Hans Williams (16 and Over)

Born and raised in Vermont, independent singer-songwriter Hans Williams grew up listening to the likes of Al Green, Tracy Chapman, Steely Dan and James Brown – all favorites of his parents. After moving to New Orleans for school, he now calls the city home, continually finding inspiration from its deep-rooted musical scene. Crafting music as a form of personal catharsis, Hans channels his emotions into each composition, aiming to provide solace and resonance for others who connect with his work. With his signature raspy vocals that cut deep and a guitar always at the core of his production, his DIY-approach to indie-folk music has connected with audiences worldwide. Amassing over 105 million streams to date across platforms, Hans Williams has found success with singles like “All Is Well,” “Skin,” and “Willows,” all racking up millions of streams and propelling the rising artist’s career. His sound has garnered attention from the likes of Billboard and Ones to Watch, while landing editorial support across streaming platforms. Williams, who got his start in live performance by producing and selling out his own shows at Tipitina’s—a renowned 800-capacity venue—while still a student at Tulane, experienced a breakthrough year in 2024. Following the release of his debut EP, More Than One Way Home, Williams and his band embarked on their first headline tour: the 26-date North American More Than One Way Home tour. The momentum continued through the summer and fall with a mix of headline performances and festival appearances, including standout sets at Bonnaroo and Hinterland. By year’s end, the band had impressively played 56 shows, solidifying their place as a rising force in the music scene.