In Episode 12 of Creative Evolution, host Josi J sits down with Dwight Wilson (aka "The Oneder") guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, church music director, father of five, and lead guitarist of Josie J and Dessert. Dwight's story is a masterclass in what it looks like to build a long-term creative career without burning out, burning bridges, or giving up.
Dwight started in church, picking up drums before moving to saxophone (where he always had to be first chair), then guitar, piano, bass, and beyond. He quit guitar in fifth grade because his fingers hurt, came back at 16, and never stopped again. Those early calluses shaped everything.
In this episode, we get into:
✔️ Growing up in a Pentecostal church and how faith shaped his musicianship
✔️ Quitting guitar at 10, coming back at 16, and what that break taught him about perseverance
✔️ Joining Josi J and Dessert under fire: learning a full set list in one week and showing up to a show where half the band didn't
✔️ How he balances being lead guitarist in a touring band, church music director, full-time employee, and dad of five
✔️ His 11pm practice sessions: one Bluetooth earbud, no amp, everyone else asleep
✔️ Why he still figures out chords by ear instead of going straight to YouTube
✔️ The business side of music no one talks about: how your mindset changes everything
✔️ Why tearing other musicians down will never get you ahead
✔️ His philosophy on creative burnout, bad shows, and staying grounded
✔️ His #1 piece of advice for every independent artist: walk your love walk
🎶 Featured Independent Artists:
Serranna: https://www.facebook.com/sarrennamusic/
Lauren Oxford: https://laurenoxford.com
Liv Noelle: https://livnoelle.com
💎 Sponsored by:
Wizard of Rocks
https://www.facebook.com/WizardOfRocks
https://www.instagram.com/wizard_of_rocks
🌐 Connect with Creative Evolution:
https://josijanddessert.com/creative-evolution
https://linktr.ee/creativeevolutionpodcast
🎬 Credits:
Guest: Dwight Wilson
Editor: Alison Danielle
Host, Producer, Copywriter, Art Director and Designer: Josie Jones
Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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