Peach Jam Podcast: The Jesse Williams Band - Dahlonega, GA

 

This episode of Peach Jam features a heartfelt and raw conversation with Jesse Williams of The Jesse Williams Band — an artist whose music is a unique blend of soul, blues, Appalachian roots, and folk. Or as Jesse puts it, “melody medicine.”

Raised in a family where music was more than just a pastime — it was a way of life — Jesse grew up watching her father’s band play every weekend. “They would shut in for the whole weekend and play music. I got to watch that, watch them lose themselves,” she shares.

That early exposure to music, mixed with her deep love for Stevie Ray Vaughan, shaped her into the powerful artist she is today. “Music is medicine. It makes time fly, makes things pause, and puts words and sounds to things that are otherwise abstract,” Williams says.

Jesse doesn’t shy away from the conversation about natural talent versus hard work. While she comes from a long line of gifted musicians, she admits that coasting on raw ability is easy. “It’s so easy to meet the ceiling and comfortably coast on what’s natural to you,” she reflects. But she also knows that true growth requires effort.

“The more that I was willing to be bad, the more that I was willing to let go of my best, the better I got.”

Her mindset is one of constant evolution, always pushing herself beyond comfort zones, whether through songwriting competitions, jam sessions, or simply learning from failure.

One of the most touching aspects of Jesse’s journey is her deep connection to her grandfather, Papa Michael, the man who taught her father — and then her — to play guitar. He was more than a teacher; he was a guiding force in her life who always took her seriously.

“He never made me feel like I was 12. He made me feel like we were eye level.”

His wisdom continues to influence her music and her approach to life. When asked what he would say about her career now, Jesse replies, “He’d just smile. He always told me, ‘Smile, and the world will smile with you.’”

Jesse performs constantly—whether at breweries, wineries, or full-band gigs—but what truly fuels her is the magic of a listening audience. She says, while it can be intimidating, she craves the intimacy of songwriting events where every word and note is absorbed in complete silence.

“It’s actually really terrifying. I get really bold when no one’s listening to me. But when people are listening? Oh, God.”

Her performances are more than just songs — they are conversations and opportunities for mutual energy exchange between artist and audience.

Host Jeremy Powell, like many who hear Jesse perform, poses the question: “Why are you not famous?”

Jesse’s response is one of humility and faith in timing.

“I wasn’t ready. I truly believe nothing comes to you before or after its time. It’s easy to lose faith in what you can’t see, but I trust.”

Her perspective is refreshing—she isn’t chasing fame for fame’s sake. Instead, she is walking in her purpose, creating music that speaks to the soul, and trusting that whatever is meant for her will find her.

This episode of Peach Jam is a must-listen for music lovers, deep thinkers, and anyone who appreciates raw talent mixed with pure heart.

🎧 Listen to the full interview wherever you get your podcasts.

📺 Watch the Jesse Williams Band perform on the GPB YouTube page.

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And stay tuned — Peach Jam has more incredible artists coming your way.

The Peach Jam podcast from GPB features songs and stories from a variety of the incredibly talented and diverse bands and artists who call the Peach State home.

Recorded live in our GPB studios, you get a front row seat for the intimate musical performances and free-flowing conversation from a truly eclectic variety of Georgia musicians. You can find more at GPB.org/PeachJamPodcast — and please download and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.