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B:
Thank you very much and thanks for the honor of Best of February.
Do
you believe that “The Raging Fire” is a step forward for the band? B:
Most definitely, Mike and I were able to produce a record that is
beyond the first in sound, writing and performance.
What
are the differences that it has, if we compare it with the debut album? B:
Since Mike and I wrote all the material for this CD, it has a more
cohesive sound to that really sounds more like a band as opposed to the
first which kinda sounded like me singing a collection of songs. The music
is a little heavier and the lyrics area little darker. The CD as a whole
has a better flow to it
How
was the reaction of the fans till now? B:
I have been getting great reaction both from the critics and fans. Almost
all agree that this record is better than the first.
I
also want you to tell me what is the Seventh Key and if it can open all
doors! By the way where did you find it?! B:
Seventh Key is a lucky, magical, mystical phenomenon that happened to me
in the fall of 2000 when I started recording my first CD with Mike Slamer.
So far it has opened any door that I have wanted to enter. Funny enough, I
found it in Napoli, Italy.
What
is “The Ranging Fire” and from where have its own sources? B:
Besides being the name of my new CD and a song of the same title. It is a
yearning inside of us all to express ourselves and let go of things that
burn inside of us and are always looking for a door to exit. What is your
raging fire and when will you release it?
Do
you think that the artwork is related totally with the music of the album? B:
Absolutely, If I was the artist, I couldn’t have captured the theme
better myself.
And
let me pass to some personal questions. Although you are a well-known
bassist/vocalist (Kansas is one of my all time favorite bands), you
decided to do something heavier. How did you take that decision? Did a big
name like Slamer “helped” you to take this decision without any fear? B:
I had played bass and been the backing vocalist for Kansas for almost 16
years when almost out of frustration I decided to record my own CD. Mike
Slamer is the first person I called to help me write the material and play
on the project. From our first time of getting together to write and
record, my solo project became an equal collaboration. As most people
know, Mike and I played together in “Streets” and because of this
former relationship, I knew that I had to have Mike involved. With him
engineering, playing and producing, I knew the project would be moved to a
higher level!
Do
you always wanted to do a heavier work than you have done in the past? And
now, is it the right time and the right place? B:
When Mike and I work together, we don’t set our sights on any particular
kind of song or any particular sound. What you hear on “The Raging
Fire’ is just what comes out of us when we collaborate. I can’t say if
the timing is right, all I know is that I am very proud of the new CD, the
songs, the sound, the performances. I am very proud to have my name on it.
By
the way, how is the co-operation between you and Mike Slamer? B:
It’s great, every time that Mike and I work together, we always have fun
and always come away with a good peace of music. He is not only my
partner, but is also a dear friend that I love very much.
Back
to personal questions again. Do you intend to go on with Seventh Key or
again you will leave us wondering what happened to one more, great band? B:
I am trying to get the fans to the point that they will revolt if Seventh
Key doesn’t tour and make more records!
So,
do you consider Seventh Key as a full time band? B:
Kansas is how I make my living and is my priority. Seventh Key is how I
hope to have a musical life if Kansas decides to hang it up or even during
Kansas’ off time when they are not touring.
What
was the first tune you ever learned on bass? B:
Louie, Louie.
Now
I am gonna ask you in which of the two bands that you are participating do
you prefer to play and why? B: I love playing with Kansas, it is very challenging with all the different time signatures and chord changes. Most of the songs are very difficult. As a player, I like this challenge. Seventh Key has not played live yet. We keep waiting for the outcry of the fans who insist that we come and tour in Europe and Scandanavia.
Do
you think that your vocals fits better with the music result now than in
the debut? By listening to you I thought that I was listening to (at
least) a 30 years old vocalist! That’s incredible! Once again,
congratulations Billy. B:
Yes I do. As you know, there were many writers who contributed on the
first CD. Again, because Mike and I wrote all the songs, we got to pick
the key to optimize using my vocal range and also, because we were the
ones who wrote all the melodies to compliment the song and my voice.
Hmm...
It’s hard not to ask you, what are the news from the camp of Kansas?
When can we expect new studio material from the band? I must tell you that
“Somewhere To Elsewhere” was an excellent album. B:
Thanks, I quiet enjoyed recording that CD. Also, I finally got to sing a
song on a Kansas record. To be honest, I didn’t think that that would
ever happen. As far as anything new, there are no concrete plans to record
anything new at this point. Maybe there will be later on in the year. Sony
records just remastered the first Kansas CD and will be releasing that at
some point.
Now
let me ask something that I wanted to ask a Kansas member for many years
now. How do you feel by having participating in a legendary band that has
influenced the whole rock/prog music system and still continues to
influences all the new musicians? B:
I am humbled and honored. I was a fan of the band a long time before I was
a member. Cover bands that I played in used to play lots of Kansas
material. I thought then and still think that Steve has one of the classic
voices of Rock and Roll!
Well,
back to the album again. Tell me what are your five favorites songs from
the album and a small story for each one of these songs. B:
“You Cross The Line”, I really like the production of this song. The feel is great and I like the lyric that we came up with.
How
far do you think that Seventh Key can go? B:
The sky is the limit. It depends on the reaction of the fans will or will
not buy the CD. I hope for the best. (Interviewers note: Me too!!!)
And
some Weird Questions now!!! If you had the chance to give only one album
that you have participated in, to someone so that he can have the best
opinion about your vocals and generally for your job… which album would
it be and from which band? B:
That question is too obvious, Seventh Key, “The Raging Fire”.
What
are the biggest life lessons you’ve learned over the course of your
career? B:
The biggest one is not to take yourself too seriously. Stay humble,
thankful and hungry!
If
you were living in Middle Earth (I hope that you have seen or read the
Lord Of The Rings) which character would you choose to be and why? B:
I have neither read nor seen the book/movie.
Imagine
that your wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy for her
an expensive, ring. How
would you react? B:
I lost my record collection in a divorce 15 years ago. I miss it very
much! (Interviewers note: That’s really bad…)
Which
are the top 5 hard rock albums of all time according to you and why? B:
1) Meet the Beatles.
Ok
Billy those were my questions. Thx very much for having the patience to
answer them! If there is anything else that you would like to tell to
Grande Rock readers, just do it!! B:
I would just to thank all the fans that have supported me throughout my
career and especially those who have bought the Seventh Key CDs. I am
honored and humbled by your support. Thank you!
by Thanos Aggelakis |
Hi
Billy and congratulations on “The Raging Fire”. As you may know we
have chosen it as the best album of February in Grande Rock!