By Nanci Dodson
The Burg

Published: April 18, 2008

William Gardner leads a double life. By day, he is a high school senior at Liberty High School. However, when the final bell sounds, the 18-year-old immerses himself in his bedroom-turned-recording space and dives into his world of music known as Jupiter’s Incense.
It was late summer 2006 when Gardner decided to embark on what initially was envisioned as a solo acoustic project.
“I wanted to start something different,” he says, “something softer and with more emotional substance.”
After altering his sound and adding instruments, the Bedford native chose to take the title Jupiter’s Incense.
The name derives from his interest in science fiction, and “the scent and nature of incense. (They) can be both moody and uplifting, which may also be said for my music.”
The name also alludes to his plan to move from solo act to group someday. While Gardner would like to add more members to the mix, he’s waiting until his upcoming move to Murfreesboro, Tenn., where he plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University.
“In actuality, I bill the band as just that, a band,” he says. “As for the rest of the lineup, that will be determined this fall.”
Currently, he has support from local drummer Dennis Looze, but for live performances only.
There are certainly pros and cons to being essentially a one-man-band, though. Although there is no one to disagree during the writing/recording process, Gardner says that when it comes to making music, “two opinions are better than one.
“Being the only member does guarantee understanding, but you always run the risk of becoming stale or repetitive.”
At MTSU, Gardner will study record production, in hopes of obtaining knowledge of the business aspect of the music industry, in addition to his self-taught musical abilities.
Gardner got a taste when he took on the challenge of writing, recording, mixing and producing his full-length debut album, “The Act and Art of Breathing,” released in early March. Gardner also photographed the cover art and printed the CDs. The process was completed in just seven months.
He admits the record is a concept album, containing an overt correlation to Christianity, but says that at times the parallel is indirect and unintentional.
“It’s largely a good-versus-evil story.”
The album’s title sums up the lyrical content rather clearly.
“(It) was actually inspired by the horrifying number of people who take their own lives for granted,” Gardner says. “You only have one life and one chance. You should enjoy every nuance of your existence.
“Every blink and every breath are a blessing.”
The CD should be available through iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazon MP3 within a couple of weeks.
Gardner aspires to learn every aspect of the industry before plunging in. By attending MTSU, a school renowned for its recording programs, he will gain further understanding, perhaps allowing Gardner to self-release more albums.
Self-releasing an album is not a cheap endeavor. Although he says he’s not sure exactly how much he spent, he bought recording equipment, the CD burner, a camera, the packaging and all the material needed for the CD.
Gardner pulled money from his own pocket to produce and distribute “The Act and Art of Breathing.” His attitude, however, is still that of an optimist, as he remains hopeful that the money will make its way back in good time.
He’s more enthusiastic about taking a stand against everyday radio anthems. “These days it’s all about who you know and what you play,” he says.
“Mainstream music is a stagnant pool of rehashed garbage. It’s time for a change.”
Jupiter’s Incense plays shows regularly in the area, and Gardner frequents Big Lick’s Open Mic Night on Thursdays. You can catch him playing various instruments, sitting in with acts who request it, as well as his own spot serving as the frontman for Jupiter’s Incense.