Exclusive Interview With Billboard Emerging Artist Bill Abernathy
IMAAI: So, what is life like in Kansas City, MO for a folk singer-songwriter like yourself?
BA: KC is a great music town with huge diversity in music. We range from Jazz to Blues, to Rock, Country, Folk and about everything in between. With this much diversity there is always a great place to listen to music of whatever style you prefer. I enjoy KC, living in the City Market area where we have a lot of entertainment and dining choices within walking distance. There are too many great places to play to mention, but that said, there is music everywhere 7 days a week.
IMAAI: About how often do you perform live, and where?
BA: I don’t play too often in the KC area, but when I do, I tend to play benefit concerts. There are several great charities and 501c3 organizations in KC to support. I think that due to my preference for playing live sparsely, we tend to draw a good crowd when we do. It’s really a win-win, as we get to play, our fans get to hear us live, and we help support a good cause.
IMAAI: What’s the one place that you haven’t performed, that is on your “bucket list.”
BA: Great question with a simple answer. Red Rocks. I think that would be spectacular and so much fun.
IMAAI: Do you have any artist endorsements with equipment manufacturers? If so, who? If not, who would you like to be endorsed with?
BA: I have never pursued endorsements so no. I play Guild, Yairi, and PRS guitars, and like any guitar player, I always need more so if someone wants to ship me one, I’d be happy to supply my address. LOL
IMAAI: What is your favorite song on “Crossing Willow Creek?”
BA: I get asked this a lot and it’s just not fair. It’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is. LOL. I think since the Willow Creek song is the one that really got me back in music, I would pick it. All the tunes have special meaning to me so maybe my favorite is the one I am playing right now. You guess.. ha ha
IMAAI: Your single, “Cry Wolf” has done very well on a lot of charts. Any plans for a follow-up single?
BA: We are really excited about the success Cry Wolf has gotten. It’s a fun song with a message and I like that. We are now seeing other songs starting to get some play showing up on several charts nationally and internationally. Depending on the radio stations, I think Willow Creek, Can’t Go Back, Meant To Be, and Whiskey Road could do well. But of course, as they are my songs, I like them all. We will see a time goes on.
IMAAI: Word has it, that you will be doing some live in-studio videos. Can you tell us about that project?
BA: I think this will be fun. The idea is to video us playing our songs and selected covers live in the studio. Essentially, we will be practicing the tunes for live shows. I get a lot of questions about what it’s like in the studio when we are recording, so I think folks will be interested seeing a bit of the process. Of course, playing with the great musicians I record with is never a bad day, so it should be fun.
IMAAI: You’re a huge Dan Fogelberg fan. What is your favorite album of his, and why?
BA: Now that is just wrong to ask me that. Ha-ha. I think Dan’s music is really documenting his experiences through the various stages of his life. The things he went through and things he learned along the way. To pick one is really tough, so I will cheat a bit. This morning I was listening to his song “To The Morning” from his Home Free album. Listening to that tune is a great way to start your day. I love the way the opening chord of “To The Morning”, the first song on his first album, is also that last chord in the last song on his last album he released before he passed away. So, my favorite is really the first song, the last song and all in between.
IMAAI: What’s your greatest achievement of 2018, and why?
BA: 2018 was a pretty busy year for me. Recording Crossing Willow Creek, remodeling my loft which is in a building from 1880 and is on the historic registry, (there were a few challenges…lol), as well as big changes and challenges in my business career. I think the achievement is to have gotten through it all successfully and being ready for a very busy and fun 2019.
IMAAI: Thanks for your time, Bill. Any parting words for your fans?
BA: We are excited to be working with MTS promoting Crossing Willow Creek. The press and radio play we are doing is really getting the music to our existing fans as well as creating new fans along the way. We have a lot of things in the works, so please follow my web sites and our social media listed below. You never know when we may show up in your town, and I would love to meet each one of you. Everyone has stories and sharing them is a great way to get to know each other.
Remember, if you hear a song that sounds like it was written about you….it may have been.
See ya around…
Bill Abernathy
Home page of Bill Abernathy, a songwriter artist from Kansas City. The inspiration for my music comes from many places. Events that occur to me, my family, my friends, and sometimes to people I have never met. I find it interesting to let my imaginat
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