Songwriter’s Conference faculty member/singer/songwriter, Joy Williams, was offered a recording contract with Reunion Records (division of Sony/BMG music) at age 17, after declining several offers at age 14 in order to finish high school. Joy built a large following by touring extensively and releasing three records from 2000-2005 (2001 self-titled Joy Williams, 2002′s By Surprise and 2005′s Genesis). During that span of time, Joy achieved over 11 Dove Award nominations, including multiple Female Vocalist of the Year nods and one Song of the Year nod for her song “Hide”, also earning an ASCAP writer award for the same song.

Pressured by mutual friends into meeting Nate Yetton, A&R associate for EMI, Joy found herself strongly attracted to this servant-hearted man. In June of 2004 they were married under the stately redwoods at Henry Cowell State Park, a mile from Mount Hermon, in an intimate outdoor wedding.

In mid 2005, due to several career decisions and philosophical differences with her label and management company, Joy requested a release from her contractual ties, which was granted. For the next while she rested, traveled and began exploring new career opportunities, sensing God had a different direction for her.

In 2006, Joy signed a publishing contract as a top line songwriter with Judy Stakee at Warner/Chappell Music (division of Warner Music Group) where she had great success. She wrote ‘Waiting for Yesterday’ with David Hodges and Steven McMorran which was picked up and recorded by American Idol runner-up David Archuleta; ‘Oh my Lord’ and ‘Only You’ featured on Mandisa‘s debut True Beauty; ‘Awaken’ featured on Natalie Grant’s project of the same name; ‘Wish’ featured on Brian Littrell’s solo debut, Welcome Home (You); and helped Jennette McCurdy, the singer and co-star of Nickelodeon’s hit TV show iCarly, write and compose ‘So Close’, Jennette’s debut single. This is only a smattering of songs she composed during that time. As of April 1, 2009, Joy officially went independent, parting ways with Warner/Chappell Music Group.

In October of 2008, Joy announced that she and her husband Nate were starting their own company called sensibility music LLC, a recording, marketing, management and licensing firm which hopes to expand its roster in the future as the company grows. Joy is the company’s flagship artist and focus.

On January 27, 2009, Joy digitally released her newest 4 song One of Those Days EP, and it climbed as high as #29 on the iTunes Pop top albums chart the first week released. ‘Charmed Life’, one of the songs, was picked up by Grey’s Anatomy and on May 14th, 2009, was featured for over 2 minutes during the opening scene of the Grey’s Anatomy Season 5 finale episode. Joy continues to write songs independently for various projects for herself, other artists and producers in multiple genres of music, as well as songs for TV/Film and Advertising agencies.

On February 14, 2009, Joy announced the beginning of a new band she formed with singer/songwriter John Paul White, called The Civil Wars. The band will be another creative outlet as the duo continues to write original material for their debut to be released later this year and produced by Charlie Peacock.

Joy’s warm approach and openness, her ability to teach the craft of songwriting with excitement and encouragement, will be life changing if you attend Songwriters 2009. Come get to know Joy and Nate, along with all the Songwriters Conference faculty who will be here to serve you.

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