Rhode Island’s Balladeer: Billy Mitchell

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Saturday, October 22, 2011

GoLocalProv Features Team

Every place needs a balladeer, even in the most modern of times. Billy Mitchell is just the man for the job here in Rhode Island. With songs celebrating the quirks and consternations of local life, he's just written a new song, "I Know A Guy," for an upcoming concert as part of the Providence 375 celebration.

Since everyone in Rhode Island needs to know everyone else, GoLocal asked Mitchell five crucial questions.

How did you get your start in your field?

I grew up in a musical household. Dad sang with Perry Como in the USO in WW2 (the radio was always on). He was also a super saleman & promoter. So, I ended up in advertising as a career & singer/songwriter as a passion.

Why write songs about Rhode Island?

Great material! RI has its own inate sense of humor. "I Know a Guy" was written for a Rhode Island Songwriters Association (I'm a board member) concert as part of the Providence 375 celebration. Along with "Meet Me Under the Shepard's Clock". I had read a blog from Doug Norris of The South County Independent about the "Knowaguy" state. Also heard the term again on a radio interview. Figured that was a sign from the muses, so started writing.

Do you think the younger generation of listeners here "gets" songs like "I Know a Guy?"

I've played this song out many times (most recently at a few mini-concerts on a two week trip to Italy) and it never fails. No matter where people are from or how old they are, they identify with the tune. Yes, even in Italy! Seems like everybody knows a guy, but Rhode Islanders especially appreciate it.

With whom do you most closely identify in the singer/songwriter universe?

A real mix (or in Rhode Islandese, frittata) - John Prine, Shel Silverstein, Leon Redbone, and of course, for the Ocean State, Jimmy Buffett (apologies to my folkie pals).

What's the best thing about working in your field in Rhode Island? The most frustrating thing?

The best thing is finding an audience that appreciates, values and actually listens to original music. The most frustrating thing is trying to find an audience that appreciates, values and actually listens to original music.

Check out "I Know a Guy," complete with RI imagery, right here.

Mitchell will be clebrating the CD release and performing "I know a Guy", "Shepard's Clock" & other tunes from the CD on October 22nd at a RISA Songwriters Showcase (7:30 to 10:30) in Wakefield at Music at Lily Pads, 27 North Road, Peacedale. Also at Acoustic Tuesday, Nov 1 at Bikiis in Warwick - (9pm feature performance), And opening for Chalie Hall's final Ocean State Follies on December 16th at the West Valley Inn.

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