Bill Small (www.billsmallmusic.com) describes himself as a musician first and foremost, a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, Mystiquero, entrepreneur, artist, producer, vocal coach and life coach.
Growing up in a musical household where everyone could sing, just a stone's throw from the Big Apple, he was exposed to so much music. From Sinatra and swing to show-tunes. From Todd Rundgren to Pink Floyd. After 2 years studying voice at at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and another couple of years living in Jersey and working in New York City, he decided to make a change. His family had lived in a magical place called Austin, TX before he was born, both of his sisters were born there. So Ihe moved to Austin, TX., along with two great friends and fine musicians from Jersey, and they performed all over Austin in the early nineties as Heavy Weather.
Well, there were more bands in the nineties (Radio Thieves, Stringbones), and a solo record "Singin." There was a move back to Boston, then to Nashville, a divorce and then finally a move back to Austin in 2004. He had heard Walt Wilkins in Nashville and he was a big fan of Walt's music. Walt needed a band for a gig at Gruene Hall and John Greenberg was kind enough to remind Walt that Bill played the bass. So the Mystiqueros were born on stage at Gruene Hall in the spring of 2006.
Since then, there's been more records produced and or engineered, lots of miles. lots of shows, and lots more to come. With a new solo record and a new Mystiqueros record out in the world, Bill feels like he's just getting started. He recently answered 10 questions for me.
Who are your songwriting influences?
There a a bunch really.... early on, Dan Fogelberg, Billy Joel, CSN&Y, James Taylor and later Shawn Colvin, Tom Waits..... heck there are just too many! My family listened to show tunes and crooners when I was a kid and all that influenced me as much as the rock-n-roll and folk artists I listened to later. And I'm still being influenced by other music today from rock and country to r&b and jazz.
When and where was your first public performance?
It was at my 5th grade school chorus performance in the middle school auditorium. I sang "Where Is Love" from the musical "Oliver." Got a standing O. I was hooked for life!
What was the first record or cd you purchased with your own money?
There were 2. I bought Billy Joel "glass houses" and Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" on cassette. Those were my first cassettes as well. All the rage back then. I had a turntable and an 8-track in my room so I could only listen to them on a little portable boom box or later on a walkman the size of a lunch box. I was a lucky kid.
What was the first live concert you attended?
Rush. "Signals" Tour 1981
Which venue would you most like to play that you haven't yet/ and which is your favorite venue to play?
I really want to play Austin City Limits. Been watching since the 80's and it's always been a goal. I have a lot of favorites.... with the Mystiqueros it's probably Gruene Hall or Luckenbach and as a solo it's The Bugle Boy in La Grange.
What is the best career advice you've been given, and by whom?
"If someone says 'Hey Bill, sing your ass off right now.' you better be able to do it." - Bruce Dees, producer, guitar player, singer, Nashvile, TN.
Who are you listening to now?
This is gonna be weird but I'm in an r&b phase right now so I just got "Wake Up" by John Legend and The Roots. Love it! Also been digging the new Ryan Adams record.
What is your best story about life on the road?
Last year when we toured up to New York State, we got asked to sing "God Bless America" after the 5th inning at the Baseball Hall of Fame Father's Day Invitational Game. It was AWESOME. My favorite pitcher from when I was a kid actually pitched 2 innings, Goose Gossage! Walt's family came up and we got to watch all these hall of fame ball players come up and talk to Walt's 9 year old son. It was a good day.
What recordings are available to the public and where can they be purchased?
Well, you'll find me on all of the Mystiquero records... go online And I have a solo record called "The Next Time" from 2010 that's available at Lonestar Music, iTunes or at shows.
When and where are you playing next?
Somewhere around Texas with the MQ's... and most every Wed. at the Saxon Pub in Austin. 9pm.
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