It's about time. On the heels of a self-released EP and a slew of national accolades,
singer/songwriter Billy Redfield has just released his debut full lengther entitled
"Two Steps Closer." It's a CD that builds on his reputation for breezy acoustic-based
ballads and upbeat pop anthems delivered with equal parts earnesty AND urgency.
Working with an uber- talented studio team that includes producer Chris Keup
and engineer Stewart Myers
"Two Steps" is an impressive effort for the Maryland-native;especially
considering he's a relative newcomer to the art of songwriting. Full of tasteful
guitar phrasings, shuffling beats and lilting Hammond B-3, Redfield's musical
reference points clearly extend beyond his birth date. "Guys like Jimmy Buffett
and Dave Matthews really changed my way of approaching writing songs," Redfield
admits.
Redfield recently received honorable mention in the prestigious International
Songwriting Competition for his track "Die for You" no easy feat considering
the sheer number of entries and a panel of judges that includes Frank Black,
Tom Waits, and the Strokes' Julian Casablancas. It's recognition like this that
the soft-spoken Redfield doesn't take lightly. "It was pretty amazing [to win].
It was really validating."
Redfield's continued evolution as a young songwriter continues lyrically, where
on pensive numbers like "Miss Melissa" he sings, "And I'm trying to melt the
pain/But each day goes/And I'm nailed to the ghost/The weight of it all keeps
my face long/I Miss Melissa."
"I write from a personal point of view; it's what I know best," admits Redfield.
And it's clearly what his fans; who've cleverly dubbed themselves "redheads"relate
to most. The coming months will look to see Redfield expand his flame-colored
flocks and continue to hone his songwriting chops on the road in support of
"Two Steps Closer." A title, which based on his current round of career success, could prove prescient.
Scott Crawford - Harp Magazine
More About Billy Redfield
It's always been my dream so I write songs. I try to write songs that mean something. I released my first album 3 years ago. In this time I have been on the radio, and in major publications music and other. Most recently I won the grand prize in an online talent competition with a company called Fame cast at the end
of 2007. Before that I won a contest with American Songwriter Magazine where I was on a compilation CD with Ray LaMontagne, and may other accomplished artists. I also received honorable mention in the international songwriting competition with my song Die For You in 2006. Looking forward I am booked to perform at the global peace concert in 2010.
Currently I am in the process of recording my next record tentatively called, "Waiting on the Good Life." Should be released within the next year or so, so keep a close eye out for it.
I owe a lot of my success to my fans. Without them
I would not have accomplished what I have so far.
So I extend a big thank you
to them.
Also please help spread my music to more people. Because I do this independently I rely on this. A couple things you can do to help would be to post a bulletin to your myspace friends to get them to check out my music, add me to your top friends, add one of my songs to your profile, and most importantly tell people about me. There is no better recommendation then from a friend. Also if you are a fan please sign up for my the newsletter below. Its the best way to keep you up to date on shows in your area.
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