Praise For Wallflower.com | Indie Music Blog

William Fitzsimmons is a singer-songwriter from Jacksonville, Illinois. Fitzsimmons isn’t exactly what you would consider an “unknown” artist. He has three albums ready for download on iTunes and his song “Passion Play” has been featured on some late-night TV dramas, including Grey’s Anatomy. His first two albums, “Until When We Are Ghosts” (2005) and “Goodnight” (2006), were self-produced and recorded in his home studio. His most recent work, “The Sparrow and the Crow”, was his first studio-recorded album. After numerous iTunes downloads, the album reached No. 1 on the iTunes Folk Charts. This led to his recent signing with Mercer Street Records. The album was re-released back in April.

His songs are mostly acoustic, but the electric guitar and bass sneak onto a few tracks on “The Sparrow and the Crow.” Piano, banjo, accordion, organ and upright bass are also featured.  What I find most appealing about this guy is his voice. It has a very endearing quality and isn’t too overpowering. He's not looking to showoff, which is also evident in his simple lyricism. His music has been compared to artists like Elliott Smith and Sufjan Stevens. I don’t completely agree with these comparisons, but I can see where they come from. Fitzsimmons and Stevens have similar voices, and the jaded subject matter can be compared to that of the late Elliott Smith. Determine for yourself here:

"It's Not True"


His background is also something worth mentioning. Fitzsimmons was raised by two blind parents. Since they had no visual stimulus, his parents filled their home with music. His father educated him on a number of instruments, including the organ, which was built into their house. His mother did her part by lending him her favorite records: Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor.  Fitzsimmons gave up music for a while to pursue his education and career in mental health but couldn’t give up his first love. He began writing music during his last year of school, the collection of which make up his first album.

Fitzsimmons describes his music as “confessional folk music.” At times, the songs on “The Sparrow and the Crow” can be uncomfortably intimate, as he sings about his broken marriage. Even so, you are still compelled to listen. The intimacy of his voice is inviting. And, I guess if he is free to sing about his sorrow, we shouldn’t feel strange going along for the ride.


THE SKINNY: William Fitzsimmons creates pretty acoustic tunes anyone with a heart can relate to.
FAVORITE TRACK: I Don't Feel It Anymore, You Still Hurt Me, Goodmorning
FOR FANS OF: Elliott Smith, Iron and Wine, Ray LaMontagne