Yasmin Williams
Yasmin Williams is an innovative guitarist and composer known for her unique compositional
approach and expansive instrumental style. Her latest album Acadia, released on Nonesuch
Records, showcases her evolution from solo performer to collaborative artist, featuring
partnerships with notable musicians like Aoife O'Donovan and Immanuel Wilkins.
Williams' distinctive creative process involves "ruminating" on single notes until compositions
naturally emerge. Beyond traditional fingerpicked guitar, she demonstrates mastery of multiple
instruments including kora, harp guitar, banjo, and electric guitar. Her music, while rooted in folk
traditions, transcends conventional structures to incorporate elements of progressive rock and
experimental composition.
Following her acclaimed 2021 album Urban Driftwood, Acadia represents a significant artistic
expansion, featuring three distinct sections that move from traditional folk influences to
atmospheric soundscapes and experimental arrangements. Williams' approach emphasizes
sustained tones and intricate articulation, creating music that balances technical precision with
ethereal, floating melodies.
ABOUT YASMIN WILLIAMS
Yasmin Williams, raised in Woodbridge, Virginia, grew up surrounded by music. Inspired by a
wide range of artists—from Chuck Brown to Jimi Hendrix—she began developing her innovative
fingerstyle acoustic guitar technique while studying music theory and composition at NYU.
Williams has released two previous albums, Unwind (2018) and Urban Driftwood (2021), where
she introduced unique approaches, such as playing kalimba and guitar simultaneously. She also
incorporates instruments like the kora, harp guitar, and banjo. Despite her use of folk
instruments, she resists being categorized within the genre, valuing creative freedom over
conformity. Her latest record, Acadia, is out now via Nonesuch Records.
approach and expansive instrumental style. Her latest album Acadia, released on Nonesuch
Records, showcases her evolution from solo performer to collaborative artist, featuring
partnerships with notable musicians like Aoife O'Donovan and Immanuel Wilkins.
Williams' distinctive creative process involves "ruminating" on single notes until compositions
naturally emerge. Beyond traditional fingerpicked guitar, she demonstrates mastery of multiple
instruments including kora, harp guitar, banjo, and electric guitar. Her music, while rooted in folk
traditions, transcends conventional structures to incorporate elements of progressive rock and
experimental composition.
Following her acclaimed 2021 album Urban Driftwood, Acadia represents a significant artistic
expansion, featuring three distinct sections that move from traditional folk influences to
atmospheric soundscapes and experimental arrangements. Williams' approach emphasizes
sustained tones and intricate articulation, creating music that balances technical precision with
ethereal, floating melodies.
ABOUT YASMIN WILLIAMS
Yasmin Williams, raised in Woodbridge, Virginia, grew up surrounded by music. Inspired by a
wide range of artists—from Chuck Brown to Jimi Hendrix—she began developing her innovative
fingerstyle acoustic guitar technique while studying music theory and composition at NYU.
Williams has released two previous albums, Unwind (2018) and Urban Driftwood (2021), where
she introduced unique approaches, such as playing kalimba and guitar simultaneously. She also
incorporates instruments like the kora, harp guitar, and banjo. Despite her use of folk
instruments, she resists being categorized within the genre, valuing creative freedom over
conformity. Her latest record, Acadia, is out now via Nonesuch Records.
