WILBR

Super Short Bio

Will Brooks, a.k.a. WILBR, blends softer indie influences with the improvisational spirit of guitar heroes like Jerry Garcia and Billy Strings. As an “honest alchemist”, writing is one way that Will identifies, reframes, and reprograms “limiting beliefs,” seeking perspectives grounded in truth. Compared to that of Bob Dylan, Nirvana, and Jack Johnson, the music is rooted in folk and primarily blended with elements of rock and bluegrass.

Will also helps others learn to identify, reframe, and reprogram limiting beliefs through in-person workshops (soon to be offered virtually). Additional details can be found through the “Offerings” page. 

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 after a college degree and years of mental health struggles. 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.

"Will Brooks, A.K.A. WILBR, conjures up both the insight and idealism of an earlier generation of daring musical provocateurs while conveying the passion and principles upon which his music is based."
— Lee Zimmerman, author, podcaster, writer and reviewer for Goldmine, American Songwriter, Living Blues and others

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.

“...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

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 EP, The Tiny Mic (Live), is a reflection of that passion and purpose, as well as a product of the honesty, humility and integrity he’s been pursuing since early on. While the songs seem simple, the messaging remains compatible with the music, sharing insights told from a deeply personal perspective. In the opinion of this particular critic, it foretells a promising and prolific future.”
— Lee Zimmerman, author, podcaster, writer and reviewer for Goldmine, American Songwriter, Living Blues and others

As part of his purpose-driven mission, Will launched his touring career with a 13-week DIY tour through the Eastern US, returning home to Norfolk with new skills and a new sense of perspective. Between tours 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).