Stephen Wilson Jr.

Storytelling country, folk and rock doves with Stephen Wilson Jr. in Store VEGA

American songwriter and musician Stephen Wilson Jr. has taken an unusual path to Nashville -- and that very journey can be heard in his music.

With roots in southern Indiana and a background that ranges from boxer to scientist and indie-rock guitarist, Wilson Jr. creates an intense and personal sound where country, americana, rock and folk merge into something all his own.

Stephen Wilson Jr. is known for his raw voice, poetic lyrics and uncompromising musicality, where heartfelt narratives meet an angular, rocketed energy. Before his own career as an artist, he wrote songs for a number of established names, including Caitlyn Smith, Old Dominion, Tim McGraw, Sixpence None the Richer and Leigh Nash — a testament to his strong songwriting talent.

His breakthrough came in earnest in 2023 with his debut double album son of dad, an ambitious and emotional work featuring 22 songs written in honor of his late father. The album came out on the fifth anniversary of his father's passing and was met with high praise.

Holler named it the best album of the year of 2023, describing it as “a record for the ages”, while Whiskey Riff, Wide Open Country and Rolling Stone also highlighted the release among the best of the year.