William Beckett (born February 11, 1985) is an American musician who is the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the Chicago-based rock band The Academy Is..., who signed to Atlantic Records/Fueled by Ramen/Decaydance Records. While still in high school in 2003, Beckett and guitarist Mike Carden came together from rival bands in Chicago to form The Academy Is... In addition to founding the band, Beckett and Carden are credited as the primary songwriters. A third core member of the band was Adam T. Siska, Beckett's classmate and friend from Barrington High School.In 2007, Alex Davies from the BBC described Beckett as a mix of Adam Lazzara and Prince, labeling him "utterly captivating".The Academy Is... reunited at Riot Fest 2015 in the fall of 2015 in Chicago. Although Beckett had said the occasion would serve as a "farewell" show, the band later had an additional final tour later in the year.

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Features / Music

William Beckett

Since disbanding his group The Academy Is... William Beckett has dived headfirst into his solo career with EP releases and live recordings. The time however has come for a debut full length, Killyourstereo.com caught up with Big Willie to discuss it all.

Reviews / Album

Album Review: William Beckett - 'Genuine and Counterfeit'

A disappointment from a man who could have pulled off so much more.

Reviews / Album

Album Review: William Beckett - 'Walk The Talk EP'

A shot at the mainstream.