Join Willi Carlisle to Support the Next Generation of Musicians

With a heavy-duty catalog of new material for a career first double album, The Universal Bubba marks a half dozen releases for folksinger Willi Carlisle and reaches new heights with the added accelerant of first time producer Tyler Childers.

“I think this one goes to outer space,” says Carlisle. “I think this is the widest range of influences that I’ve ever had. It touches on funk, it touches on Americana, Cajun, oldtime, and experimental music.” With Childers’ band behind him, Carlisle embraced the freedom to wander across genres both familiar and new, testing out instrumentation and toying with the surreality of traditions being turned on their head.

“I want to make a universal folk music. Songs for all kinds of weirdos,” says Carlisle.

Taking on a project of this size with Tyler Childers as debut producer requires hard work, camaraderie and supreme self confidence. Undeterred by the challenge and grounded in his beliefs, Carlisle has proved that it really does “take a Universal Bubba doin’ it for themselves.”

Willi knows firsthand how music can shape a life. As a proud Tunes Ambassador, he's helping create opportunities for young people to discover that same connection through Instruments for Change.

Every child deserves the chance to pick up an instrument, learn from a great teacher, and experience the confidence and connection that comes from making music. Through Instruments for Change, Can’d Aid provides new instruments, Music Teacher Grants, and strengthens school music programs in under-served communities across the country.

Donate now through Willi's campaign to make music education more accessible for students nationwide. Your support gives young learners the chance to build confidence, express themselves, find a sense of belonging, and discover possibilities that extend far beyond the music classroom. Thank you for your support!

Willi Carlisle

Where Music Lives, Potential Grows.