Passion for music and entertainment runs deep in Billy’s veins. The legacy of music and entertainment runs deep in Billy Swayze’s family. His cousin Roderick Falconer/Rod Taylor was a prolific rock singer/songwriter on Geffen Records who produced seven albums before launching his film career. Billy’s father was the pro wrestler Beautiful Bruce Swayze, his distant cousin actor Patrick Swayze, and his mother lyricist Bonnie Swayze. Intent on carrying on the family tradition, Nashville’s songwriter and performing artist Billy Swayze, is crafting and releasing his own blend soul, electro and rock with elements of ambient, trip-hop and psychedelia. If rock and roll has been slipping. Billy is a refreshing reminder of the talent that once existed.
His catalog is packed with high-energy, fast paced tunes; the blend of electric and organic sounding instrumentation is really good, and the lyrics tell their own stories. This is a new alternative sound brewed from the past and not to be passed over.
Musicianship and arrangements are superb with the essences of rock and rhythm keeping these songs from becoming just another nihilistic twenty-first century scream from the in-crowd. The hooks cast always feel sharp enough and nothing squeaks by on formula rather than freshness, and when the hooks hit, they hit hard.
Billy Swayze’s first offering, “Got A Hold”, will blow you away, then continue to grow on you. It’s an uplifting anthem with a rousing chorus and some catchy verses. Billy sings, croons and soars always giving you every bit of magic he’s got and it really shows in this song.
This brings me back to the point of presentation. This song seems geared for live action as it hits you with an exuberant and youthful passion. This is an artist set to destroy every stage he sets foot on.
But it’s when Swayze hits the opening notes on “No Sweeter Place” that you realize he has gone into full overdrive with a groove that is simply euphoric. This thing is designed for the dance floor with a funky forward momentum and jangly guitar riff that would make Nile Rodgers proud.
This firestarter of a track truly draws you in until the chorus and then ratchets upwards even further, into a chasm of sweet harmony. It isn’t just the instruments or the melody, but the mastery of classic soul and funk, as the tune slides over the grooves and beats.
“Bad” shimmies and shakes with heavy synth vibes, cashing in on a sound Billy Swayze moves with soul-influenced indie instinct. Out of the gate, this one, hums with an alternative, but instantly likable groove. Rich in sound and dynamics, it will make you want to get up, stomp your feet, and singalong.
It’s not often you come across a set of songs so natural in sound and vibe that mixes elements of funk, soul, groove, electronic and rock. But Bill pulls it off here.
More often than not, Billy Swayze challenges himself and pushes in different directions. Drawing from a multitude of influences, he creates new-enough experiences to keep listeners more than interested.
These cluster of songs, on CSG Music and produced by Jeff Robert and Murv Douglas, prove that he can find longevity in his eclectic sound, and the conviction Billy brings to the table makes his music well worth the listen. Experimenting is the way for any artist to truly surpass their past endeavors. The music here is dynamic and vibrant, lending a new facet to a talented player in the game.
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