Willie J. Healey

Willie J Healey (born 18 May 1994) is an English singer-songwriter from Oxfordshire. He has released three studio albums – People and Their Dogs (2017), Twin Heavy (2020) and Bunny (2023).

Healey performing live at Ampere in Munich, Germany, 2024

Life

Healey was born in 1994 in Carterton, Oxfordshire.^[1] He went to Carterton Community College, followed by Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, where he took a music diploma.^[1]

Healey began making music as a 13-year-old,^[2] and is completely self-taught. Speaking about how he got into playing music, he said, "My dad and grandad both play and would always play at Christmas, and that was my main motivation to play. I wanted to play Oasis covers with them.”^[1]

Healey says he was initially planning to become a boxer.^[3] Before getting a recording deal, he would earn money by working with his dad as a plasterer in Carterton.^[1]

Music

Healey's first album, People and Their Dogs (2017), was released on Columbia Records, however he was subsequently dropped by the label.^[4] During August 2018 he supported Gaz Coombes on his UK tour. Healey recorded and released his second album Twin Heavy (2020) on Yala Records.^[3] His third album Bunny was released in August 2023 and nominated for BBC 6 Music's Album Of The Year.^[5]

The debut single off Bunny, Thank You, features Healey’s friend Jamie T. Healey claims that Jamie T lent him a drum machine during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, which led to the album’s more funk-based sound.^[3] This was followed by the single Little Sister in April 2023, with future singles set to include Sure Feels Good and Dreams.^[6]

In support the Bunny album, Healey supported Florence & the Machine on their 2023 arena tour of the UK, Arctic Monkeys on the European leg of their 2023 tour and Idles, on their 2024 UK tour.^{[7] [8]}

Healey has said that his main musical influence is Neil Young.^[2]

Discography

Studio albums

• People and Their Dogs (2017)
• Twin Heavy (2020) UK 59
• Bunny (2023) UK 69

EPs

• HD Malibu (2015)
• Saturday Night Feeling (2015)
• Hey Big Moon (2016)
• 666 Kill (2018)
• Hello Good Morning (2019)