Exclusive Interview with Music Artist “Bill Abernathy”
Q: Hi Bill! How have things been going since the release of your new EP "Who are you, Who Am I?" Things are really going great! Folks seem to be enjoying the two tunes we have released as singles, so that is fun for me. Our first release, “More Than Meets the Eye” really took off quickly. It is a bit on the political side, and it is always interesting to see how folks relate to it. I am sure this tune got the most social media interactions, likes, shares and comments of any of our tunes to date. Any songwriter wants folks to listen and interpret the lyrics from their perspective, and it’s clear More Than Meets the Eye covered that and then some. Ha-ha. “A Thousand Wild Horses”, our second single has hit home with many of our fans as well, but from a different perspective. Folks seem to be internalizing the lyrics and understanding the message of the song. Gary Burr did a great job writing this song, and I believe the lyrics really hit home with all of us and can meet us at different places in our lives. I know they certainly do with me.
Q: You've had quite a ride with several singles doing very well on the charts. What has been the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in the past year?
I think all songwriters want their fans to “get” what they are doing and relate to the messages of the songs in a personal way. I have seen this in spades with the songs we have out right now. It’s really cool to have fans tell you that your tunes have impacted them in some way, and when that occurs it is very special for me.
Q: What do you like to do when you're not making music? I am a big football fan. Now that the season has started, I try to catch as many games as possible. I also like watching my grandkids do their various activities as well as doing what I call junking. I enjoy antique shopping, and have a loft full of my finds and treasures. There’s nothing like finding that really special piece and integrating it into your space. It’s fun. And of course, my pup WORF and I love to hike when the weather allows. I don’t really get bored too often, I stay pretty busy most the time.
Q: You live in Kansas City, MO. What is your favorite thing about the city? KC is a great place, but this time of year we are blessed
to have a fantastic football team to enjoy. The Chiefs are really a special group, so talented and fun to watch, and Andy Reed is a genius coach. I’m telling ya some Arthur Bryant’s BBQ, a cold Tank 7 from Boulevard Brewery and a Chiefs game is about as good as it gets for me.
Q: If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would that be and why? Man, that is a tough question. I just got back from a week on the road with a lot of windshield time. I listed to the new John Mayer album Sob Rock several times, as well as the new Jackson Brown album Downhill from Everywhere. If your gonna pull out a magic wand and throw me on stage with someone, then either of those would certainly be an honor.
Q: Are you political at all? Do you get involved in social media debates? I suppose that depends on how you define political. Lol. I refuse to be put into the societal and political boxes of left and right we so love to throw people into these days. I honestly don’t think either side has all the answers, and the diplomats and politicians’ inability to actually debate, compromise, and make reasonable decisions outside
their biases is frustrating to me. I mean by definition, that is their job. Regarding politicized social media debates, when you find one that actually solves an issue instead of just getting folks pissed off and backed further into their respective corners, please let me know. Until then, I will not engage.
Q: What is one thing about yourself that you would change? Great question. I spend quite a bit of time in selfreflection as I write, so I’ve actually thought about this a bit. I tend to be a bit obsessive compulsive and maybe a little anal-retentive. For example, when I am writing a song, I’ll compile a bunch of thoughts, and let them lay around for a while before I start putting the puzzle pieces together. Once I start that process, I become obsessed about getting the tune completed, many times going several days with minimal sleep working deep into the night. Would it be better to balance out the time invested during the inspirational and writing periods? I don’t know because I’ve never been able to do it. Evidently obsessive compulsive is my writing style.
Q: If you had any advice for an up and coming artist, what would that be?
Spend whatever time it takes to figure out and understand who you are as an artist. When you know who you are, have found your voice, your style, your thoughts, your opinions, then share them with your fans. Your fans will see the honesty and integrity you share and will appreciate your uniqueness as an artist. Anyone can do karaoke and imitate other artists, don’t let that be you.
Q: Any plans for a new single? Yes! We will be releasing “The World’s Foremost Authority on Everything” in the next couple weeks. It’s a fun song with a pretty cool message, and the only pure country song I’ve ever done. Anytime you can include a banjo, and the word subterfuge all in one song, it has to be fun. It’s all good until you hear the banjos. LOL
Q: Will you be releasing a follow up album? I am writing the new album now. (see #7 lol). The working title is “The Great Divide”. I am also shopping new recording studios to use. It’s tough to find the right room for my acoustics so it takes a bit, but it’s fun. I expect to start recording after the first of the year.
Q: Any last shout outs or words for your fans? Do yourself a favor, turn off the TV, shut down social media, and listen to some music. I mean really listen. Analyze what the artists are saying, and figure out what their words could mean for you in your life. Have actual conversations with folks. I think that one of the downsides of the last 18 months is that we have learned to rely on social media and electronic communications. What ya say we actually talk to one another? I think we will find we are a lot closer together than the media who capitalize on our divisions have advertised. Just a thought…