Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Billy Simard
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I was born in an isolated community in Manitoba, Canada. My first memory was music from an old battery powered radio.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I started writing songs after high school but I was playing guitar and singing when I was around 7 years old
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I released 3 full lenght album projects since 2015 with my last one in 2023. It has gathered momentum on various music formats here in Canada and internationally
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Country, Americana and Adult Contemporary with a bit of Indigenous influences
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
How to write a good song. Melodically and lyrically. I have written songs for many recording artists over the years and attemted to hone my craft in the process
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I am basically an accoustic guitar player. I use a small zoom player for a basic demo that I send to my producers
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I really like Sam Fender. I like Bruno Mars so talented!!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
The intricacies of life and love and death and my personal experiences with them. I like to write about personal relationships. Some of my songs also delve into the spiritual
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Introspection. Hopefully they can feel that we are all connected and our human experiences are pretty much all the same.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
To never give up on a dream. Without a goal we are lost. Music and creating songs have given me a reason to strive to create. I believe our purpose on Earth is to create and music is my reason
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Grand Old Opry in Nashville
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
John Mayer. I believe I could benefit from his expertise
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
All music streaming platforms. Spotify, Apple, Amazon etc
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I am on the verge of releasing a 4 song EP that will be available in the next month. I believe it might take me to a new level for my listening audience
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I am honest, humble and my music hopefully reflects that about me.
