1. We’re thrilled to have you for an interview, Bill! How has 2021 been treating you so far, all things considered?
2021 has started off a bit busy. Along with working in the studio completing our latest EP, trying to keep up with the promotions for “More Than Meets the Eye” and doing some remodeling on my loft, it’s been a pretty busy time. We are now moving into the mastering phase on the EP, and the loft is completed, so I am looking forward to focusing on a few new tunes that have been in the works for a while.
2. Your single “More Than Meets the Eye” is still getting some airplay and charting overseas. Are you surprised at the amount of attention you’ve received for the song?
It’s always exciting to have folks listen to my music. I think “More Than Meets the Eye” is a tune people can relate to as it explores a few of the ideas that are all over the news today and takes a bit of a different look at some of them. I have received some comments from folks all over the US and Europe stating they agree with some of the concepts I delve into in the song. As I like to say, I would never be so bold as to tell anyone what to think but will challenge all of us to take a look at the events of our times and really think through them in an unbiased way. There are lots of opinions, ideas, information and miss information floating around in the media and as always, I think we owe it to ourselves to evaluate all the information and draw our own opinions. I will not ever tell you what to think but will challenge you to think for yourself. It’s important to me.
3. Do you feel like people “get” what you’re trying to do with your music?
It’s funny really. When I post a tune on social media, I typically get lots of comments. Music is a bit magic as each song can mean something different to each listener, based on where they are in their lives at the time. Do people “get” what I am saying? Sometimes folks do understand my points in the songs and sometimes they understand them from a completely different point of view. I find it very interesting to see what my music means to other people. Isn’t that why we do this music thing? To touch people’s lives in some way?
4. Growing up, who did you listen to? Do you still listen to those artists, or have your tastes changed as you’ve gotten older?
I was speaking with a friend recently and we were talking about the first 45’s we ever purchased. My first was “In the year 2525” by Zager and Evans. I listed to that tune again the other day and was fascinated by how relevant it still is in our society. I listened to quite a variety of music throughout my life in essentially every genre. I’ve always been drawn to singer songwriter music that has some type of message associated with it. Over the years, I have kept this love of songwriters and listen to a large variety of music. Folks have heard me say many times that I appreciate all types of music as long as the artist has something to say and are using music to say it.
5. Kansas City is known for its blues and BBQ. What is something that people would be surprised to know about Kansas City?
You mean beyond the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes? Ha-ha. KC is a very diverse town, with all kinds of great music, entertainment and yes, great food available. I am a big fan of farm to table restaurants, great steaks and great beer. KC has all this and more. From a music standpoint, KC has a great Jazz community, and quite a Tribute Band community. Depending on your tastes and your mood, KC can deliver what you’re looking for, and typically at very high quality. It’s a great place to live.
6. What is one song that you never change when it comes on?
“Love when you can, cry when you have to, be who you must that’s a part of the plan. Await your arrival with simple survival and one day, we’ll all understand.” Part of the Plan by Fogelberg.
Such a great song with a timeless meaning. I am big on being yourself, living in the moment, and enjoying all that life has to offer us. Dan captured that is this timeless tune.
7. Are you involved in any charitable works? If so, what?
During the pandemic the homeless community was literally left out in the cold. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to support several organizations to help this community get through the challenges of not only Covid but the challenges of winter. You know I think that if each of us would take the time to help one person a little every day, we can make a huge impact in our society. As I like to say, when you reach out and help someone, learn their name, learn their story, and get to know them a little. People are fascinating, have great stories, and sometimes just need a little hand up. Take the time to make that happen and we will all benefit from it in so many ways.
8. Tell us one thing about you that most people would be surprised to know.
I was talking with a friend the other day who told me they thought I was an extroverted introvert. I have no idea what that actually means, but I was surprised to hear it, so maybe other folks are as well. Ha-ha. I enjoy quiet time, being alone with my thoughts. I think it helps keep me in some sort of balance. It’s a pretty busy world out there, and one could easily get caught up in it and lose themselves. I attempt to maintain some balance in my extroverted introverted self. lol
9. Tell us what’s next for you, on the music front.
Following up “More Than Meets the Eye” are 3 songs that I am really excited about. They are quite diverse both musically and lyrically which is fun for me. A long-time fan asked me why I wasn’t releasing more introspective “pretty” music. Where here it comes. Two of these tunes are just that. Very introspective and challenging from a musical and lyrical standpoint. “A Thousand Wild Horses” and “Who Are You, Who Am I” really touch areas of my life that are quite personal to me. The third song is kind of fun. I think everyone has that weird uncle or friend that well kind of look forward to seeing at group gatherings. If you don’t know who it is, it’s probably you. You may be “The World’s Foremost Authority on Everything”. “Hell, he don’t even need Google”. Now ya gotta listen to it to understand that comment. LOL
10. What do you hope that people will think of when they hear the name Bill Abernathy?
I’m a simple guy. Dad, Papa, Singer Songwriter, and Storyteller living in a loft down by the river with my pup Worf. I hope folks know that I am real, honest to a fault, open minded, and enjoy a good discussion as much as I do a good jam session. I will always give you my opinion if you ask but will never give you advice. Oh, and I really like guitars, the more the better.
