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Behind the Melodies: Unveiling the Soulful Saga of Chart-Topping Americana Maestro, Bill Abernathy!

Bill Abernathy is a renowned singer-songwriter from Kansas City whose exceptional songwriting and captivating voice has made him a beloved artist among music enthusiasts worldwide. Since his breakthrough in 2017 with the album “Find A Way,” Bill has achieved multiple successes, with his chart-topping single, “Goodbye Will Never Come Again,” reaching #1 on the Roots Music Chart, and his 2021 EP garnering him recognition as a Song of the Year finalist. He has since released more hit-filled albums and singles, with his music streams currently surpassing millions of global plays. Bill’s deep-rooted passion for music and his commitment to creating powerful and meaningful art have driven him to continually strive for greatness, and this is what makes him an inspirational musician.

About 1 month prior to the release of his latest album, “More,” Bill took time out to answer a few questions in this exclusive interview…

How would you describe your musical style?

I’d say it’s a mix of a lot of things. I mainly aim to make the lyrics stand out, so the style can change based on what I’m trying to say in the song. Most people say my sound is close to Folk/Rock, but I’ve heard others throw around terms like Americana or Acoustic Rock too. I’m pretty much an acoustic guitar guy, and that vibe comes through in a lot of my songs. But don’t be surprised if you catch some Country or Rock and Roll when the song calls for it!

What was the inspiration behind your latest album, “More”

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I was inspired one day while watching a football game, a passion of mine. As one team solidified their lead, the coach kept urging his players with the word “MORE” as they left the field. This made me reflect on the importance of continuous growth and ambition in life. Instead of resting on our laurels, being “comfortable”, we should consistently push ourselves to achieve more. This philosophy became the central theme for my album, emphasizing the importance of always striving for more and challenging ourselves. Refusing to compromise what could be by settling for what is convenient and easy.

The title cut is a self-reflection examining personal relationships:

I can’t help but wonder if there can be

More than a friend,

More than a lover,

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More than just moments we share with each other.

More than a smile,

More than a touch,

More than just illusion

Of what we call love”.

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What has been the most rewarding experience of your career so far?

The best part of making music is hearing that it actually meant something to someone. If someone tells me my song got them thinking or helped them through a tough time, or even just made their day a bit brighter—that’s just the best feeling. I’ve been fortunate to experience those interactions many times in my career. It’s why I do what I do.

What do you think sets your music apart from other artists?

My primary focus in music is on the storytelling and lyrical content of each song. I view life as a complex tapestry of experiences and lessons learned, which I aim to translate into my work. Musically, I employ a lot of acoustic guitar sounds designed to underscore the narrative. The resonance and expressiveness of these instruments serve to direct the listener’s attention to the story I am telling. I don’t think that style is so prevalent in today’s music. It may be what sets me apart from many other artists.

What advice would you give to aspiring singer-songwriters?

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Be yourself. The essence of songwriting and performing is to first craft a genuine narrative from one’s own experiences and emotions. Once that’s in place, the music and arrangements should be constructed to amplify and accentuate that story, ensuring it captures the listener’s attention. Authenticity is paramount; it allows listeners to genuinely connect with what’s being conveyed. At its core, music is about forging connections with the audience, allowing them to resonate with the stories shared, and facilitating a shared emotional journey.

What has been the most challenging experience you’ve faced in your career?

It’s intriguing how the process of songwriting unfolds. Sometimes, a story that begins as an observation or an external narrative evolves into something deeply personal. With our first single “Hideaway”, even though it began as an account of someone else’s experience, the journey of crafting it drew out elements that resonated with my own life. Delving into those emotions, bringing them to the surface, and then translating them into a song is a challenging feat. Baring oneself and those feelings for listeners is a vulnerable act, but it’s my sincere hope that I was able to accomplish that depth and sincerity in “Hideaway”.

What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome in your lifetime?

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I’m naturally an introvert who loves alone time, but it seems life has always put me in many front-and-center roles, performing music, coaching sports, or leading large groups of people. It’s like I have to switch on this outgoing version of myself, even though I’d much rather be sitting on a rock by a river alone with my thoughts. That’s a real challenge, but it also can be a strength. My quieter side gives me a unique perspective that I try to bring into my public roles. I try to find a way to balance the two—to be the performer when I need to be, and then retire into my cherished alone time to recharge.

How do you maintain an emotional connection with your fans through your music?

Music is like the soundtrack to our emotions, right? When I write songs, it’s not just about the lyrics. The music itself is another way to get those feelings across. I think that’s why some fans really connect with it. They’re not just hearing the lyrics; they’re feeling the music and seeing where my journey crosses paths with theirs. It’s also the way I play the music. When I perform a song, I try to go back to the same place emotionally I was in when I wrote it. I feel it myself and that comes across to my audience and they feel it too. It’s like we’re sharing this emotional ride together, and that’s really special.

How has your songwriting process evolved over the years?

Chasing hits and aiming for that radio-friendly sound is something many artists grapple with. It’s alluring, wanting to create that catchy tune everyone hums along to. But there’s so much more depth in being a storyteller. With time, I’ve realized that the real magic happens when the story takes center stage. Now, for me, it’s all about nailing down the message of the song. Once that’s in place, the melody and other musical elements naturally follow to complement the story. Throw in some unique musical hooks, twists, and turns, and then you may just have something that can resonate on a deeper level, while getting the listeners attention.

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What is the one thing that you would like people to remember about you and your music?

I hope they see that I am not just giving listeners just a catchy tune to dance to. I try to offer them something deeper, something more meaningful. I want my music to be a window where people can see into who I am, warts and all, as well as being a mirror to examine themselves. I am challenging them to think, to explore their own lives and feelings, as I personally do when I write the songs. Music that pushes us to confront who we are and what we feel, is the kind of art that leaves a lasting impact. If I am somehow able to accomplish this at some level, and be remembered as such, mission accomplished.

Interview

Charlamagne Tha God Turns Pain Into Power Amid Kanye West’s Shocking “Cousins” Confession

Honk Magazine

On a recent episode of “The Breakfast Club,” radio host Charlamagne Tha God opened up a moment of powerful facts about his own childhood trauma while talking very openly about Kanye West’s troubling new song, “Cousins.” In classic form, Charlamagne’s response was at once raw, emotionally layered, and deeply human. In “Cousins,” Kanye reflects on an unsettling sexual episode from his younger years involving a cousin, a song that had fans and critics reflecting. And as the song has whipped up waves of reactions across the internet, Charlamagne himself incisively cut through the noise with one of his own truths.

“No, they not. People are not gonna start coming out saying they sucked their cousin’s penis,” he said. “Listen, I was getting molested when I was 8 by a 20-year-old woman.” Charlamagne wasn’t reading from a script when he made the admission. It wasn’t done to sell records. It was unfiltered truth and a reminder that beyond the hot takes and the headlines, there are actual people whose invisible wounds we bear with us. Still, he didn’t completely let Kanye off the hook. This is a discussion we should be having,” he insisted, “I just can’t take it serious when it’s coming from Kanye. It’s always something with Kanye every week. That’s all. All of it just feels like a stunt.”

Also check this out: Jeffree Star Stirs The Pot With Cryptic Post Amid Kanye West’s Controversial “Cousins” Song Release

Kanye’s explosive public persona makes it difficult for some to distinguish between genuine confession and viral marketing. And they do matter, even more than ever, when the subject matter is so weighty. What happened on “The Breakfast Club” was a man seizing control of his own story in an arena that too often prizes spectacle over substance. Whether Kanye’s track succeeds in that level of reflection is a point of debate, but Charlamagne’s brutal sincerity also served as a timely reminder that healing begins when someone dares to acknowledge the uncomfortable truth.

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Interview

Jermaine Dupri Breaks Down the Bias Behind Xscape’s Rise

Honk Magazine

During his visit to the R&B Money podcast, Jermaine Dupri shared an obstacle he encountered in launching ‘90s R&B titan Xscape, and it has nothing to do with their voices. Dupri was blunt; Xscape never took off because of a lack of talent; it was their looks. “They just kept telling me they weren’t cute,” he said, shaking his head disapprovingly at the dismissive way executives from that era greeted even undeniable vocal firepower. It broadsided him, a wake-up call to the naked fact that marketing beats merit most of the time.

Even for one of the most vocally gifted female groups of their era, Xscape faced an industry that was more focused on image than artistry. The criticism wasn’t subtle. Even The Notorious B.I.G. dissed them in one of his lyrics words that stung in a culture where beauty was currency, and women who didn’t fit a narrow definition were often relegated to the sidelines. But Dupri wasn’t having it. He then doubled down on his faith in Xscape, championing their talent when almost no one else would. His gamble paid off chart-toppers like “Just Kickin’ It” and “Who Can I Run To” didn’t only reach No. 1 on the charts, they solidified Xscape as gods of R&B’s golden age.

Check out this article: Ester Dean Claims Her Role in Keri Hilson’s Notorious Beyoncé Diss Track

This isn’t just a reflection on Xscape’s journey, it’s a commentary on the battles many female artists still face. Dupri’s candor is a reminder that behind every platinum plaque, there’s often a quiet battle with industry bias. In essence, the story of Xscape is one of defiance, perseverance, and the realization that real talent doesn’t need a filter. And thanks to Jermaine Dupri’s vision and refusal to conform, they didn’t just break through, they changed the game. And sometimes, they come wrapped in the truth the industry prefers not to hear.

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