By Kim Brohm
When it comes to show business, it can be hard to live what people would consider a normal life. Busy schedules, late night hours, performing on the road, and living out of suitcases is not the typical 9-to-5 schedule. Though it may be a small price to pay to achieve fame and fortune, it can also be hard to stay away from many of the harmful influences a person is exposed to along the way. Drugs, alcohol, exhaustion, and manipulation are all factors when making it in the entertainment business. Stardom, of course, comes with its glory, but the journey of getting there is a battle in itself.
A 20-year-old singer and songwriter, Louisville native Wil Heuser, knows first-hand the amount of preparation and energy it takes to thrive in the music industry. That's why it has always been a goal of his to steer away from the negative influences of the business and stay true to himself. His method is through exercise, staying fit both physically and mentally. He doesn't drink or experiment with drugs, but instead makes fitness a priority just as much as writing and performing great music.
“It's my way of dealing with stress,” said Heuser. “In the music business it's hard not to take the frustration on. I don't smoke or drink, but I am an avid runner. Running is my addiction.”
In a world of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll, it can be easy to succumb to such a lifestyle. But Heuser has bigger goals than becoming just another “True Hollywood” story, such as releasing his debut album, moving to Europe in the summer to begin his tour, and one day running a full marathon.
A versatile singer who describes his style as Rolling Stones meets Madonna, Heuser started singing at an early age — claiming he could sing before he could talk. He took singing lessons for eight years, training in classical music.
“I always did talent shows and loved performing,” said Heuser. “I'm a Leo so I love being the center of attention.”
At 13, Heuser toured with a pop artist for six months. It was that experience that convinced the young man he didn't want to end up letting the business get the best of him. He would instead decide to commit to staying fit and avoid smoking and engaging in drugs.
“I remember going on stage and doing a 30- to 40-minute set and being so pumped and excited afterwards,” said Heuser. “I would always get asked how I could get through a whole set without being exhausted.”
By no means is exercise and being active a stretch for the young artist. His parents, a former surgeon, Dr. Louis S. Heuser and Peggy Heuser, own and founded the Heuser Clinic located here in Louisville. The center, which teaches adults about nutrition and how to live a healthy lifestyle, is just one of the positive influences in Wil Heuser's life.
Heuser's family is also extremely active. Growing up with his older brother Chip, he remembers being taught to eat right and going on family vacations that involved biking, camping, and rafting all over the world.
“My family has always been active, active, active,” said Heuser. “My brother and I were taught a lifestyle, how to take care of ourselves and not be on a diet every six months.”
Heuser grew up competing on the swim team, running cross-country and track and field. He and his older brother, Chip, both excelled at pole vaulting. Wil Heuser pole vaulted in high school before moving to Los Angeles his senior year to pursue music. Chip Heuser is currently a pole vaulter at the University of Oklahoma. He placed fourth in indoor nationals and is working to earn a chance to compete in Beijing at the Olympics.
In the end, Heuser's passion for singing and performing would lead him down a different path than his brother. But Heuser continues to channel his athletic ability into preparing for his performances. He still competes in several local triathlons with his brother during the summer and even runs the mini-marathon whenever his schedule allows.
“I've always known the individual I am and what I want,” said Heuser. “Growing up, I was always so far outside of what other people wanted to be. It helped me to become open minded and learn not to judge people. I believe the road less traveled should be applauded or else it would be a great risk not taken.”
Since moving to L.A., Heuser has signed with Label X, a local label located here in Louisville under the direction of CEO and founder Todd Smith. For the past three months, Heuser has been on the road performing in dance clubs in the Northeast and along the East Coast. He is now in Louisville where he spends his time recording music until the wee hours of the morning.
Heuser understands that working late hours and performing shows on the road requires being in good condition and taking care of his body, especially since his performances combine edgy singing with dancing. His music is a mix of rock, acoustic beats, and modern dance elements and his show includes a band and two female back-up dancers.
“It takes a lot of energy to move and sing on stage at the same time,” said Heuser. “It takes about two weeks to get back into the hang of things and just get used to handling the adrenaline rush.”
In order to prepare for going on the road, Heuser stays in shape through running and weight training. He lifts weights three days a week, dividing those days into working on his arms and chest, back and shoulders, and legs, and runs a total of 30 to 40 miles per week.
Heuser's work schedule doesn't begin until 9 p.m., and consists of writing and recording music in the studio until the early hours of the morning. He then goes home to sleep, rising the next morning at 10 a.m. even if it's been a late night. He begins the day by running a couple of miles with his dog Bell, a giant Chihuahua mixed breed. After that he eats his biggest meal of the day, which is lunch, followed by answering fan mail and e-mail. He then takes a longer run around 4 p.m.
Although the exercise keeps his body in top condition, it also helps to keep a healthy mind. Heuser writes and performs his own music. He claims that negativity often inspires his writing and that many times songs just pop into his head when he is running or working out.
“Running is a great stress reliever,” said Heuser. “I guess writing is a lot like running. They are both a great outlet.”
Heuser's music is influenced by a variety of artists. He loves all genres of music, from the B-52s, Amy Winehouse, oldies, the '80s, and even Shania Twain. But his biggest influence may be his family.
“I'm grateful for my family. They are so supportive and have always encouraged me to go for it,” said Heuser. “We are a very close and tight knit family. No matter how busy we are, we make time in the winter and summer to go on vacation together. My brother and I used to fight a lot but now we've gotten older and realized that family's all you got. I have the biggest love for my family.”
Despite entering the music industry at an early age and facing a few obstacles on the way, Heuser has continued to focus on making a career in music in a positive and healthy manner. Now more mature and aware of all the pressures of the business, he continues to only grow both as a singer and a person.
“I've learned a lot about the career I want to do. I've seen the bad side of the industry. That's why I try to maintain a healthy mind,” said Heuser. “It's been a struggle and a maze to figure out how the industry works but it's been fun and a good learning experience. It has definitely built character.”
This summer his new single is scheduled to release in Europe. He will then begin a whirlwind promotional tour through Europe in countries such as Germany, France, England, and Italy. It is definitely a huge opportunity that Heuser has been working on achieving his whole life. But with the success, Heuser still keeps a level head. He realizes how much hard work it takes to make it to the top. That's why he takes pride in getting there the right way, staying healthy, keeping fit, and rocking on.
“I love to perform,” said Heuser. “I could care less if I win a Grammy. I just want to be able to go on tour, have fun shows, and achieve a stable career.”
