In a world where Hip-Hop, as a genre, has become badly in need of originality and creativity, it is absolutely refreshing to know that there are talented MC’s out there that still have something poignant left to say. Enter Billy Conahan, a 20-year old Queens native who clearly embodies the spirit and rebelliousness of not only Hip-Hop, but of music in general. Coined “The Bob Dylan of Hip-Hop” (a term that is very much well-deserved), Billy is capturing audiences all around New York City with his smart, catchy rhymes and impressive lyrical flow. If you sit in on just one of Billy’s performances, you’ll quickly come to realize, just exactly what everyone else who’s heard him has come to know: This kid is the TRUTH!! With a flow well beyond his years, he is reminiscent of artists like Eminem, Q-Tip, and Lupe Fiasco, in the sense that draws the listener in and makes actually listen to every word that he’s saying.
I’ve had the extreme pleasure of knowing Billy since he was 18, and have since watched him grow exponentially in terms of musical skill since then. I first met him during an open-mic at The Waltz-Astoria inQueens, being introduced as “Billy the Kid” because he was by far, the youngest person there. Even then, it was clear that this kid was extremely talented and that he was going places, but you always got the feeling that this was only a small piece of all that he had to offer. In such a short time, his delivery and presentation has matured and evolved multitudes, making him one of the best rappers currently on the NYC Scene. A true “Renaissance-Man” and student of all genres, Billy’s talents just don’t stop at Hip-Hop, but they also include musician, comedian, singer-songwriter, and photographer. I have seen him play piano, harmonica, and guitar on separate occasions, and sometimes even in the same set. His show includes a little something for everyone: Folk, Rap, Rock, and Funk- clearly meshed into one unique, beautiful fusion.
I had the extreme opportunity to catch one of Billy’s shows at Lower East Side’s own, Mic-Club, in the basement of Lucky Jack’s. Billed as “An Open-Mic for the Emotionally Naked,” that is exactly what Billy’s performance embodied. Performing with drummer, Marc Montfleury and guitarist, Matthew Kiss, the 3 musicians turned the place inside-out for their 45-min set. They completely took control of the stage anddemanded to be heard. That level of hunger and top-notch skill will be the key component that takes each of these musicians extremely far in their own right. The camaraderie between the three was clear and evident, and it showed in every note of their music. Billy himself, was in top form, switching back and forth from Folk to Hip Hop, and everything in between. One minute he had a guitar in his hand, playing the Bob Dylan tune, “Masters of War;” and the next, he was “spitting” on the mic, performing his debut single, “On a New York Morning”- a song about the corporate corruption and greed that goes on in the city on a day-to-day basis. He seemed to be “in a zone”- feeding off of the love that the audience was giving him, and returning it right back with each performance.
What impresses me most about Billy is his ability to completely go against the grain; then knock the grain “upside-down” completely. He doesn’t succumb to the notion that rappers are only supposed to be “thug” and stick primarily to Hip-Hop. He un-apologetically incorporates several different styles into his music, making his sound refreshing and unique from that of his peers. To me, this is what Music is all about- it knows no limits, and has no boundaries. At such a young age, Billy has already mastered the art of “finding his own sound”- a practice that is often forgotten, yet badly needed in today’s version of the music industry. Simply put, that if he’s the sign of what’s to come up next in Hip-Hop as a genre, then rest assured, the future is in good hands……
For you, our readers, I got the chance to find out a little bit more about Billy and his musical background. Here’s what he had to say:
Tanya: Who are some of your influences?
Billy: When it comes to singer/songwriting material, Bob Dylan is obviously the biggest contributor to feeding the artist within. Conor Oberst, a keen eye for today's generation of soul-searchers. The Mountain Goats' profound observations captured my view on the fractured human condition we exist in. Then you have the Beatles, Hendrix, Cash, the Stones, Newman, Simon, The list goes on. My rap verses are heavily derived from the 90's era of hip-hop form of free verse. (Rakim, Big L, Pun, Nas, B.I.G., Wu-Tang, Eminem)
Tanya: How long have you been playing/performing? How did you get started?
Billy: I started performing in a bar when I was 13. I saw an open mic sign in the window and thought, "I wonder if could I do that." From there on, I've been onstage at least 2-5 times a week for the past 7 years.
Tanya: How would you describe your sound?
Billy: Eclectic. Stylized. Rudimentary.
Tanya: How do you feel about the current state of the music industry?
Billy: The music industry has and always will look for someone to sell. In that search I feel that true talent is overlooked for a prettier image. The notion that people would rather "see" their artists than "hear", but I believe there are plenty of extraordinary people in the industry who are genuinely talented.
Tanya: How do you go about writing or composing music?
Billy: It's all about finding the flow. I fiddle on the piano or the guitar or listen to an instrumental, put a little something together, write the first words conjured to the rhythm, set a theme to advance through, and continue from there.
Tanya: What do you find to be most rewarding about being a musician?
Billy: When you're onstage, and the whole room is bobbing their heads and feeling the rhythm, the vibes created by the music. You feel connected, linked by something larger than life.
Tanya: Do you have anything else that you want our readers to know about you? A favorite quote? A particular anecdote regarding music?
Billy: I would like the world to know that I'm coming for you and everyone in it!
If you’re looking to hear more from this talented artist, please visit the following links:
http://www.youtube.com/billyconahan
http://soundcloud.com/billyconahan
For Press and Booking info, go to: http://billyconahan.com/contact/
If you would like to catch one of his upcoming shows:
April 21st - Billy Conahan's Variety Show @ The Waltz-Astoria (8PM)
May 17th - Rapture Lounge (8PM)
Until Next Time........