WILLARD WILCOX: Joe Brunker With An Intimate Interview

By: Joe Brunker

I remember the first time I had ever met Willard Wilcox. My former project, Dead Harvest was opening with his band, The Dead Hands for Shaman's Harvest at the Forge in Joliet, IL. I remember how I attacked the marketing for that show. "Double the Dead; double the harvest!" I saw Willard Wilcox step onto the stage with the Dead Hands, and saw how effortlessly he controlled the stage and the overall energy of the room. His voice rang clear through the speakers with a flow and vocal talent that could keep the attention of the crowd.

  Years went by, and we played a couple more shows together, in our different projects. I watched him grow continuously in his craft and presence. He lives his music. I was so glad to see his growth in recent years, and how his band Cool Kills just continues to put out banger after banger. I knew I had to interview him one day. Today was that day. Major thanks to Willard for the answers provided! Keep an eye out for this talented guy. You won't regret following him down the musical rabbit hole. 

Joe: You've been in the scene since I can even remember. How long has that been?
Willard: I’d say half my life. I’ve been in the grind for about 10 + years now. I did have a late start, As I didn’t start singing until I was 26 -27 years old. I didn’t know what a E or A on guitar was until then too. I started writing songs before I knew how to play. I am grateful to my bandmates and the music gods for the help.

Joe: How many bands have you been involved with over the span of your time in live performances?
Willard: 3 bands and my solo project.
Hot For Preacher - Bass player
The Dead Hands - Frontman / Rhythm Guitar
Cool Kills - Frontman 1of2 / Lead Guitar /Solo

Joe: I think it is awesome that you are getting such a leg up from local radio! How did you make those connections?
Willard: Right place, right time. I was playing a show in the middle of nowhere. And the right people were in attendance. Soon after I got an email asking if I’d like to be involved with a contest the Q101 was holding. And I would be apart of the prize. I obliged. During my performance with the station. The heads of the station were present. Soon after I was invited to play Twisted 25 at Aragon Ballroom. As well I was invited to play The NBC Tower and later this year I’ll be back with Q101 for another contest.

Joe: What has been the hardest part about navigating the music world for you?
Willard: Living in the Midwest, I’d say the weather.

Joe: Who would you say are some of your greatest influences are in music and life in general?
Willard: My mom is my biggest influence in life. My family inspires me everyday. As for music it changes a lot. I get bored easily and I don’t like to listen to just one artist. I need it all. I like the weird stuff.

Joe: Coming from many other projects, what makes your band OK Cool stand out among the rest?
Willard: 2 singers. I’ve never worked in a project with another singer. It’s a fun dynamic.

Joe: What have been two of the greatest lessons you have learned from songwriting and performance?
Willard: We are all weird, embrace that part on stage. It’s about the audience, play for them, make them happy.

Joe: Do you have anything big brewing for 2026? New songs? New shows?
Willard: Always writing, new Cool Kills.
I’d love to release some of my solo stuff.
Working with Q101 into 2026
Playing 200 + shows
willardwilcox.com has all that info
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