Billy K.
NEWS
New reissue of out-of-print recordings..."Valerie", "The Next Best Thing", and "Surfin in Aldebaran" now available...
Advertisement
» go to the music page for more
Billy K. is a singer-songwriter originally from San Francisco but now in Seattle, WA. You can say a "cover most of the bases" and in a general sense, "all-around pop-rock". However, unlike those piano guys on both sides of the Atlantic, there are some quirky lyrics, as well as ethnic influences, and other unusual things.
Why this name?
Simple---it's down to just a solo act at the moment.
Do you play live?
Not playing live all that much at the present time. Once in a while doing some acoustic stuff at the spur of the moment, but that's about it.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
Makes lesser known artists more accessible.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Yes, getting slightly less money--but at the same
time, a trade-off for more artistic control. Plus
doing touring, on a somewhat limited basis- I
believe on having a certain amount of freshness
in the live sets.
time, a trade-off for more artistic control. Plus
doing touring, on a somewhat limited basis- I
believe on having a certain amount of freshness
in the live sets.
Band History:
Returned to seriously working on music, after a long absence, in 1998. Previously was a member of a band called Airborne, which later became Ursa Minor(no connection with the bands currently using these names). Also had done a variety of music-related stuff, from playing metal, to barbershop quartet singing, do DJing oldies music for weddings and parties.
Your influences?
Brian Wilson, Stelios Kazantzides, New Order, Santana, Syd Barrett, Elton John, Eric Carmen
Favorite spot?
There are a LOT of them! Most of them have beaches!
Equipment used:
Some changes since last year, due to the general situation.....had to sell equipment, but am now regrouping and getting back into.
Old Roland analog machine(SH-2000), Alesis QS-8, Farfisa Compact Combo, Roland Drum Machine, and
now using Sonic Foundry's ACID programming.
As for guitars.....Squire Strat and Squire P-Bass.
Did use a digital work station about three years ago, but ended up selling it. DAW's are a real pain to deal with. Have gone to ADAT instead, and have had a much easier time since.
Also some improvements in the outboard equipment, as well. But still looking for more as things go along.
Old Roland analog machine(SH-2000), Alesis QS-8, Farfisa Compact Combo, Roland Drum Machine, and
now using Sonic Foundry's ACID programming.
As for guitars.....Squire Strat and Squire P-Bass.
Did use a digital work station about three years ago, but ended up selling it. DAW's are a real pain to deal with. Have gone to ADAT instead, and have had a much easier time since.
Also some improvements in the outboard equipment, as well. But still looking for more as things go along.
Anything else...?
As promised, "Surfin' in Alderbaran" is now, as of July 29, available as a download. Additionally, "Girls Can't Read Your Mind", the debut release, as well as "Valerie" were made available....these have been out of print since the early 80s.
"Gotta Be a Solution" is coming up next, so FOUR songs made available again in less than a week.
"Something I'm Good At" will be the next new song to come out. No date set yet.
"Gotta Be a Solution" is coming up next, so FOUR songs made available again in less than a week.
"Something I'm Good At" will be the next new song to come out. No date set yet.