William Is "Speed of Light"

Sounds from USA

01/12/2025 |

“Speed of Light” by William Is is a shimmering, nostalgia-laced art rock gem that channels the expansive arrangements and melodic sophistication of 1980s icons like Tears for Fears and Pink Floyd. Clocking in at 4 minutes and 6 seconds, the track unfolds like a compact pop suite—layered with atmospheric synths, crisp drum machines, and emotionally resonant vocals that hover between introspection and euphoria. The production is lush yet precise, balancing retro textures with a modern sensibility that makes the song feel both familiar and freshly imagined. It’s a confident reintroduction from a seasoned artist embracing a new sonic identity.

William Is marks the latest chapter for Chicago-based multimedia artist William Steffey, who launched his music journey at just 11 years old with a Tascam 244 cassette recorder—a fitting origin story for someone whose work has always blurred the lines between analog warmth and experimental ambition. After closing the book on his extensive William Steffey catalog (over 200 songs across 16 albums) in 2021, he reemerges under this new moniker with a refined vision. “Speed of Light” follows his debut single “Stop Listening to Worry” featuring Deon Malik™, and precedes the maxi-single Ashland, which includes imaginative remixes by a diverse roster of collaborators. With William Is, Steffey isn’t just revisiting the past—he’s reassembling it into something vibrantly contemporary.