First a
bit of history, what years were you a member/ what albums did you
record with the guys?
I
was with The Nylons “I believe from 1991-1993.
I
recorded “Live To Love” with them. I think it is a very cool and
modern collection of songs.
How did you come to join the group?
I
was with the same management team that The Nylons were with at the
time. Marc Conner’s became very ill and died. I auditioned and
the guys asked me to join. I knew the group as well. I did some
wardrobe for them, and brought in several stylists so they were
familiar with me, and my work. Marc’s shoes were tuff to fill, but
the guys really embraced me. Working with them changed me as a
performer.
A Capella has it's own set of challenges. What was your experience/growth like in that area?
My
Dad was a singer. He use to rehearse with his Bud’s on Sunday
afternoon’s. They sang A’capella. So I am very accustomed to
the sound and feel of that genre. My growth came when I started to
train my voice on a regular basis. I had serious voice issues. I
had to learn to just pull back. I was from the New York stage, and
you had to belt. I learned less is more!
The
Nylons have always maintained a busy touring schedule, were there
adjustments for you in handling the physical regime?
Yes
I had to learn how to travel. I had to lock myself up in hotel rooms
because touring was fun and we went to some very exciting and exotic
places. Silence, sleep, hydration and nourishment are the key.
Are there any secrets you can share with us that you have used for maintaining vocal, physical and spiritual health?
Vocalizing
faithfully! Doing some kind of physical exercise. Reading books of
all kinds re: my spiritual journey. Lemons heal my voice!
Are there any concerts or experiences that stick out as particularly memorable from your Nylon years?
Yes
when we performed in my hometown of Cleveland!
What song would you say remains a special Nylons memory for you.
What song would you say remains a special Nylons memory for you.
I
love the chestnuts...!! Of course and always! I love “Grown Man
Cry”, and I love Don’t Look Any Further”......
The Nylons form a special brotherhood or fraternity?
Yes
I think it is a very special group of performers that become Nylon’s.
You are encouraged to be yourself, but it is a family affair. We
all have a sense of each other, and we all get each other. To see us
in rehearsal is something special. Claude is a great leader!
What
are you looking forward to the most in these upcoming shows?
To
be singing with one of the greatest groups in the world. It is an
honour for me to be a part of one Canada’s treasures! And I like
all of these guys a lot!!!!
Billy
will be joining The Nylons along with Micah Barnes and Mark Cassius
for a reunion concert Friday May 30th
as part of the SING festival at the Distillery inToronto!
Buy
tickets at:
http://tickets.youngcentre.ca/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=7556
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