About Me
Billy surrounded himself with music from a young age. At the age of 12, after studying the clarinet for 3 years and trying his hand at the piano, drums, saxophone, bagpipes (seriously), harmonica, and didgeridoo, he picked up his first guitar: a 30 year old Yamaha 12 string. Within a year, he had moved on to the electric guitar and formed a three-piece classic rock and blues band, Howl. Together for only two years, they actively gigged throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut at schools, regional fairs, and fundraisers with Billy playing lead guitar and singing lead vocals.
Looking for a new direction, Billy returned to the acoustic guitar. As per the norm, he came to write his first song after a breakup with a girl whom he had barely known. It was horrible. The breakup and the song. Continuing to develop his song writing skills for the next few years, Billy moved to New York to attend NYU. It was during his freshman year that he started actively writing and recording music, which lead to the release of his self titled EP. He was soon gigging at New York institutions such as the Bitter End, Arlene’s Grocery, the Knitting Factory, and the Canal Room.
In December 2007, Billy released his debut album, The Joker’s Hand, and soon thereafter began to support acts such as Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds, Susan Tedeschi, Pete Francis (of Dispatch), and many others. Met by warm and receptive audiences at every show, Billy’s fan base continued to grow, and he was soon selling out those same venues he first played only a year or two before.
Capitalizing on his undeniable momentum, Billy returned to the studio with producers Tim Hatfield and Sammy Merendino to record the EP, Sessions on a Hill, in the summer of 2008. With Merendino (of Billy Joel, Hall & Oates, Joan Osbourne) on the drums, Graham Maby (of Joe Jackson) on the bass, and Jeff Golub (of Rod Stewart) on electric guitar, the group recorded what would be Billy’s most successful release to date.
January of 2009 was a milestone, as Billy played a show in Connecticut at the Academy Recording Studio. Recorded and released as Billy Simons Live at The Academy (release: April 2009), this solo acoustic album, is his truest-to-form release, covering songs from The Joker’s Hand, Sessions On A Hill, and his upcoming studio album.
Continuing to play all over the northeast, Billy has recently returned to the studio to record his follow-up to 2007’s The Joker’s Hand. With Grammy-nominated producer Jack Gauthier (John Hammond, Dispatch, State Radio, Duke Robillard) at the helm, Billy anticipates a release late in the summer of 2009.
Typically performing as a solo act, Billy’s shows are captivating, acoustic performances featuring beatboxing, guitar tapping, and lyrics to which audiences can relate. His stylized ability to tell stories through his music usually takes artists a lifetime to channel, and his quirky lyrics are sure to leave you smiling, crying, or both. At a Billy Simons show, you're just as likely to see business men dancing on chairs as you are to see girls singing every word to every song with stars in their eyes. Here's what people have been saying...
“He’s the next big thing that few people know about"
- Allison Stockel, Director of the Ridgefield Playhouse
“This is the most fun I’ve had in the studio in years!â€
- Sammy Merendino, on recording Rainy Day
"Billy Simons is an artist on the way up, his draw and crowd have been excellent each time I have worked with him and he has proven to be a caring professional whose shows have always done well. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him again and I look forward to our next gig!"
- Peter Abraham, The Cutting Room
"Billy Simons...Part beat boxer, part comedian, this acoustic songwriter is best described as a blend of Jason Mraz, Howie Day, and Jack Johnson. "
- Sarah Menichelli, The Echo
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Albums
