Yasmin Williams

American acoustic guitarist Yasmin Williams develops an instrumental approach centered on folk fingerstyle guitar, blending influences from folk, ambient, R&B and African musics. Based in the Washington, D.C. area in the United States, Williams first drew attention with online videos in which she explores percussive techniques, horizontal tapping and the use of the instrument's body as a rhythmic element. Her first full-length album, "Unwind" (2018), established a language of contemplative instrumental pieces often built around repeating motifs and subtle harmonic variations. With "Urban Driftwood" (2021) she broadened this framework by explicitly incorporating echoes of go-go, West African music and American folk, while maintaining a melody-centered writing style. On stage Williams mainly performs solo, in intimate venues and at folk, jazz and independent music festivals, presenting a repertoire that emphasizes the narrative and cinematic qualities of her instrumental compositions.