.

  “I would say love. Love brought me to Nashville.” – Will Paquin (01:51)

• Experience in Nashville So Far: Though new, he previously spent months there recording his album but is still getting to know the community.

2. Early Career, TikTok Breakthrough, and Changing Paths

• TikTok Origins: Will started uploading guitar videos on TikTok during the COVID-19 lockdown, not initially pursuing viral fame or a music career.

  "It was more just a fun pastime for me to do while Covid was happening and school was on Zoom. … It took off pretty much within the first video." – Will Paquin (03:15, 03:56)

• Career Pivot: Before music, he was committed to a traditional advertising career, only considering a full-time music path after viral success forced a life-changing decision.

  "That was kind of a dream that I had that had kind of died years and years ago…just didn't seem like a thing." – Will Paquin (05:20)

• Role of Social Media: Paquin credits TikTok for creating his musician’s path.

  “It definitely created the career path for me. …It was definitely a big shift for me that year. 2020.” – Will Paquin (05:50, 06:01)

3. Influences, Sound, and Upbringing

• Musical Upbringing: Grew up in Boston, heavily influenced by his dad and classic pop from the 1940s–60s, especially The Beatles.

  “My first musical awakening was when I kind of started listening to the Beatles a lot. …My friend Will…he's the one who got me into the Beatles.” – Will Paquin (06:41, 07:24)

• DIY Mentality: Early on, Will self-taught audio production and played multiple instruments out of necessity and privacy—often hiding his creative pursuits.

  "Out of like insecurity, I’d say, because I have always kind of kept my music stuff a secret...my own writing has always been such a, like, personal process." – Will Paquin (10:20, 11:51)

• Unconventional Recording Spaces: Recorded early songs in his car, closet, or basement, prioritizing privacy and a hands-on approach.

  “I recorded most of my…first like four songs…in my car. Just at night.” – Will Paquin (12:12, 12:52)

4. Evolution to Studio & New Album

• First Studio Album: His upcoming album marks the first time recording in a proper studio with a band, contrasting with his earlier DIY style.

  “It was really nice, honestly...I did miss aspects of having full control. …Also the real major difference was I'm playing with a full band on this.” – Will Paquin (13:35, 13:49)

• Band & Collaboration: Bandmates are spread across the country. Will aims for more collaborative writing with his group in future projects.

• Recording Location: Nashville’s Last Dollar Studio, engineered by his friend (also named Will).

  “At Last Dollar Studio. It's very nice. My friend is the…engineer there.” – Will Paquin (14:54)

5. Creative Inspiration and Approach on the New Album

• Shift in Sound: The new album is intentionally louder and more energetic—a response to his previous, more introspective acoustic EP.

  “After releasing that, [EP] wanted to do like the total opposite...I was listening to like a lot of Fugazi and just more loud stuff.” – Will Paquin (15:34, 16:14)

• Designed for Live Performance: Songs are crafted to be played live with the band, minimal production layers, and a focus on energy.

  "I just wanted to be able to play the songs live. …That is essentially what the entire song is." – Will Paquin (17:25)

6. Quirks, Instruments, and TikTok Fame

• Recorder as a Hobby: Will’s recent experiments with the recorder (visible in his TikTok videos) are more for fun than a permanent addition to his stage set.

  “I thought the recorder would be an easy thing to learn...but then if you want to get more complicated with it, it's actually such a hard instrument to really learn. And I've hit a wall, I think, on my recorder playing.” – Will Paquin (17:50, 18:12)

7. Touring and the Meaning of Milestones

• Upcoming Tour: Most excited to headline in Boston for the first time at The Red Room, returning to a venue significant from his college days.

  “Boston. Because I've never played a headline show in Boston before.” – Will Paquin (18:31)

• Europe Shows: Loved the energy overseas and looks forward to returning.

• Looking Ahead: After the tour and release, Will wants to settle in Nashville and focus on writing—potentially exploring more collaborative approaches.

8. Songwriting Process and Artistic Collaboration

• Mostly Writes Solo: Historically, Will has written alone but is open to more band collaboration moving forward.

  “I've never really co written something before. …It'd be nice to sit down with a band with no real direction. I've never really done that before.” – Will Paquin (20:35, 21:27)

9. Life in Nashville & Favorite Spots

• Favorite Nashville Walk: Shelby Park, especially the airfield, is his current go-to place for walks.

  "Yes. Shelby Park. I'd say that's a pretty obvious one." – Will Paquin (22:14) “I walked the entire run of Shelby park last week, and it’s a good one. ...It's finally getting a little cold out, so.” – Will Paquin (22:20)

• Upcoming Nashville Show: Local fans can see him at Dark Matter.

  “Going on tour. I'm playing...in Nashville. Should be a good time.” – Will Paquin (23:08)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On His Surprising Breakout:

  “It kind of caught on. It was kind of new to like be playing guitar, I think, on TikTok when I came into it." – Will Paquin (03:57)

• Reflecting on Music as a Career Choice:

  "That was kind of a dream that I had that had kind of died years and years ago..." – Will Paquin (05:20)

• On Studio vs. DIY Recording:

  "I always thought that DIY...was the only option that I had." – Will Paquin (12:59)

• Why This Album Rocks More:

  “I was listening to like a lot of fugazi and just more loud stuff. ...I wanted it to sound like we were just playing it live.” – Will Paquin (16:14, 16:31)

• On Future Collaboration:

  “It'd be nice to sit down with a band with no real direction. I've never really done that before.” – Will Paquin (21:27)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:41 – Opening and Will’s Introduction
• 01:51–02:32 – Why Will moved to Nashville
• 03:02–04:24 – Going viral on TikTok and initial motivations
• 04:24–05:50 – Career shift from advertising to music
• 06:41–07:24 – Early musical influences and Beatles obsession
• 09:01–12:52 – DIY music production, hiding creative process, and unconventional recording locations
• 13:29–14:22 – Transition to studio recording and working with a full band
• 15:34–17:10 – Inspiration behind the new album’s sound
• 18:31–19:03 – Tour plans and playing Boston for the first time
• 20:35–21:38 – Songwriting, collaboration, and band dynamics
• 22:14–22:53 – Favorite Nashville walking spot: Shelby Park
• 23:08–23:16 – Upcoming Nashville show at Dark Matter

Summary

This episode offers an insightful look into Will Paquin's unconventional but inspiring indie music trajectory. From hiding out in his car to record songs to embracing live band performances and studios in Nashville, Paquin discusses the growing pains and joys of creative growth. The conversation captures his humility, humor, and eagerness for new challenges, including a desire to ground himself in Nashville and deepen collaboration with his band. His story is relatable to aspiring musicians and fans alike, showcasing how serendipity, social media, and DIY determination can come together to shape a promising career.

For tour dates and more music, check out Will Paquin’s website and streaming platforms. His latest single "Hahaha" is out now.