Stephen Wilson Jr.

Stephen Wilson Jr.

Stephen Wilson Jr. is a singer-songwriter from rural southern Indiana whose work brings together elements of alternative rock, grunge and country. He describes his music as “Death Cab For Country”, and his influences include The National, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Nirvana.

Early life and education

He grows up with a single father who is a boxer and starts boxing at the age of seven, continuing into adulthood. He becomes an Indiana State Golden Gloves finalist. He also teaches himself guitar and later moves to Nashville to study microbiology at MTSU.

AutoVaughn and later work

After completing his degree, he forms the indie rock band AutoVaughn. He spends five years touring internationally as the band’s lead guitarist before turning his attention to songwriting and singing. He later works for several years as an R&D scientist at Mars.

Songwriting and recordings

He signs a publishing deal with BMG Nashville in 2016. Songs written by him are recorded by Caitlyn Smith, Brothers Osborne, Old Dominion, MacKenzie Porter, Sixpence None the Richer and Leigh Nash. He also self-releases a series of songs, including “the devil”, “Year To Be Young 1994”, “The Beginning”, “Holler From The Holler” and “billy”. “Holler From The Holler” wins six independent film festival awards for its accompanying video, and “billy” is featured by Billboard in its “Makin’ Tracks” column.

Touring and releases

He tours in the US and Europe with Brothers Osborne, Midland and Cadillac Three, building a following for his live performances, guitar playing and vocals. In March 2023, he signs to Big Loud Records and releases his debut EP, bon aqua. The seven-track release includes six previously released songs and the new single “American Gothic”, featuring Hailey Whitters. He also joins Whitters as direct support on her Raised Tour.

Festival appearances

He appears at Bourbon and Beyond Festival, FairWell Festival and CMA Fest, and is also scheduled to appear at London’s Black Deer Festival and Highways Festival at Royal Albert Hall.