Interview with Bill Hamilton of The Spirit of Elijah
Published on 9/20/2006
By Artistopia
Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
I don’t remember exactly when, but I was probably around ten. I would play air guitar in my brother’s room to Kiss. I Started guitar lessons not too long after that, but when I started it was mostly standards and classical music. I liked the instrument, but I wasn’t that interested in that sort of music.
Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?
My second guitar teacher, Aaron Mastrofski was a great influence. He showed me how to play all of the great classic rock, like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. I kind of knew what the music was, but it wasn’t until I was about fourteen that I really started to identify with the music.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
Its not always obvious, but Pink Floyd was a big contributor. I already mentioned Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, but some other artists were Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Dio. It’s kind of strange to have those kinds of influences in my Christian Rock, but they’re there.
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
I realize that even if you have a great sound it’s hard to make it. I’ve been around for a long time, although I haven’t heavily promoted anything as hard as I have “The Test of Job, but I would have to say there are two things that I would have verses a lot of other bands. First, I think this is very high quality music. It certainly is much better than anything I have released before. And secondly, it is my determination. I will promote myself in any way possible (in the context of a Christian band, and I’m kind of broke). I have already submitted my music to 40 websites and radio stations.
Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door?
It depends on how far and what sorts or rewards I expected. I wouldn’t turn anything down carte blanche. The fact is, I have written and produced quite a variety of music, from soft rock to metal, from serious to funny. I have even done a few blues songs on my Touch of Blue CD. The main goal is to try and make each song sound as good as possible.
Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?
Oh so true. As I have said I have I have submitted my music to 40 websites and radio stations, basically all of the majors in free music downloads, and most of the major Christian Rock stations that seemed to be close to my style. I’m not as concerned about the professionals in the music industry at this point. I’ve heard that they aren’t interested in people unless they are selling CDs themselves, except for a few one in a million shots. When I have sold a few thousand CDs then I’ll be knockin’, and I can understand why they wouldn’t pay much attention until then. There are too many musicians out there.
Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache?
I think it’s very important. I think I have a lot to go in those terms. When the time is right, I’m going to get a lot of people’s advice on a manager, and then I’ll leave it to him. The least shrewd business manager knows more than the sharpest star.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
I think that you have to keep trying and trying until you sick of everything and then try some more.
Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why?
Being a Christian Band charity is very important to me. I believe that we are stewards of God’s money here on earth. Practicing that is much harder than saying it. I have two kids I sponsor in the Christian Children’s fund, and I would recommend it highly. When you get a letter from your child it is a very special moment. I show my kinds every time I get one because I think that we have to pass on that kind of heritage. I hate to focus on one charity too much though because there are so many. When I start to tour I would play to any worthwhile charity that was reasonably feasible to my time schedule.
Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.
