LIVE SHOW review

3/10/23

From Christopher Young

In 2023 my family went to Debonair Music Hall to see one of our favorites, The Tossers, for their 30th anniversary show. Joe was a supporting act, and although at that point we weren’t familiar with him or his band, we left fans. The energy he and the Collective played with was incredible - we could tell they loved what they were doing. There is a real honesty and earnestness that comes through in his performance. Complete lack of pretension and a connection to the audience. Throw in a Flogging Molly cover and all was right in the world. 

Immediately after his set I went to the merch table and he kindly spoke to me and my younger daughter for quite some time. Just a very genuine, appreciative dude from start to finish.

~Christopher Young

Feature of

“Fissure” (Deluxe Edition)

by
The Mic MG

Vulnerability Meets Raw Expressionism: Joe Billy's 'Fissure (Deluxe Edition)'

Introducing Joe Billy, the quintessential acoustic punk artist who embodies the essence of introspection and angst. With a musical style that seamlessly merges energetic punk with the raw authenticity of folk, Joe Billy offers a captivating journey through his intelligent lyricism and upbeat melodies. Since his transition from drummer to singer-songwriter in 2016, Joe Billy has been crafting a sound that resonates with audiences seeking both thought-provoking introspection and unbridled passion. With each performance, he invites listeners to explore the complexities of existence while fostering a sense of unity and belonging in the world. During his live performances and many of his releases, he is often joined by a talented group of musicians known as the Joe Billy Collective. In 2023 he released Fissure, a compilation of ten strong, reflective tracks. Just last month, Joe Billy released Fissure (Deluxe Edition), adding twelve more tracks of demos to the mix. Let's dive into the immersive world of Joe Billy and the Joe Billy Collective.

In the words of Joe Billy: "To celebrate the 1 year anniversary of my best album yet, Fissure, I decided to dig up demos from hard drives, old recording sessions, and even some phone voice memos and release a Deluxe Edition of the album with demos for every song! Some going as far back as 2017! Not only do I find this really exciting, but it's very nostalgic to listen back to these songs when I first started writing them and was still figuring out what direction I wanted them to go in. I'll say too, it's an incredible exercise in vulnerability to show everyone these songs so raw and unpolished, haha! But overall, for folks who are into listening to demos and comparing them to the final versions, this release is a lot of fun. Hope you all enjoy it!"

Joe Billy's latest album, Fissure (Deluxe Edition), is where vulnerability meets raw expressionism. This deluxe release offers a captivating journey into the evolution of Joe Billy's music, showcasing how songs are crafted from their barest forms to fully realized compositions. From the sparse instrumentation of early demos to the fully-produced arrangements in tracks like "Here I Am, Vulnerability," listeners witness the transformation of ideas into detailed performances. The album's framework is built upon contrasting versions of songs like "No Sympathy," each offering a unique perspective on Joe Billy's artistic vision. Tracks such as "Fuck My Pride" reveal the immediacy of their creation, while others, like "Day Terrors (2020 Demo)," showcase the urgency in Joe Billy's vocal delivery. These demos, some dating back to 2017, serve as a time capsule into Joe Billy's musical journey and the dedication behind the creation of Fissure. Through this deluxe edition, listeners not only experience the final compositions but also gain insight into the creative process and the profound lyricism that defines Joe Billy's craft.

Read our interview with Joe Billy on the initial release of Fissure here!

Find the full feature here:
https://www.themicmg.com/post/vulnerability-meets-raw-expressionism-joe-billy-s-fissure-deluxe-edition

Review of “Here I Am, Vulnerability”

by Certified Bop Magazine

“Here I Am, Vulnerability” Review

"Here I Am, Vulnerability" is a breathtaking sonic journey that captivates listeners from the very first note of the upright bass solo. The thunderous instrumentals and wailing violin solos create an exhilarating and empowering experience, providing the ultimate outlet for self-expression. Your raw and emotive vocals, combined with the vivid lyrical content, paint an intensely relatable picture of self-discovery, mental health, and embracing vulnerability.
The sheer power and emotion behind the song is truly inspiring, and it's evident that Joe Billy poured his heart and soul into its creation. I applaud the fearlessness in tackling such complex and introspective themes. His unique approach to songwriting and powerful instrumentation breathes new life into the music landscape, and I eagerly anticipate what he’ll create next.

Interview and Review of “Piece of Mind”

with
BuzzSlayers

An Interview With Joe Billy

A blistering new single from Joe Billy hits the punk rock sweet spots and brings on a gritty and attitude riddled alt-rock backbone that thrashes with gusto and a youthful energy and seems to really come from someplace real and genuine as you hear him passionately belt out how he feels to brunching riffs and open chords that smash on.

"Piece of Mind" is a track that many can relate to as we are all looking for our piece of mind rally and it feels good to hear a song we can understand and feel where it's coming from.

We may not all be able to let it out the way Billy does, but it still feels good to be understood.

The track features killer guitars, pounding punk drums and its vocals that give off an authentic feel and it reminds me of bands like The Offspring in their earlier days.

The track hits like whiplash and has plenty of edginess and attitude but still comes off with all the heart in the world.

It's excellent to hear that come through like that. To hear a song that hits the aesthetic it was supposed to and keep its true meaning throughout the aggression of thrashing guitars.

This was quite an impactful and real song and with its release, we wanted to have a chat with Joe Billy to find out where this actually came from and what may be next for the artist.

Here's what happened.

Buzz Slayers: Let's kick things off with "Piece of Mind ". This track has an outstanding hard rock feel and some punk attitude that comes with it! Where did this single come from?

So I actually wrote this song pretty quickly. I had this one day a while back where I was just having a really negative existential crisis and I felt totally lost and aggravated. So I started writing the lyrics, and it definitely felt like it needed a dark, high energy feel to it. The progression was actually one I had in my back pocket for some time now, and found I was able to use it for this one. As usual, it started on acoustic guitar, and I eventually added the other instruments.

Buzz Slayers: This single feels like a big undertaking, is there any advice you'd give to other up and coming artists out there?

If there’s anything I’ve learned through the process of this album, it would be to trust the process and be patient. As cliche as it sounds, follow your heart and your passion, while at the same time being open to other options and possibilities; especially the possibility that it will take longer than you expect, because most of the time it does. I had this whole intricate plan for how this album was going to go, and between 2020, new release strategy suggestions, and many other hurdles, almost everything turned out different! But I’m still super happy with how it came out and how it’s going, so I really can’t be upset about it. Being true to myself, and being an open minded person, as well as supporting the people around me who also have passions for creative things, has all contributed to where I am and who I am now.

Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?

Honestly, thank you. If it weren’t for people supporting me, it would be hard to keep this going. This music is important to me, and it’s my passion, and all I ever want is to create things people can connect with and be introspective with, and it means the world that people are finding something within my art. Whether you’re a new fan or have been here since my first album, thank you, and I hope you continue to find enjoyment and purpose in my music. Here’s to what’s to come!

Find full feature here:
https://www.buzzslayers.com/post/an-interview-with-joe-billy

Interview regarding
“no sympathy”

with NenesButler

ANGER AND FRUSTRATION ABOUT THE SYSTEM:
"NO SYMPATHY" BY JOE BILLY

Joe Billy is..?

“Joe Billy” is not only my actual name, it’s also the artist name for my solo music. I am actually primarily a drummer; I started playing in 2010 and continue to work with a wide variety of bands. But, in 2016 I decided to pursue writing my own material as a solo musician.

I picked up my family’s old acoustic guitar, learned a couple chords, and started screaming my thoughts and feelings over simple progressions. Later that year I released my first album, “Censor This.” Fast forward to now, where I’ve played countless shows, matured as a person and musician, and am releasing material off my 4th full length album.

Do you remember the first artist who impressed you?

I’d say the first to “impress” me would have been Green Day. I had listened to a lot of bands as a kid, but once I heard “American Idiot” my whole life changed. I had a HUGE Green Day phase when I was like 14 haha.

They just took punk rock and made it their own thing and the way they wrote songs and got their messages across was just something I’d never heard up until that point.

"No Sympathy" sounds really great , what's the story behind it?

Thank you! So I think the origin of this song came from me listening to a lot of Anti-Flag one day. I got home and was just feeling all this anger and frustration about the system we live under in the US and how it has basically been set up from the beginning to keep marginalized people in poverty.

And on top of that, how it’s gotten to a point where not only the people in power, but many average citizens as well, just look at poor folk as pathetic and unworthy of assistance or aid. As if there’s no sympathy, humanity or empathy left.

What can our readers expect from your upcoming Album "Fissure"?

First off, Fissure is honestly the best material I’ve written yet. I love every song on this album, and I’ve branched out quite a bit with this one, so I hope folks dig it.

The album has an overarching theme of the various ways we can experience division, conflict, and the like. From society, to politics, to communities, to personal connections, to inner struggles; this album is hard hitting, loud, emotional, thought provoking, and intense.

I’d say if you’re fans of Flogging Molly, Frank Turner, Against Me, Anti-Flag, and bands like that, then this album will have something for you.

How would you describe the Indie Scene in your Hometown?

There’s actually A LOT of music happening in northern New Jersey. There are so many musicians, and always shows happening somewhere, and so many awesome bands and artists.

We honestly have musicians and acts of all shapes and sizes and genres, it’s pretty diverse over here. Very supportive too; I love playing shows and meeting new friends and helping each other out with shows and stuff, it’s great. Very strong DIY ethic too.

Your most listened song at the moment is ...?

Oh boy, there’s so many! This is totally out of left field, but lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Slipknot again. I was a big fan as a kid, and got inspired recently to listen to more of their discography, and one song I keep getting stuck in my head is “Psychosocial.” That song slaps.

What's next for you?

Well, currently, I am releasing a new single every 3 weeks, which will ultimately culminate into my new album, “Fissure.” The singles are releasing on streaming platforms, but the album won’t be fully released until February 2023.

HOWEVER, for those who really want the album for themselves, they can purchase it for only $10 on my website for download!

Aside from that, I’m always playing shows, and I’m rolling out new merchandise little by little. I just dropped new t-shirts for the “Fissure” album artwork and I’m super happy with them!

For anyone who wants to stay updated on things I do, you can follow me on streaming platforms, my social medias are all @joebillymusic, and you can join my email list through my website joebillymusic.com. Thanks so much!

You can find the interview and more on their website here:
https://nenesbutler-presents.blogspot.com/2022/09/anger-and-frustration-about-system-no.html?spref=fb

REVIEW OF “2AM”

BY
THE SOUNDS WON’T STOP

“2AM” BY JOE BILLY

A new single from Joe Billy comes through as a stripped down and very honest feel that bares all and starts off as a sullen but meaningful undertone until it explodes into a pop punk soundscape with a full band and electric guitars and all the while the emotions are still high and the drive is always there.  

"2am" is a message for someone. Someone important and it's a truthful and beautiful message that is portrayed in the form of this living breathing pop song that bounces from acoustic and vocals alone, into bursts of those rock sections and it all has this swagger that becomes pretty addictive really. 

It's the honesty in the words "all I wanna feel is like I'm doing something right".

That line among many others that really gets you. It's relatable and a song like this is designed to get things off your chest. Maybe this is the way Joe Billy does it. He has to sing about it. Not a lot of us have that option of course but it's great because a song like this makes us feel like we're not alone in whatever struggle we are in really.

We all feel this way sometimes. At one point or another we all understand this song more than we want to even if we don’t want to admit it. 

I think that's where this single gets so addictive. It's an infectious form of truth. Being able to shout it out like that. Sing it for everyone to hear.

This release shows a brilliant songwriting style that lets a song breathe. It gets quiet and stripped down, then it comes into these shout out loud pop punk parts and it all makes perfect sense. 

By the end you see the charm of it all. 

Read the full review and interview here:
https://www.thesoundswontstop.com/joe-billy

Review on “Space Dick”

by Blake Matthews

Joe Billy Releases a Punk Comedy, “Space Dick”

While not the most PG titled single, the song starts as fast-paced and energetic. The first couple seconds have vocals without instruments and are the perfect way to start a live performance. The instrumentation might remind you of The Misfits, The Ramones, or the Dead Kennedys while the vocals provide a completely separate vibe. One that might remind you of The Offsprings, Sum 41, or Social Distortion. Joe Billy sings powerfully in an almost screaming-like voice, that makes you both want to laugh and dance along. The song cuts into instrumentals for the last 30 seconds which provides both a breath and newfound energy into the short song. Joe Billy has created a short, yet sweet clip for many punk fans to enjoy. It would be hard to find a punk fan who could not enjoy this song. Overall, this could be a great introduction and beginning to a live performance sung as the first song of the setlist. 

It seems clear now, that Joe Billy is not going anywhere anytime soon and “Space Dick” will provide punk fans with the music that we have all been craving since the pandemic. Joe knows how to create fun, yet powerful music that can grasp the attention of anyone, especially those that get distracted easily. Joe is not an artist that you would like to sleep on as it is now clear that the pandemic only helped his creative juices flow. It is also highly recommended that you check out Joe’s live performances as his discography promotes a strong sense of community. You can find Joe Billy on most streaming platforms. His socials are here on Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, and Twitter. You can also find our previous interview with Joe Billy on OnlyBands.

Find the full article here:
https://www.missionmusicfoundation.com/blog/joe-billy-releases-a-punk-comedy-space-dick

Talking about new music

with
LunarSonar

Joe Billy Checks In On Upcoming Music

Joe Billy is an acoustic-punk singer-songwriter from Clifton NJ. He started playing music in 2010, and since then has been a working drummer. In 2016, he decided to try his hand at solo work, mainly because he had attempted to form a punk band for years, unfortunately to no avail for one reason or another. He never expected it to become a serious thing, but fast forward a few years, a few albums and some singles later, here he is. He’s always had a desire to reach people with his music in a way that invites them to engage in some sort of introspection; whether it be about themselves, the world around them, or a certain way of thinking. On top of being an entertainer and a performer, he strives to present himself and his music in a way that welcomes everyone around him to open up.
He’s currently working on a new full length album, which he says will be unlike anything he’s done before. His most recent release, is a self-produced comedy song called "I'm The Mother Fucking Spiderman." “One day I woke up with the inspiration to write a random funny song from the perspective of being Spiderman and well, there you have it,” says Billy. “My brother, Matt Billy, so graciously added lead guitar on it as well.”

You can find the full feature here:
https://www.lunarsonar.com/newreleasesblog/joe-billy-checks-in-on-upcoming-music

INterview and new single feature

with
Bassey Noise

Joe Billy is more serious than his comedy song suggests......

Joseph Billy III-or simply Joe Billy-contacted me recently with a link to his new comedy single 'I'm The Motherfucking Spiderman'. A great new single but I instantly knew there was much more to this musician than the release of a funny song and so I had to catch up with him for more info. This is his story........

Thanks for taking the time with this interview Joe, can you tell us about your musical background and how would you describe your sound?

I started playing music in 2010 because I was very interested in the drums. I started taking drum lessons and today I make a living off of drumming. Deep down though, I’ve always had a strong passion to be a performer and a frontman. After a few years of drumming for bands, I decided to start up a side project where I would be the singer for a punk band. That unfortunately only lasted about a year due to creative differences, but I continued to try and make the band something. After a long while of not being able to find consistent members who shared the same vision as me, I decided to say “fuck it, I’ll learn a few chords on guitar and just try it solo!”

So in 2016, I took my family’s dusty old acoustic guitar and learned 3 or 4 chords and wrote some loud, angry songs and called it an album.

I honestly never thought that it would take or that anyone would enjoy it, but sure enough, I have a growing fanbase, more releases and here I am a few years later.

I typically label my sound as “Acoustic-Punk.” I’ve always found a home within Punk Rock and I was so intrigued and fascinated with the stripped down, intimate version of “Folk-Punk” and solo singer-songwriters.

So, while trying not to limit myself too much, I consider “Acoustic-Punk” to be pretty descriptive but it’s also broad enough to allow me to branch out and experiment creatively with my music.

Has lockdown impacted you creatively at all and how have you found the past few months?

Well, leading up to the pandemic’s peak, I had a bunch of gigs and tour dates scheduled, both for drums and solo work. Unfortunately all of those had to get cancelled. But then, as soon as lockdown started it’s as if I found myself with more time than I’m use to handling. I was still working to some extent from home, but I now had time to work on all these projects and try all these things to the point where, after a week, I completely hit a wall of exhaustion! haha.

So once I found my balance again, I started working out ways to progress in areas I could, like doing prep work for the album I’m currently working on, recording more from home, doing covers, learning how to live-stream better, doing remote collaborations, trying to promote myself more over the internet, etc.

Most importantly, I think, is my decision to take more time for myself and my self care. My life is, most of the time, very busy with packed scheduling and so, I realised how far away I had strayed from the healthy habits I’ve made in the past. I was able to exercise more, practice meditation and yoga more, just go outside and appreciate the sun; smalls things that, I too often forget, make a big difference for me in my “life balance” so to speak.

So needless to say, I’ve tried to make the best of it.

Your latest release is the comedy single 'I'm The Motherfucking Spiderman', can you tell us the idea or theme behind the project?

Haha, so this was honestly a random song idea that just became something more concrete over time. One day I woke up feeling this overwhelming urge to write a song from the perspective of a drunken, belligerent, cocky, self centered Spiderman. In retrospect, I think I was mostly inspired by replaying my Spiderman 2 for the PS2, which I revisit from time to time, on top of the newer Spiderman games that have come out. So I think there was just plenty of content to get influence from.

Who's worked with you on the single?

All of the composition, production, music, lyrics, and performances on this song are me, with the exception of the Lead Guitar being my brother Matt, who does

awesome guitar work with Our Wits That Make Us Men, and his solo project Circledropper.

What other releases have you put out?

So far, I’ve released 3 albums, 2 singles, a 6 song EP from when I was live on a radio station in Ohio while on tour, and a 2 song EP from my old punk band I mentioned, Point of Anxiety. I dug up those songs after years of never using them and figured “fuck it, show the people where I came from.”

Where can folks get to listen to your work?

My music is currently on every streaming platform and store, including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and many more.

You can find all of the links to the various sites in the MUSIC tab on my website JOEBILLYMUSIC.COM.

You can also find my store, links to my various social medias, and any updates about shows and such on there.

What's next for you?

I’m currently working on a new album, which I am very excited about. As opposed to my other albums, which were mainly just acoustic guitar and vocals, this one is going to have mostly full band songs with a myriad of instruments, as well as plenty of friends featuring on the album. I honestly think it’s going to be the best piece of art I’ve made yet.

On top of that, I’ve been doing collabs with some friends which has been loads of fun and will be out eventually!

And also doing drum work, as usual, with any bands that need a session drummer or someone to track from home.

Anything else you'd like to add about the project, or a message for the readers?

My main hope for my music has always been to bring people together in any way I can. Most of the time, while writing music, I think about what the listeners will interpret or take away from the song they just heard, so a lot of the time, I’ll leave lyrical content open to interpretation. The messages I try to deliver with my songs and the relation it has with the listener is very important to me because not only am I writing music for myself, but I’m writing to hopefully invite others to think outside themselves a bit and to engage in some introspection. To have them think of something, anything, from a different perspective and come back to the realisation that we’re all just humans trying to figure this shit out. Anyone who thinks they know everything about everything most likely doesn’t, and there is more to you than meets the eye. We humans are pretty limited in our knowledge of every fact of existence, both outside ourselves and within ourselves, so it’s important to keep an open mind, be willing to be wrong and check yourself on a consistent basis.

I hope to see you all out there at some point and have a deep conversation haha.

See the full blogpost here:
https://basseynoise.wixsite.com/my-site-5/post/joe-billy-is-more-serious-than-his-comedy-song-suggests

Interview with
Voyage MIA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Billy.

-Joe, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.

I’ve loved music and wanted to be a performer and a singer ever since I was a kid. In 2010 I finally had the opportunity to start taking drum lessons (which was not vocals, obviously, but mother insisted on an instrument first for some reason).

After a few years of playing in bands as a drummer, I wanted to try and start my own punk band (punk rock being my favorite genre) as the frontman/vocalist. It went pretty well, but only lasted about a year, mainly for creative differences. So I continued on and tried to find new bandmates, but after some time, it didn’t seem to be feasible. Through my continuing discovery of new music, one day, I was shown something called “folk-punk.” And while I don’t necessarily call myself “folk-punk” as an artist, I was blown away by the simplicity and the rawness that it exhibited, especially when accompanied by amazing lyricism. So I said, “Ynow what? I could do that!”

So I learn a few chords on an acoustic guitar, and just screamed words that meant something to me. In all honesty, I didn’t think it was going to become a thing. I just figured that’s what I would do to get my energy and angst out while I continue trying to find a band. I’d play a show once in a while and write a few whatever songs. But here we are about four years later and I couldn’t be happier.

-Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Finding myself has always been, and continues to be, a constant exploration, as I’m sure it is with many people. Learning how to be in a band, of course, takes some time. And then once you’re used to that, going solo is a whole other thing. My first show solo was so terrifying, but also so liberating. It dawned on me that I was in full control. Over the content, over the decisions, over the booking, everything. That’s incredibly convenient and freeing, but then there’s the responsibility of knowing how to handle all of those things and keeping yourself accountable. So while I’ve been diligent on getting the work done mostly myself, I’ve been blessed to have amazing people around me along the way to support me and give me advice.

-Can you give our readers some background on your music?

I’m an Acoustic-Punk Singer-Songwriter. My hope with my music is to bring people together “one song at a time,” as I say. I value lyricism very highly and whenever I write a song, I focus a lot on how the lyrics are portraying whatever message I’m hoping to get across. Of course, there’s the musical side of it as well, but I always hope that someone will hear a song I’ve written and think outside themselves; whether it be about the world around them, themselves personally, or some type of topic they may not have pondered on before. Not to push my opinions on anyone, but to remind people, “Hey, none of us know everything!”

I try my best to be a helping hand, a welcoming person, and a listening ear whenever I possibly can. I truly hope I portray all these things through my music.

-Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?

I use to have this small red guitar that made music when you pressed a button. I use to launch myself out into the living room over and over again as if I was entering a stage. It drove my parents crazy haha.

Find full interview here: http://voyagemia.com/interview/meet-joe-billy-joe-billy-new-jersey/

You Don’t Know Jersey
Review of
“Don’t Mind Me“

By Michael Aquino

“Best NJ Records of 2018”

From the opening yelp and aggressive strums of acoustic punker Joe Billy’s Don’t Mind Me you know you’re in for a jolt. It’s one person and one guitar (mostly). What draws me in is the positivity in Joe Billy’s music. In “Here Today…” he sings, “Find a total strangers life, And try to do something nice”. But make no mistake, Joe Billy can slay you with his impeccable rhythm and piercing observations. One of my favorite tracks, “A Song About How I Piss Myself Off”, Joe Billy confesses, “And I mumble quite consistently, most people don’t understand me, saying something meaningful won’t always get across, I hope to god that you heard me” The albums exit tune, “i wont miss any of u”, you hear a young man filled with determination as he departs from schooling, “Graduation goggles won’t have any effect on me, I’ll be moving on and moving up, farther than you can see”. It is exciting to see Joe Billy moving up.
Go buy Don’t Mind Me at https://joebilly.bandcamp.com/

Find full article here:
http://www.youdontknowjersey.com/2018/12/best-nj-records-of-of-2018/?fbclid=IwAR0cUDn0PpZAvbkSMQ-qbCJJIDLi9wxwz2QR9IhJy3Wn9f026a9VJMPC_bI

Frosted Green Productions
Review of
“Don’t Mind Me“

by Ryan Hanratty

“Artist: Joe Billy - Album: Don’t Mind Me”

Being an all out folk punk artist takes guts. In my opinion a lot of what makes these types of songs what they are is the songwriter’s ability (and courage) to say the things that the lay listener doesn’t want to hear. It means calling out much of the bullshit in the world that most of us do our best to gloss over or shove to the back of our minds. Joe Billy, while also being one of the kindest musicians I have met, does exactly that.

Don’t Mind Me is this singer/songwriter’s third album released to date and as a returning listener, I can tell you he gets better every time. A mix of fantastic songwriting, solid guitar playing, well-placed lead parts, and a delightful kazoo solo make this LP his best yet.

While I am a bit biased having filmed this song at a past Frosted Green concert event, I stand by my opinion and belief that Hey You, number 4 on the 7 song tracklist, is Joe Billy’s best and also most genre neutral song on the album. While “calling out” isn’t the best way to say it, Hey You “calls us out”, rather politely might I add, on our constant need to be everywhere else but where we are at the moment. “That fancy phone that is practically a part of your face”, and my face as well, is just one of the many distractions Joe is suggesting we set aside for three minutes to appreciate the atmosphere and people around us. This message, while working well with his genre and themes, is a pretty widely needed in today’s society and I feel as if this track is a good olive branch to those music fans who have yet to find their way to the folk punk genre.

As for the rest of the album, folk punk fans will undoubtedly be pleased. Songs such as, A Song About How I Piss Myself Off and i wont miss any of u, tackle several of the tough issues I mentioned previously. The creative writing and wordplay make these tracks stand out to me and honestly, they don’t mince words… and they shouldn’t. Joe Billy says what is needed here and that is pretty much that.

Outside of lyrics, a folk punk fan like myself will more than likely enjoy the simple acoustic guitar and repetitive riffs that this artist and the genre naturally provide. A stumble upon listener however, depending on the method of consumption, may not be able to decipher when one track ends and the next begins without glancing back at the player. While that is not even a true critique, the style, sound, and delivery this singer/songwriter provides can very much find a comfortable home in the ears of Bob Dylan, Frank Turner, Chuck Ragan, and Laura Jane Grace fans.

With all that said, if you’re so inclined go check out Don’t Mind Me on Bandcamp, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. Keep an additional eye out as well for an upcoming music video that he has been teasing on social media!

Find the full article here:
http://frostedgreenproductions.com/chillreviews/?fbclid=IwAR3dYl7x2-yxrruC54daVzDLfe-2pcQLqyVxjBKSS12-SY1dW62eaNwXbOY

REVIEW OF
"WE ALL DIE EVENTUALLY"

by
HALF CAT MEDIA

“We All Die Eventually” by Joe Billy

Joe Billy is arguably one of the last people on the scene making traditional punk music and his latest single, “We All Die Eventually” is a testament to punks of all kinds. This 3 minute song, released on May 2nd 2018, begins with a nice upbeat tempo and folk style lyrics over a lively guitar progression which eventually erupts into a punk opera complete with drums, horns, gang-vocals and more!

Joe plays 3 of the main instruments on this track: the guitar, bass guitar and drums. The gang vocals we hear in this song are courtesy of Jackie Gonzalez, The Schwam & Erin Lockett (Of Love) who also plays horns on this 3 minute powerhouse of a song.

“We All Die Eventually”, like most punk songs, draws attention to contemporary societal issues; such as climate change and the impact of pollution; “because at the end of the day, especially in the apocalypse, we’re all on equal ground”.

The song is available for download at https://www.joebillymusic.com. “We All Die Eventually” appears to be the precursor to a full album release expected soon and has already been performed live with the backing of Jokers Republic.

Be sure not to miss Joe Billy's “Don’t Mind Me” tour which will take place across 6 states this Summer!

Find the full article here:
https://halfcatmedia.wordpress.com/2018/06/27/we-all-die-eventually-by-joe-billy/