Artist description "The best songwriter to emerge from the New York scene in some while."...The New York Times

Music Style Rock, singer/songwriter, roots rock, Americana, Folk, Celtic

Musical Influences Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Who, Santa Claus, The Pogues, The Clash

Similar Artists Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Richard Thompson, REM, Tom Petty, Offspring, The Clash, Blink 182, Elvis Costello, The Wallflowers

Artist History In the 1980’s, New York City-based singer-songwriter Willie Nile released two critically acclaimed albums on Arista, "Willie Nile" and "Golden Down," and toured successfully with The Who across the U.S. at the personal request of the band. The New York Times has called him "The most gifted songwriter to emerge from the New York scene in some while...an exceptional talent." He has been called everything from "a one-man Clash" to "the next Bob Dylan." His Columbia CD "Places I Have Never Been," contained the hits "Everybody Needs A Hammer" and "Heaven Help The Lonely," and his "Hard Times In America" EP became a cult favorite throughout Europe. His songs have been recorded by numerous artists in many languages and his live performances are legendary.The Buffalo, New York-born singer has recorded and performed with Roger McGuinn, Richard Thompson, Ringo Starr, Tori Amos, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, and Barenaked Ladies. A live Central Park concert, "Willie Nile-Archive Alive," was recently released on Archive Recordings, and Willie was one of the lead vocalists on the recent all-star ensemble album, "Largo," along with Joan Osborne, Cyndi Lauper, Levon Helm, The Chieftans, Taj Mahal and Carole King. Another recent project found Nile writing and performing most of the songs for the soundtrack to the upcoming Kevin McLaughlin film, "Pinch Me!" Now Willie Nile returns with "Beautiful Wreck Of The World," his first studio album in seven years, on River House Records. Initial reaction to the CD is outstanding, with the title track already an audience favorite at live shows. Despite its late-in-the-year release date, the recording has been included on many reviewers’ top-ten lists for 1999, including Jim Bessman of Billboard Magazine. Another of the "Beautiful Wreck" songs receiving special acclaim is "On The Road To Calvary," which Willie wrote in memory of singer Jeff Buckley. Lucinda Williams called it "One of the most, if not the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard". The new album has just made the finals of the Independent Music Awards for Best Rock Album of the Year. "Beautiful Wreck Of The World" marks the beginning of a new chapter in the career of one of America’s great songwriters.

Group Members Willie Nile, Andy York, Rich Pagano, Brad Albetta

Instruments Two guitars, bass and drums

Albums Willie Nile, Golden Down, Places I Have Never Been, Hard Times In America, Archive Alive (Willie Nile Live in Central Park), Beautiful Wreck Of The World

Press Reviews Independent Music Awards Best Rock Album of the Year finalist, BEAUTIFUL WRECK OF THE WORLD was voted "Top 10 Album of the Year" in Billboard Magazine // Q Magazine wrote: "Four Stars! Go Buy!" (London, June 2000) // "Willie Nile has a rusty voice but he is no wreck on the highway...he's driving a bright blue chrome and leather classic from an era to come, where they won't need any wheels..."~ Bono // "One of the top ten albums of the year..."~ Ken Richardson, editor Stereo Review's Sound and Vision // "It's a great album...Willie Nile is a classic rhythm guitar player"~ Lou Reed // "Willie Nile is a great artist!...If there was any justice in this world, I'd be opening up for him instead of him for me...ON THE ROAD TO CALVARY (For Jeff Buckley) is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard"~ Lucinda Williams // "Willie's so good I can't believe he's not from New Jersey"~ Little Steven // "Cut from the same cloth as Bob Dylan and Lou Reed...3 and 1/2 Stars!"~ Parke Puterbaugh, Stereo Review's Sound and Vision // "One Of The 10 Albums That Made A Major Difference In Music This Year" The Buffalo News, Anthony Violanti // "A Terrific Album"~ Jim Bessman, Billboard Magazine // "The impassioned voice, the sharp and soulful lyrics, the interesting shoes and large, Kramer-like hair which seems to grow thicker every year - Willie Nile brings it all into focus on 'Beautiful Wreck Of The World'. Listen to this record."~ Graham Parker

Location New York, New York - USA

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