John and The Conners Keeps Vanilla Timeless

The name “John and The Conners” has humble beginnings. In James Cameron’s science fiction “Terminator” series, John Connor is the driving force against robotic evil. For Chris Williams, founder of the band, the name is fitting.

“We’re trying to save the world from all the machines out there,” Williams, a junior in industrial design, says.

Originally from Santa Barbara, Calif., Williams recognized his vocal talents at 14 years old. He and his friend used to sing on the street for money.

“We’d play the same four songs over and over,” Williams says. “We’d make a hundred bucks a day and that’s when I realized ‘Hey, maybe I can sing.’”

In high school, he started writing music and playing the guitar. His junior year, he moved to Auburn where he continued to write and “find his sound.” 

In the spring of 2009, Williams (vocals/guitar) met Travis Widner (lead guitar/ vocals/keyboard), and the rest is history. 

After some time, the duo came across Andy Cox (banjo/vocals), Jordan Walker (bass/vocals) and Tyler Wallace (percussion). Within a year, John and The Conners was born. 

The Conners pride themselves on their originality and ability to create timeless music. Universal themes like time, love and heartbreak make it easy for people of all ages to listen.

“Our lyrics are metaphorical, open for interpretation,” Wallace, a sophomore studying communication, says. 

Along with timeless lyrics, their utilization of instruments like the banjo, harmonica and “rock tambourine” allows their folk melodies to sound unique. With it, they’ve generated a whole new genre in itself, “vanilla folk.”

“Vanilla ice cream will always be the favorite, right?” Williams says. 

For such an authentic band, it’s hard to imagine where their musical inspiration comes from. Indie bands such as Blind Pilot and Wilco are among their primary muses.    

Some songs such as “Smokey Mountain Whiskey” have a rock/country and western feel while “Ole Blue Eyes ” clearly lends its roots to bluegrass. 

According to Wallace, the band wants to reach as many people as possible, whether it is grandparents, parents, children or young adults. With their all-inclusive lyrics, smooth melodies and upbeat rhythms, John and The Conners is a name that’s here to stay. 

John and The Conners will be playing at Auburn Ale House on Oct. 6, 7, and 8 along with Kenny on the Keys and other bands. For more information, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-and-the-Conners/275386264453.