Bill Abernathy Interview Part 2
by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Lamitschka: Your current single is being played by radio. What do you feel is special about this song that makes people want to hear it?
Abernathy: More Than Meets the Eye really documents the current political climate in the US. There are many statements made throughout the tune, and it’s really a rocker. Again, using the rock genre to deliver the statement of the song was a conscious decision and I think it’s working well. I think folks can relate to the commentary in the song and will enjoy the sounds. We had a lot of fun with this one
Lamitschka: What will your next single be?
Abernathy: Right now, we have just released More Than Meets the Eye and are enjoying watching it gain momentum across the globe. As it takes off, we are currently recording several other new tunes that I am quite proud of. When we finish recording those, we will choose which will be the next single to release. I am excited to get all these new tunes out for folks to hear.
Lamitschka: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?
Abernathy: That is a tough question. Each tune has its own personality so it’s hard to compare. Recording the rockers is always fun, I really like playing blues tunes, but my comfort zone is still the pretty acoustic tunes. I can’t really pick a favorite, I like them all.
Lamitschka: What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what’s the story behind it?
Abernathy: Again, that is really tough to say. My fans would tell you that the title cut from our Find A Way project is my „signature song “. The title song from Crossing Willow Creek named Willow Creek which is the song that really got me into music after a long break means a lot to me. Of course, anytime you reach that magical #1 spot which we did with „Goodbye Will Never Come Again “is very special. That is really a hard question.
Lamitschka: How much creative control do you have over your music?
Abernathy: As the songs will carry my name, I have complete control. That said, I do reach out to many friends and of course all the musicians that play with me for lots of validation and input. Each has great ideas that many times end up in the finished project. I try to use the skills and talents of all these folks to produce the best product I can.
Lamitschka: There’s a lot of work that goes into a number one hit. What did it take to make it in your case?
Abernathy: You reference our „Goodbye Will Never Come Again “which reached #1 on Folk Charts in the US. That tune took quite a bit of self-discovery. It is really a three-part song that contains a confession, and apology, and a promise. Along with the personal elements which are always hard to put down on paper, I wrote it in a somewhat unique alternate tuning to get the feel of the tune where I wanted it to be. I like to say I spent a lot of time twisting my fingers into knots to get the guitars where I wanted them to be. Though this tune was quite hard to write, it was really a great learning experience for me both emotionally and musically.
Lamitschka: Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?
Abernathy: It’s really fascinating when fans share their experiences with your music with you. During the tour this year, I had a great conversation with a fan who had driven several hours to attend a show. He wanted to hear me play my Find A Way song live. That song reflects on the day my father passed away, and the emotions that I went through during that time. The fan had lost a parent earlier in that week and had taken some solace with the lyrics to that tune. It was a very special time for me to hear how something I had written and shared had such a positive impact in another’s life. Very special time.
Lamitschka: Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?
Abernathy: Wow, inspiration comes from so many places. A story, a conversation, a relationship etc. I have always been fascinated by the great singer songwriters who have shared their stories in song over the years. There are so many, James Taylor, Jackson Brown, Willy Nelson, Steven Stills, and the list goes and continues into the more current writers. I really enjoy hearing their stories and seeing how they choose to tell the stories in song. Â
Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music scene versus its post and where do you see it going in the future?
Abernathy: Well gone are the days of massive album sales as they are replaced with streaming numbers and singles downloads. I think it’s really cool that so many people across the globe have access to your music so easily. Also gone at least for now is the ability to tour to generate revenue, but we do have live streaming options to use to stay in touch with our fans. Sure, things are different, but we have the tools to adjust and just need to learn to embrace them to their fullest potential.
Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music industry?
Abernathy: It’s really a bit crazy when you think of hundreds of thousands of tunes being release each week. There is so much music available that it makes finding and keeping your audience quite a challenge.