Yasmin Williams (born May 31, 1997) is an American composer and solo performing finger-style guitarist[1][2][3] from northern Virginia. She plays several instruments such as the kalimba, harp-guitar, and guitar with the strings facing up while on her lap.[4]
Williams grew up in the town of Woodbridge in Northern Virginia. Throughout her childhood, William's would hear a number of musical genres played in her household from Hip-Hop to Jazz.[5] In December 2017, she graduated from New York University with a degree in music theory and composition.[6][7]
Musical career
Yasmin Williams performing September 30, 2024, holding guitar upright
2009–2012: Serendipity and early beginnings
In 2009, after playing the video game known as Guitar Hero 2, Williams became inspired to start learning guitar on her own. After being gifted her first electric guitar and amplifier, Williams would practice by ear until the release of her first EP Serendipity as a teenager. The project's production and recording were entirely handled by Williams herself. From there Williams went on to develop her skillset, by becoming proficient in bass, 12 string, and classical guitars, before deciding to adopt her primary instrument of the acoustic guitar.
2018–2020: Stylistic development and Unwind
She later developed her unique style of playing the guitar by setting it face-up on her lap, tuning the strings to be in harmony, then playing it similarly to a piano utilizing a finger picking technique. She also adds in other elements such as two handed lap-tapping for added rhythm in her mainly instrumental compositions.[8] Pitchfork described her musical approach, "Williams’ inventive style, which has also involved wearing tap shoes and taking a cello bow to her instrument, has made her stand out in the field of solo guitarists."[8] Rolling Stone describe her songs as "textured, harmonious soundscapes".[9]
In 2018, Willams independently released her first studio album, Unwind, honing her signature finger-style technique, as well as her work with non-western instruments such as the Kalimba. Yet despite the development of William's increasingly complex skill set, the album also featured the more simplistic composition "New Beginnings", which she had written while still attending high school.[10]
In 2024 she released her third studio album, Acadia, through Nonesuch Records. The album entered the UK Album Downloads Chart, peaking at #100, and the UK Americana Chart, peaking at #39.[12]
