Billy Schafer -- Pop-Rock Troubadour

by Billy Schafer
(San Francisco, CA)

"A 5-year-old dashing toward the open arms of life with both shoe-laces untied." This is the image that comes to mind when listening to Billy Schafer's music. Hopeful and heartfelt, Billy's melodic pop chases themes of love and dreams with earnest abandon.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Billy began as a drummer but was quickly drawn to the guitar by his admiration of troubadour heroes past and present, such as Buddy Holly, John Lennon, and Elliot Smith. "I fell in love with the 3-minute pop gem at a young age—the melodic hooks are what initially pulled me in. But there's also an intelligence and simplicity to these guys' song structures and lyrics that I've come to admire and hold up as the gold standard for a great pop song. I'm inspired by the challenge of writing something that's catchy but not cloy and simple yet smart."

Billy's passion and diligence for crafting compelling songs is winning him fans and awards. In April 2008, Billy won "Best Song Award" in a West Coast Songwriters Competition. A few months later, his song "The Dream is Alive" was one of 12 songs chosen by the Acoustic Fuel record label for a compilation dedicated to music with an empowering message.

"First to Believe" is the title of Billy's upcoming CD, which he co-produced with San Francisco based producer Mike Winger. Like the artist himself, the album radiates warmth and wit. The title track is a swelling pop anthem that speaks to the redemptive power of belief. Other tracks, like "My Mona Lisa" and "April Fool for You" are odes to hope and romance.

Billy plays regularly throughout the Bay Area in venues such as Hotel Utah, Freight and Salvage, and Café Bazaar. With a bright future, Billy continues to grow and develop as an artist. Be on the look-out for his EP in spring of 2009.