Hello Beautiful People,
There’s a reason he is known as Jason SweetTooth Williams, as JSW has to be one of the kindest, sweetest, most genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, someone whom I am honored to be able to call a friend. He is a singer, a writer, an actor, and part of the infamous group of New York City musicians and artists, Joe Iconis & Family. Jason was kind enough to sit down with me at a favorite interview spot of The Write Teacher(s), Amy’s Bread, to talk theater, books, music, and what it’s like to be an artist in New York City.
MM: First things first, did you always want to be a singer/actor?
JSW: No actually, I didn’t. But I was always interested in it. When I was a kid, there was a drama club at school that I participated in, I liked the teacher that was running it, and it was just something to do. I grew up near Goodspeed Opera House, and I was in a show there for a few months of my life in fifth grade. When I was older, I was also really into playing the saxophone, and I developed a love for English and writing as well. I almost went to Skidmore to study a combination of all three, but I ended up going to Emerson instead, to study acting.
MM: Of all the roles that you’ve played thus far, which ones are most memorable?
JSW: I like different roles for different reasons. I’m very tied to Joe Iconis and his work, and so when I’m involved in anything that he does, they’re always very near and dear to my heart.. In Bloodsong of Love, I played the narrator, and a one-eyed bartender, and a creepy gravedigger named Weeping Eduardo. So, there was a lot of fun and exciting stuff. There are also roles like Vince in the show, The Trouble with Doug, I did a production of it here in New York, and out in California. The character is a smart, 30 year slacker who lives at home with his parents and ends up having to “grow up” to deal with his brother who has inexplicably turned into a slug. That part means a lot to me too.
MM: Speaking of Joe Iconis, can you explain to our readers a little bit about what Joe Iconis & Family is all about?
JSW: First and foremost, it’s not forced. It wasn’t like Joe decided one day to start a band called Joe Iconis and Family. It was something that happened organically. A few of us, early on, (Lance Rubin, myself, Katrina Rose Dideriksen, Krysta Rodriguez and some others), we really enjoyed being in each other’s company, and we really loved Joe’s music. It started with the music. When you do a show of Joe’s, it’s just a life changing experience. You get offstage, and you’re crying and you’re laughing and you’re hugging – and it’s this amazing thing to experience. And then you want to do it again. And again. And we’re just addicted to each others company, talent, and Joe’s music. We all believe in him as a writer, that his music will withstand the test of time, and we all want to be around for that. We call it Joe Iconis and Family because our relationships are beyond the music, beyond the friendship – it’s deeper, it’s family.
MM: What books are permanently on your bookshelf?
JSW: Moby Dick. It’s very cliché to say but Catcher in the Rye changed my life, so that’s always there. At least one of the books from the Finishing the Hat series, by Stephen Sondheim. Dan Brown is a guilty pleasure, as is Michael Crichton. It’s a wide spectrum.
MM: If you were stranded on a desert island, (assuming there was a DVD player and television set), what movies and television shows would you want to have with you?
JSW: I could watch the same movie over and over again. I love movies. Anything that Quentin Tarantino has done – he’s phenomenal. My favorite movie of all time is Mary Poppins. Vertigo is also a favorite movie of mine. As far as television shows go, Criminal Minds and Parks and Recreation are two of my favorites.
MM: What advice would you give to aspiring singers, songwriters, and actors?
JSW: Go see as much theater as possible – whether it’s Broadway or Community Theater, it helps you learn as an actor by watching others. There’s no one-way to be a success in the theater world. Especially for musical theater students, there’s this stigma that you have to be on Broadway when you’re twenty-two, and if you haven’t, you’ve failed. And that’s just not true. There are so many avenues through which you can work, and find out what you’re into – explore new work, connect with new writers – you’d be surprised what you’ll discover.
MM: Just for fun, what character in musical theater are you most like? And least like?
JSW: I’m not like the Gabe in Next to Normal, because I’m not a ghost I guess.. I would love to be like Valentine from Kiss of the Spiderwoman.
MM: Just for fun, what sound do you like? What sound do you hate?
JSW: I hate the sound of people snapping gum. I love the sound of wooden baseball bats clinking together.
MM: In today’s economy, arts programs are being cut. What reasons would you give a politician for preserving the arts in schools?
JSW: Well, richness of life is not something that’s quantifiable, but it’s important and for children and young people comes from arts education programs. Children who have access to arts education, band, dance, theater, etc. – they’re putting their energies into this positive art form, rather than drugs, or gangs, or sexting (or whatever kids do nowadays). The arts give young people a place where they can belong, and if you can find a group of people who can accept you, especially in high school, that shouldn’t have a price tag. It’s worth saving.
MM: What’s next for Jason SweetTooth Williams?
JSW: I’m working on a lot of new readings, some new projects with Joe Iconis. I did a solo show a couple of years ago, I sang songs that I enjoyed, and rapped a bit, (I fancy myself a rapper sometimes), and I’d like to hone that it in a bit, have it more story driven. I’m also writing a show with Lance Rubin and Joe Iconis entitled Annie Golden: Bounty Hunter, Yo! I’d also like to be on Broadway this year, so I’m putting that out into the world.
MM: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
JSW: My fourth grade teacher, who also happened to be my drama coach as well, Mr. Dart, was a very influential person to me. The way he approached teaching in general was amazing, he played classical music the morning, and the guitar, and we would share current events on that rug that seems to be in every elementary school classroom. His wife also wound up being a teacher that I had in high school, and was equally as important to me in my education. John Simpkins, a director who works with Joe Iconis a lot, is not only a director but also a great teacher. He is motivating and inspiring, and the way he approaches a piece keeps everyone on his or her game. He approaches a show from all angles – and the way he approaches a show is the way I like to approach my life. More than anyone though, is my grandfather, Joe. He is charming, genuine, smart, and full of heart. There is not a bad bone in his body, and someone whom I strive to be like when I’m older.
Thanks, Jason!
Live, Love, Learn,