January 11, 2004
Interview with Billy Greer
Today I am proud to bring you an interview with Billy Greer, long time member of Kansas and recent founder of The Seventh Key. Billy is a very articulate and open person who is not afraid to say what he thinks. If you would like to get to know more about Billy after reading this interview there is a wealth of information available at his site: www.billygreer.com. As I was preparing this interview I felt as though I was getting to know a new person, a person who was warm, honest and full of energy! The first Seventh Key album has certainly earned its way into many homes with its successor The Raging Fire set for release on February 9th. I hope you enjoy this interview and we look forward to hearing more from this great artist!1. While we could easily direct someone to your biography on your website to learn more of who Billy Greer is we would like to stick to our tradition of asking you to take a moment in the beginning to introduce yourself; Billy Greer the man behind the music...
I live with my wife Kathy, in Jacksonville, Florida. When I'm not touring with Kansas or working on a musical project. I enjoy fishing in the ocean. Nothing like the rush of hooking on to something that might weigh more than you! I ride my bicycle about 12 miles every day for exercise. I quit smoking 3 months ago after smoking for about 30 years. I am waging a war with my body to not gain weight. So far I'm holding my own. I have been playing music for 35 years and still think that the best feeling in the world is to play in front of a crowd. I love it!
2. After a long career of playing with many very talented musicians you are set to release your second solo album, The Raging Fire, can you tell us a bit about the album, we know that you and Mike Slammer have written all of the music but what else makes this one different from the last?
First of all, let me say, this started out as a solo project. I don't consider it that any more. This is collaboration with my friend and partner Mike Slamer. I think this record is different because with Mike and I writing all the songs, I think the CD as a whole has more continuity in it's sound. There were so many influences on the first CD that I think the styles were all over the place. I'm proud of the first and think that it sounded great but this record is more of who Billy and Mike are. I think lyrically some of the songs on the new CD are maybe a little darker.
3. Overall how would you rate the response of the fans to "The Seventh Key" and how has the experience of a solo career been for you personally?
I would rate the response as nothing short incredible. I had no idea that the CD would do as well as it did or get the rating that it achieved. It has been very satisfying to me to be able to have an opportunity outside of Kansas to be able to write and sing my own songs.
4. The combination of talents between you and Mike are amazing and produce some incredible music, did you know how well the two of you would work together or have you been a bit surprised by the results?
It really wasn't a surprise that we would work well together. Mike is the first person I thought of when I decided to do a record. Mike's standards as a musician and as a producer are incredibly high. He always gets my best performance out of me. Now is I could get him out of the studio and play some live gigs, then I would be overjoyed!
5. We like to ask those who are writers as well as musicians how they typically work out a new song or idea they have, do you start with a melody or a lyric; how do you write a new song?
The way Mike and I write is not always the same. But usually it almost always starts as a musical idea. Typically, Mike comes up with more of the musically ideas and I write most of the lyrics. Sometimes we just sit down face to face with our instruments and sooner or later an idea will start coming out. Sometimes Mike will give me the music of a verse/chorus idea that he has recorded and I will sing along just singing nonsense words. This helps to hone in on a melody. Mike will listen and give input saying "I like that", or "How about trying this"or "You can't be serious". Seriously, Mike doesn't have a great voice but he has a great ear for melody and phrasing. Every now and then when I am scatting along with a piece of music, a phrase will come out of nowhere. When that happens, the song almost starts writing itself. After we have agreed on roughly what the melody will be, I will take that home with me and that's where the work for me really is, coming up with a story line that makes sense and a chorus that grabs you.
6. At the same time as you have been working on The Seventh Key you have also kept going with Kansas, how have you been able to manage both interests, where do you draw the motivation to keep up with the schedule?
I draw the motivation from the fact that I love to perform. Kansas has given me a great vehicle to fulfill that love. Seventh Key gives me a creative outlet for my being able to write and record and sings my own songs.
7. We know that you have a touring schedule laid out with Kansas, but do you have any plans to tour in support of The Raging Fire?
At this point there are no plans to tour with Seventh Key. I would love to do that though, if I could only get Mike to get out of his studio. Who knows, stranger things have happened. We get a hit record and I'll drag him out and make him tour.
8. When you are not working on an album or touring what activities do you enjoy; what do you do to "Strike A Balance" in your life?
As I said in the opening, I love salt water fishing and I love to ride my bicycle. I live in Florida and the weather here in the winter usually fantastic. Another interest of mine is woodworking. My wife and I recently bought a new house and now I have the room to have a woodworking shop.
9. "Cold Hearted Woman" was the first time you heard yourself on the radio and thus one of the highlights of your career, what times since would you describe as the best moments?
When I signed recording contract for Seventh Key it was very memorable. Getting to tour all over the world has been very rewarding. Getting to meet people from all over the world has meant a lot to me. There are really some great people.
10. As some one who has paid his dues and made it in the music industry what advice do you have for those aspiring musicians trying to break into a career and perhaps looking at their first record deal?
I have been lucky in my career. I guess I would tell people to have a lot of perseverance. Don't be afraid to take chances. Don't be afraid to be told "No and believe me, you will be told no a lot! Write your own songs. Song writing is like any craft. The more you do it the better you get at it. Surround ourselves with other talented people. Feed off each others talents don't compete with them. Be prepared to work until 'Hell Freezes Over' to be successful.
11. How do you feel the music industry has changed since you were starting out, with the internet being widely available as a marketing tool, the difference in the record labels attitudes, and the scene as a whole?
Thing are completely different now than they were when I started. Record companies in the past would sign and would develop them into big act. Some artist or bands wouldn't have success until their third or maybe album. This was the case with Kansas. Some people still think that 'Leftoverture' was Kansas' first record. The labels have missed the boat, in that, it took them way to long to hooking into the internet and using it more to sell music.I think band today have a much rougher road to be successful. Most label will give them a one record deal. If they are successful, they are given another record, if not, then it's bye-bye. I really don't understand the success of some the bands out there today. Honestly, some of them sound like they beginners on their instruments. They find success before they learn to play.
12. You played with a lot of bands before signing on with Kansas, do you ever have any thoughts of a reunion or maybe a joint effort working with your old band mates?
I still stay in touch with some of my old band mates. I occasionally go back to my old home town and we will get together and record or just hang. They are very supportive of my success especially my solo stuff.
13. Are there any artists that you would like to collaborate with on future projects that you have not worked with previously?
There are some incredible musicians out there that I would be honored to work with. I think that I have found a great situation that I am pretty happy with. Don't get me wrong, the door is always open.
14. Of the new artists who are emerging do you have any favorites, what do you think makes a great musician today?
A couple of bands' 'Nickleback' and 'Lincoln Park', ass-kicking bands that can play. Another artist that I recently became a fan of is 'Pink', great voice and "I don't give a S*#t attitude". Anyone who has taken the time and effort to try and master their instrument and try to create their own music. Then there are those lucky ones who were blessed with a great voice and an incredible ability to play really well.
15. Do you have a parting message to your fans at the end of this interview?
I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their support encouragement. Lots of people have taken the time to visit my website www.billygreer.com and write a note of encouragement. For that, I thank you so much! Thanks to all who bought the first CD. Because of that, I have the opportunity to record another. I hope you enjoy the new music, and this I promise, I will never take you for granted.
Posted by Kathy at January 11, 2004 11:23 PM