Mixtape Atlanta talks with singer/ songwriter William Gibbs about his music and upcoming set at the BMI Rock Showcase tonight, August 27, at Vinyl.
Mixtape Atlanta: You’re based in Greenville, South Carolina, but where are you from originally?
William Gibbs: I was born in Troy, Alabama, but ended up in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and finally here in Greenville.
MA: Tell me about how you got started playing music.
WG: When I was fourteen, I shattered my leg and I was laid up in bed for a little bit. So my Mom went up into the attic and found this old guitar and gave it to me just for something to do. So that’s where it all started. But I’ve only been doing music full-time for just under a year now.
MA: How would you describe your sound?
WG: Well, Pitchfork called it “pop Americana,” and I think that’s fair. My goal, though, is to do whatever’s best for the songs I’m fortunate enough to record. So I end up with a lot of different sounds, and I try not to worry too much about cohesion. I’d rather have a good song than have it fit really neatly into some pocket.
MA: Will you be playing solo on Thursday [at BMI Showcase]?
WG: It’s usually me and Kevin Heuer on drums. Sometimes we’ll have a rotating cast of third members, but it’s usually at least the two of us. We’re not trying to be the White Stripes or anything; this is just what a four-piece looks like during a recession. But we get a pretty big sound with just the two of us.
MA: Last question, what song would you have to include on your ultimate mixtape?
WG: That’s tough. Maybe the Brigham Young University Choir’s version of “Come Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing;” that’s one of the more moving pieces of music I’ve ever heard. That or Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin'.”
Add this song to your mixtape (and listen to it below): "Darling, You Were Beautiful Once" from My Fellow Sophisticates
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