Thank you for talking with us! So what's the story behind your album's title? Crossing Willow Creek is a project based upon the song "Willow Creek." My tune "Willow Creek" is all about where my love of music comes from and how I developed into a singer songwriter. It is a physical place with a large willow tree. I used to set under that tree and figure out songs. All of these were really acoustic guitar-based tunes. The concept of Crossing Willow Creek is my way of moving away from the pure acoustic sounds into more “produced” sounds. So, with Crossing Willow Creek I am stepping out of the comfort zone of pure acoustic tunes by playing different instruments and increasing the production of the tunes.
What is one thing you can tell us that most people don't know about you and might surprise us? I have had a very successful corporate career with a large international company. I think the experiences I gained through the corporate career give me an different point of view when it comes to music.
At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people take away from your songs? My goal is always that someone hears my tunes and takes something of value away with them. Whether that be a lesson learned, some solace for the things they are working through, or maybe a laugh or two. When that occurs, I know I am doing the right thing in the right way. It’s really all about sharing my experiences and the things I have learned along our lives journey.
Looking back, what was the first album or Vinyl you bought? Not an album but the first 45 I ever bought was “In the year 2525" by Zager and Evans. I have always been fascinated by science fiction and different views of the future. This tune has some really interesting ideas.
What song that you have recorded means the most to you and why? My tune "Find A Way" is really special to me. Examining my thoughts and emotions on the day my father passed away was quite an exercise and I learned a lot writing it.
You recently released your new single, "Whiskey Road," that you also co-wrote. Tell us about the writing process and where the idea came from. I wrote this with an old friend who had struggled with alcohol dependencies. His stories and experiences weave their way throughout the tune. Our hope is that the stories in the tune help others who are struggling with this demon.
What is an example of a menu you would prepare if we came over? I am a basic Midwest guy. You will get a great steak, a perfectly cooked baked potato, some garden fresh tomato’s
and some awesome dinner rolls. We may have some gooseberry pie for dessert.
Favorite music to listen to while you cook? Honestly, I listen to Native American Flute music when I am working around the house. I find it helps me stay focused on the task at hand.
What is your favorite breakfast? Midwest guy so steak and eggs, with a side of biscuits and gravy. Done deal!
What do you think is the most important meal of the day is and why? Breakfast because there are biscuits and gravy involved clearly.
Finally, if you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? I am really not much of a drinker, but Boulevard Brewery makes a beer named Tank 7. It is really the only beer I ever drink and is the best beer this side of Germany. I could be their guy for sure.. lol
Everyone loves a good story about second-chances, and that’s exactly what Bill Abernathy’s story is all about. The Kansas City, Missouri resident began writing songs in his early teens. He played all through his school years, but then he stopped...Life took over.
Bill went about getting married, building a business career, and raising his children. After his kids graduated from school and started their careers, Bill picked up the guitar again and began trying to rekindle his love of music.
“Inspiration for my music comes from a variety of the many parts of my life,” Bill says. “Events and experiences of mine, my family, my friends, and sometimes even people I have never met all, contribute to the creativity of my music. I find it interesting and rewarding to let my imagination wander through the memory and spirit of life events and see where it takes me.”
Bill is a pure "lyrics-first" writer...a bit of a storyteller. “I feel the story and lyrics talk to me and tell me what the rest of the song is supposed to sound like,” he says.
His last album, 2017’s “Find A Way” reached #5 on the Roots Music Report Traditional Folk Album chart, and the single, “Goodbye Will Never Come Again” reached #1 on the singles chart.
Bill’s latest collection of songs, the Roots Music Report Americana chart-topping album, “Crossing Willow Creek” is available now. The first single, “Cry Wolf” reached the iTunes Top 100 Rock Songs chart, while hitting the Top 5 on New Music Weekly’s country chart. The next two singles also received national and international charting. Bill is also a December 2018 Billboard Magazine Emerging Artist. He is currently touring the mid-west on his “Living The Dream” solo tour.
“Sometimes life is good to you and gives you a second chance. In my youth I walked away from music for a myriad of personal reasons. Now, I've now been given a second chance to pursue this thing we love called music, and I am really enjoying the ride!”
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