Aug. 30, 2025

From the mountains to the mainstage: The Jesse Williams Band releases debut album

From the mountains to the mainstage: The Jesse Williams Band releases debut album

 

Jesse Williams Band Announces Debut Album "Keep Steady" - Out Now!

With roots in family jams and a mantra of perseverance, Keep Steady has arrived as a raw and soulful homegrown record.

 

A Story of Grit, Roots, and Pure Creative Vision

This record is more than just a collection of songs. It is the story of a multi-faceted creative and her grit and devotion to her craft, all rooted in where she's from in Dahlonega, Georgia. It's not just a town or a region, but a mountaintop gathering place known as The End of the Trail.

It’s here that family and friends have, for generations, come together to play the blues. It’s also the name of her father’s band - fitting, since this entire album is steeped in family history, connection, and handmade artistry.

 

Jesse Williams: A One-Woman Creative Force

Jesse Williams poured herself into every aspect of Keep Steady. From the opening sound of crickets recorded in the North Georgia mountains, to the lyrical depth of each track, the record is as personal as it gets.

  • She wrote every single song
  • She co-produced and steered the full creative direction
  • She designed the album artwork by hand
  • She handcrafted the merchandise
  • She collaborated with photographer and videographer Niki Coltrane - her aunt

This is music with intention. Every note and visual is rooted in home, family, and the kind of authenticity that can’t be manufactured.

 

“Keep Steady” - A Mantra Born from Setback

The album’s title track came out of a tough night at the Eddie’s Attic Songwriters Shootout in Atlanta. After a disappointment on stage, Jesse walked away with a phrase that would shape her journey: "Took a whole lot of hours, days, weeks, years, in fact... just know there is no true measure of your worth like keepin’ steady at it."

That line carried her through the making of this record - one that was funded gig by gig, hour by hour. And in a poetic full circle moment, Jesse returned to the Eddie’s Attic Shootout in November 2024 - and won, with this very song.

 

Recognition from the Blues World

Her relentless dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Most recently, Jesse’s work caught the attention of blues giant Joe Bonamassa, landing her on one of his curated Spotify playlists - an honour not easily earned in today’s crowded music landscape.

 

The Rugged Revival Podcast Connection

We were fortunate to have Jesse Williams as a guest on The Rugged Revival Podcast back in February 2025. It was one of our absolute favourite episodes to record. Her honesty, soul, and deep musical roots made for a truly special conversation. We’ve been keeping a keen eye on her journey ever since - and this album is a powerful next step.

If you haven’t heard that episode yet, we highly recommend going back and giving it a listen.

 

A Mountain Mama with a Legacy to Build

Jesse Williams blends blues, soul, and storytelling in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. Her smoky vocals and grounded lyrics invite listeners to slow down and savour. She reminds us that persistence, passion, and a handmade approach still matter - that in a world of instant everything, some things are still worth crafting the long way round.

 

Release Date

“Keep Steady” is officially out now.

Follow The Jesse Williams Band for the full record, exclusive merch, and upcoming tour news. And don’t forget to revisit our podcast episode with Jesse - we promise, it’s one worth hearing again.

 

 

For more information, visit: www.thejessewilliamsband.com