Behind the Music
A Story Steeped in Sound
Will Birckhead is known as one of the most versatile bassist in Southern California, with a resume to prove it. His attention to detail, tone, work ethic, and signature feel have given him a seat at the table with some of the world’s greatest bassist. At age 16, Will was self-taught, transitioning from the trumpet as his original instrument of choice. With an acute ear, and ability to replicate various styles of music, within a year he was playing in high school jazz bands and local churches. Will Graduated from Milford Mill Academy in 1999 going on to play trumpet in Morgan State University’s Marching, Concert, and Jazz Bands from 1999 to 2001.
Skipping forward to 2002, Will moved to Los Angeles by way of Baltimore Maryland, with his band “SE7VEN” to pursue the music industry. “Living in a one bedroom apartment with 7 band members will give you a fight or flight mentality.” As a diverse young band, they played styles ranging from rock, Latin, hip hop, R&B, and jazz. During his run with “SE7VEN,” Will was a Hired Gun with many major & local artists and churches. Along with being an aspiring bassist, Will would also put all the bands production together. “We were one of the first local bands in LA to use click tracks on stage. I remember bringing full desktop computers and CRT monitors on stage to run the shows.” After breakups and makeups, “SE7VEN” finally split in 2005, each member leaving to pursue their own personal dreams.
Will hustled and gigged until he landed his first major gig with Hanson in 2007. For the next 5 years Will would tour all over their world as well as play on every major Late Night Network TV show with the talented group of brothers. In 2012, Will would move on to working at Free Chapel Orange County. “This was my first time playing Contemporary Christian Music. Coming from Hanson made the transition seamless.” Playing at a Megachurch like Free Chapel would open doors for Will to play behind some of the largest names in gospel music (Israel Houghton, BJ Putnum, Matt Redman, Marvin Sapp, Lucia Parker) just to name a few. After years of serving at Free Chapel OC, Will was given the opportunity to audition for the now award winning Jennifer Lopez Residency in Las Vegas in December of 2015. After a call back, Will started Rehearsals the very next Day. Signing a three year contract, Will would be the Bassist in the Jennifer Lopez Band. The Show would range from Pop, Jazz, Hip Hop, Rock, to authentic Latin music.
“School is a great foundation, but there’s no handbook for being a hired gun in the music industry. At the end of the day you have to figure out your strengths to find your voice, and on the job training was my school of hard knocks.” At age 36 Will still has had great success in the music industry but has a long way to go and his story has yet to be finished.