Our Music | The Will McBride Group

Imagine:
A funkier Steely Dan, a jazzier John Mayer, a more lyrical Santana, an edgier Stevie Wonder...
Now you get the picture.

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The Critics say:

"Wow, what an incredible track! The sound is absolutely captivating! The instrumentation is spot on and the vocals are packed with emotion. It’s one of those songs that grabs you from the very first second and doesn’t let go. Seriously impressive work." - Review of "Don't Stop, Be Leaving" by playlister Pablo Ladron Ordoyo
"The first thing that will stand out to you about the song "Suburban Grass Farmer" ...is the humor. But while you are enjoying this musical smirk, pay attention to the guitar solo. It has this great, Mark Knopfler kind of tone and pacing. It is smooth, but with some fun swerves thrown in. - Cris Cohen, Bands to Fans
"...the rest of the day I'm singing "Hit Song" in my head!! I heard it ONE time. How does that @#%& guy do that?" - NC radio legend Bob "the Blade"
"...he (Will McBride) calls this a "Hit Song", and it is! You will love it. It's catchy and it is his best yet". NC radio legend Kitty Kinnin
Rock groove that grabs you instantly! I’m loving the rhythmic pull and the way your voice carries the energy. The production is clean but still keeps that raw edge that’s essential for great rock music. I could definitely picture this ("Hit Song") playing during a road trip or hyping up a crowd before a headline act....your sound has something very memorable. Congrats on this impeccable work. KOALA MIX Playlister (Spotify)
"...your cover of "Reelin' In the Years" is the best that I have heard. Well done!" - Brent Lambert, The Kitchen Mastering, Inc.
"The melodic versatility and political commentary shows shades of Steely Dan, aesthetically. The “burn it down,” rousing past the one-minute mark proves especially stirring, critiquing those “who protect their career,” above public service. “ICYMI” is a rousing success from The Will McBride Group." - Obscuresound.com's Mike Mineo
“No for an Answer'' was the highlight. The band goes all in with the funk and is close to sounding like James Brown at points. It's really fantastic all around from the background to the lead. It seems like a good way to end a show." PitchPerfectSite.com review of 'None the Worse for Wear'
"When I heard you include "tectonic plates" in the lyrics (of "Earthquake"), I just had to listen to the rest of the song." - Wayne Nelson, bassist and lead singer for Little River Band
"The slinky bass and bluesy guitar soloing show off the bands instrumental prowess, whilst Will McBride’s vocals glide effortlessly over the top." - Music Related Junk review of "Karma"
"...guitarist Will McBride makes jazzy, soul-fusion pop, where sometimes-pointed lyrics play against the music’s energetic swing. ...music (of "Tell Me I'm Wrong") offers verve through juxtaposition, a real swagger..." - INDY Week's Chris Parker's review of 'All In'
"..It’s flow has a way of keeping you hooked from the start. The delivery is on point and the reality of it all is that it’s just a top notch mark in this band’s rolodex. If you’re a fan of adult contemporary music, check out Will McBride Group right now." - Bandblurb.com's review of 'All In'

Discology (click image for spotify link)

"Trifecta" is the first full CD release (2009). It contains six original tunes, and five covers. Performed by the trio, recorded live in the studio with only a couple of minor overdubs. Trifecta's objective was to be a representation of exactly how the trio sounded live, minimal production at Will's direction. A demo, of sorts, but with many of Will's original songs that would find their way into the setlist. 'Hat Dance', the featured single, was the band's first song to get multiple plays on a commercial FM radio station.

The second studio CD (2012) was an EP called "3Play". Three of Will's original songs, tracked by the trio and produced by John Custer. 3Play was a more ambitious project, with the objective of crating a product with a larger sound, thicker production. Will created layered guitar parts with different textures, including a swirling Leslie effect. Also, thicker backing vocals were added, per Custer's guidance. 'Mental Health Day' , the featured single, became the band's first full-length "official music video".

In 2014, the band released a third studio CD...a six-song collection called "ALL IN", containing five of Will's original tunes, and one cover. Two significant "growth" changes: 1) This recording added keyboards, and 2) Will took on the executive producer role, having learned much from Custer. Will wrote the songs for this one with bigger production in mind...even adding a horn section on two tracks. 'Funkside', the featured single, became the band’s opening song for live performances for years.

Two singles “Earthquake” & “Karma” were released in 2018. Will wrote the songs, providing guitar and vocals. The lineup for these songs consisted of a studio rhythm section, and the keyboardist on "ALL IN". Custer returned as executive producer. Both of these songs received significant local FM airplay. For 3 1/2 years, 'Earthquake' generated significant royalties through mechanical licensing.

The fourth studio CD, "None the Worse for Wear", was released in 2021. It features the quartet, adding a guest backing vocalist. Will was the executive producer for these four songs. Two personal experience stories, a scathing commentary of commercial FM radio, and an instrumental audio interpretation of a visual image...all stellar tracks! "No For an Answer", the feature single, is a powerhouse funk composition, that lets each player shine. The physical CD contains the two 2018 singles as "bonus tracks".

The fifth studio CD, "ICYMI" is a six-song collection was released in 2023. It debuts five new original songs from Will, and one cover. Produced by Will, with the same instrumentation and backing vocalist as the previous album. Subjects include social commentary, rising above circumstances, another audio interpretation of a visual image, even a jazz homage. The irony-laden tune "Hit Song", the featured single, collected significant endorsements from four different regional FM radio personalities.

The single "Tribute", a rerecording of the song from Will's 2004 solo release, was originally tracked in 2023 "ICYMI" sessions, but was omitted from the final album. In late 2024, Will retracked the guitar, lead vocals, and backing vocals, plus the drummer came back to add percussion, the single was released in April 2025. It is a tribute to the greatest Latin American guitarist of all, who is one of Will's primary influences.

The sixth studio recording, a two-song EP called "IDO2NS" was tracked immediately following their final central NC performance, and released in November 2025. No additional players on this one...just the four core musicians. Will's wit & sarcasm, a trademark for WMG recordings, returns on both of these songs. Just a few days after release, both 'Don't Stop, Be Leaving' and 'Suburban Grass Farmer' were broadcast on FM radio stations in NC, SC & GA.

North Carolina stations that have aired WMG music multiple times: