Known for his soulful vocals, South London singer and songwriter, Will Heard stops by to get deep with VIPER…

What five words define your sound?

Galactic, sleek, rough, green and instinctive 

Tell me something unique about your creative process

If you listen carefully, tunes can write themselves. If I cry writing it it’s normally a good one. It feels like it’s putting me back together. Painting life with words can be so satisfying when you get it right. At the moment I’m working on strengthening my production skills. A good instrumental makes it such a pleasure to write to and can bring out endless ideas. 

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

An unreleased song I made and put on you tube called “the 1 4 me” 

What inspired you to make that song?

My love of frequency and to inspire myself to keep going. Also heavily inspired by an artist called Clark and the Community. When I heard his music it sparked something inside of me. Opened a door to a vocal sonic so beautiful. Very different. Very bold. I kind of made it subconsciously as a response to his music maybe. I was going through some shit at the time and diving deep into making that song healed a lot. Gave me a lot of strength. Still does actually. 

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music? 

Fully 100% vulnerable – that’s where all the good stuff is. If someone wants to judge me that’s on them. Sometimes I cry in the booth when I have to record something super personal but that’s real life and I just let it flow. 

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

Singing “Go Far” at Glastonbury with George Clinton and Rudimental. Growing up George has always been a hero of mine big time so to sing with him is some Disney shit for me. Closely followed by singing with Cleo Soul the other day at the Royal Albert Hall. We sang a Lauryn Hill song too which made it even more special. 

What is your favourite song to perform?

Probably a new tune off the album called “Hotter Than Sex” or “Stole my heart” (although never performed live) both romantic numbers that sound noice with guitar. I like the intensity of all the quiet filled with just guitar and voice. Gets so intimate. 

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

My Sax teacher gave me an album called “Winelight” by Grover Washington when I was 9 and I’ve been smitten ever since. Then came across Missy Elliot, Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, my sisters used to play their music a lot and they always sang along so I did too I suppose. I always loved the long held notes at the end of Celine’s songs and so you’ll be able to hear me try my best to do them in my songs too 😂

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Apparently Heard is an English surname for someone who once worked as a herdsman. Always loved sheep dogs to be fair! 

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

Probably be a painter. I love painting so much. I’d like to live in the country side even somewhere far away and have a huge studio with a beautiful garden and a big family. Things to look forward to. 

What’s success to you?

Being grateful 

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

Getting heart broken 

Where can people keep in touch with you? 

I’m mainly active on Instagram ( @willheardmusic) and Tiktok (@wiwheard)