Starting in Wisconsin in 1990 with his debut album, “The Trees Have Soul,” Willy Porter has traveled not only throughout a lot of the United States, but also quite a bit in Canada, the UK and Europe.

Porter has come a long way since selling his CDs out of the trunk of his Volkswagon. His song, “Angry Words” from his second album “Dog Eared Dream,” premiered in 1994 and was a top-10 staple on Triple AAA radio stations across the country. After that, Porter became a nationally recognized artist, and joined his first label, Private Music/BMG. He then attached to some big-time tours in America and Europe, namely with artists Tori Amos and The Cranberries.

“Willy Porter’s music demonstrates admirably that the technical excellence of his guitar playing will never overwhelm the essence of the song itself,” said artists Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull in an excerpt from Porter’s Web site. He toured with the two in 1999 after he signed with San Francisco-based label Six Degrees Records, where he released his third album, “Falling Forward.”

Since then, Porter has had a full career, issuing two more acoustic records and starting the Weasel Records label in 2005. Along with that, “Willy tries to make, at least, a yearly pilgrimage to Iowa State’s Maintenance Shop,” said Chris Webb, manager of Weasel Records.

He said the staff at the M-Shop have been long-time supporters of Porter because of the amazing performances Porter puts on there.

“[Porter] is one of the most charismatic performers we’ve ever had,” confirmed Steven Saterlee, entertainment programs coordinator and M-Shop adviser.

Porter has recently announced the release of his seventh album, “How To Rob a Bank”, which will be available in stores on June 2. The album will not only feature some new songs, but also some that have never been recorded.

Along with Porter’s main band, there will also be some other artists appearing on the CD. One of them, Natalia Zuckerman, another artist on the Weasel label, helped design the artwork on the disc.

“Life is worth living, and it takes guts to live it to the fullest,” Porter said.

A moment with Willy Porter

Q: How did you get started in music?

A: I started in high school. I worked as sort of a roadie for a friend. I didn’t really get into it until college.

Q: What influences you?

A: The human condition — I’m inspired by the failure of humanity.

Q: How did you find your sound?

A: I learned that you have to modify your sentences until you’re heard.

Q: What do you like most about performing? Why?

A: I like the idea that you only get one shot at stuff. The most compelling thing is that performing is momentary.

Q: How did you come to play at the M-Shop?

A: One of my agents told me that it was a legendary place. I think of it as a great national room [ with a diverse audience].

Q: What is your favorite song you’ve written?

A: I don’t really have one. It might sound a little cliche, but I really like the one I’m writing.