Music is about the people, people are about the music.

So says Rock Artist Billy Ray Rock.

Billy Ray is from Mt Pleasant, Texas. While residing in the northwest this youngest of 11 has a storied history in music which includes time spent as ghost music producer.

In addition, he plays more than 10 instruments. With a history in EDM and rock he is regarded as one of the most exciting and electrifying rock artists out there. Especially during his time as the Lead Vocalist for the rock band “Level 21”. As a former lead vocalist for for the now broken up “Level 21” he has embarked on a solo career.

Poised to be the 1st African American rock artist since Lenny Kravitz maybe even Hendrix, Billy Ray has gotten his influences from many ranging from Earth wind & Fire to Cameo to Ray Parker Jr.

However, in Rock he has always been a fan of bands ranging from America to Van Halen to In Living Colour and Metallica. His delivery in concert has the presence of Rick James with the impact of Mick Jagger. Billy Ray has been there and done that with regard to venue sizes crowd sizes etc. But he “treats every audience like they are a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden”. Billy Ray Rock can found thrilling audiences nationwide at a venue near you.

1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

I grew up with a brother playing and practicing the Saxophone for many hours in a day. I grew up listening to groups like Earth Wind and Fire, America, Hall and Oats, and many more Rock Bands. Being an African-American I knew my taste in music was different than my friends.

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?

Prince, Lenny Kravitz but probably more Prince because of the range of great music he was capable of making and I am the same way. However I am different than anybody else because there are NO other Black artist doing Rock music out there right now.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?

The world events affect some of my music the time of year, a ton of different things affect what I write there is no particular thing. But the most influence come from my kids I want them to be proud of the quality and content of my music. Thank God my kids are Rockers lol

4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?

I 1st figure out what type of song I wanna do ex. Party song love song etc. find and create the music that fits that theme then I identify the chorus in the music and write a chorus then I write the verse then if necessary I write the lead into the chorus. Then I write a 3rd and 4th break down part.

I record it in that order… I then abandon the song and listen to other different music. After a period of time I play what I have recorded start to finish, so my ears are fresh.

5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

From a sound perspective my harmonies are R&B. My voice is Rock in concert? My stage show is a cross between Prince, Rick James and Mick Jagger that will get me notice given a chance. I would rather be on a major label because it will allow me to do more of what I love and that’s focus on entertaining people. Yes I think social media has change the game for sure.

6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?

I am not able to make a living doing music. I hope to get there by money from streaming then tour dates and merch sold on my website.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

Internet and social media has made it more difficult to succeed because now if you don’t have money to spend on promotions you will not succeed at any level. Unlike times past when you would sometimes have a record label who would believe enough to finance things in the beginning.

8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

I don’t see it that way and I’m not about brands as much as I’m about making music that moves me. I believe if I like it, others hopefully will.

9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

With the #1 song in the country hopefully.

My website is www.billyrayrock.com

My music can be heard at www.soundcloud.com/Billyrayrock1

My social media handle at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube is @Billyrayrock1

Thanks

– BRR