Artivist. Musician. Educator.
Super Short Bio
WILBR blends softer indie influences with the improvisational spirit of guitar heroes like Jerry Garcia and Billy Strings. Our mission is "alchemical artivism"—transmuting emotional heavy metals into creative gold at the intersection of art and activism. Pulling from a repertoire spanning 60s rock to contemporary folk and much between, listeners can expect to leave a WILBR show feeling well-connected and well-entertained.
Longer Bio
Will Brooks, a.k.a. WILBR, has found deep healing through music, which is what initially motivated him to pursue a career as an artist/entertainer. WILBR’s music moves between intimate folk sounds and lively “jamgrass” rhythms, a result of blending softer influences with those of guitar heroes like Jerry Garcia and Billy Strings. In life and on stage, Will practices "radical vulnerability," which often manifests in the form of daring musical improvisation over looped arrangements and honest confessions to the audience.
"He’s great for any crowd and really knows how to make the atmosphere feel special. Dude absolutely rocks." — Max Ketcherside, Private Client
Part of WILBR's mission consists of "alchemical artivism," which he describes as the transmutation of emotional lead into gold, at the intersection of art and activism. Will has found healing through music as a listener and a creator, and his musical journey has been a supportive force in embracing growth and self-discovery. A musical journey was not always the clear choice for him, though.
"Catchy music with uplifting vibes and deep meanings. Having WILBR as a performer at Swamp Summit contributed wonderfully to the event's aesthetic!" — Aimee Bruce, 757 Create
With only a few years of childhood experience, Will picked up the guitar again during the pandemic, and playing music became an escape from reality and himself. For years, Will wrestled with mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, and addiction. When Will returned to performing in early 2025, he was pushed to face a fear of being seen, awakening and evolving as a musician and human. With music at the center of his life, writing songs became a way for Will to process life and find balance, reinforcing particular beliefs and perspectives while challenging old ways of thinking and being.
“...Will's music is both daring and defiant, but the positivity and passion remain the essence of his endeavors. He’s clearly an artist in search of honesty and engagement, qualities he came to appreciate during his ongoing journey of self-discovery.” — Lee Zimmerman, author, podcaster, writer and reviewer for Goldmine, American Songwriter, Living Blues and others
As part of his purpose-driven mission, Will completed a 13-week DIY tour through the Eastern US, returning home to Norfolk in July 2026 with a new sense of perspective. Now, Will continues to write and record new music while working as a musician and private guitar instructor throughout the Hampton Roads area.
WILBR has played at notable venues such as The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub in Cambridge, MA and Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA. "Face Your Dread", from WILBR's debut EP “The Tiny Mic (Live)” was featured on Veer Magazine's Top 10 This Week playlist. More recently, WILBR's single “Little Yellow Hearts” was reviewed by indie music blog 9 Lounges (full article here).
