Follow your passion, and success will follow you. -- Arthur Buddhold
Rovella “themverses” Williams
You might be hard pressed to find a life or career that better proves Arthur Buddhold’s popular quote than that of songwriter/entrepreneur Rovella Williams. In following her passion for music, she discovered the plight of the emerging artists, which gave birth to an equally passionate dedication to serve as an indie artist advocate. Selflessly immersing herself in both without regards to success or fame, Rovella is now well on the way to finding both.
Growing up in Richmond, CA, in the San Francisco’s Bay Area, Rovella nurtured a love affair with poetry, logging her thoughts and verses in journals throughout her formative years. While she always felt her words were meant to be married to music, her first attempt at songwriting did not come until adulthood, when she collaborated with a close friend to transform one of her poems into a song. Her collaborator, Darnell Thompson, was so impressed with Rovella’s first effort that he asked her to pen lyrics for the girl group he was managing at the time. Though she fell in love with the process and continued to hone her skills, Rovella still was not convinced that she wanted to seek a career as a professional songwriter. When life brought her to Atlanta, GA, the choice almost made itself. With opportunities in the music industry abounding in her bustling new hometown, Rovella rediscovered her passion while listening to Brandy and Deborah Cox’s sophomore efforts, Never Say Never and One Wish. “Deborah’s album and the work Rodney Jerkins did with Brandy still serves as an inspiration today,” she explains. “That’s what drove me to pursue a career in music: I wanted to create music that had the same ability to move and inspire others.” That dedication to crafting music with staying power allowed Rovella to land a placement for her very first professional effort in less than 30 days. She’s continued to build her catalog of songs, ever since, working with such respected Urban talents as Brian Michael Cox, Focus, Chuck Harmony and newcomer Sam Addams. Three years ago, Rovella was introduced to her current writing partner Meshun Fuller via a mutual friend. From their first collaboration, it was evident that the two had a fail-proof working chemistry. “Meshun truly brings out the best in me as a songwriter with his vocal arrangements.”
As a fledgling songwriter who does not sing, Rovella found it an occupational necessity to befriend quite a few singers and other songwriters. It was in an effort to show her gratitude to these friends and supporters that she discovered her second career. In 2004, Rovella created a showcase to offer her collaborators the opportunity to perform before a panel of industry experts. Each singer was given the chance to perform two songs, on the condition that one was penned by Williams herself. Three years and over 25 showcases later, including shows in New York and Miami, Almost Famous has established itself as the premier talent showcase for exceptional emerging artists. The showcase, now a staple in Atlanta’s entertainment community, has also developed into a growing brand, with the addition of the Almost Famous Mixtape and Almost Famous Magazine, which are both released quarterly towards the same goal. “Having been an emerging artist myself, it’s my goal to remain an advocate for my peers,” says Williams of her mission. “That may not be the route others would choose,” she continues, “but I once read a quote that spoke directly to me: ‘Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’ That’s EXACTLY what I aim to do in my career.”
The experiences and relationships that have molded her career both as a songwriter and successful event organizer prompted Williams to establish Verseus Entertainment Group, a boutique Public Relations and Consulting Firm for emerging artists and businesses. Through this endeavor, she has lent her passion to the careers of New York Times Best Selling author Omar Tyree, whom she met through Almost Famous; Sho’Nuff recording artist Willie Joe, one of the showcases most celebrated alumni; Entertainment Attorney Dante Marshall; Super Producer Sam Addams, who is signed to her production company Secret Society Productions; and Compton Crooner Romie Walker among others. While working with fledging artists and entities by day, she continues to pen records to add to her growing catalog of R&B and Pop songs. She’s content with the natural progression of her career and notes, “I enjoy working with my clients, producing events, and writing music and I couldn’t ask for more, except a major placement or two, but that’s only a matter of time.”
A creed to live by.
Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail!!!
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