Bushwalla For All Your Freestylin' Needs
Whether you're from San Diego, London, Scotland, Seattle or anywhere for that matter - Billy (Bushwalla) Galewood is sure to be your future "ghetto blaster". Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio Bushwalla began his stage career when he was 9 years old. He now resides in sunny San Diego, California where he is continuously creating a new breed of funk. He has played in the legendary Java Joe's in Ocean Beach, CA which also housed Billy's close friend Jason Mraz - whose song "Bella Luna" was co-written by Billy. His words and tunes are currently resonating through headphones and speakers around the world.
How would you describe your music?
b: Acoustic hip -hop, daring to create new genres I like to call dumpster funk or ass rock.
Who are some of your newer influences? and what kinds of new stuff do you listen to?
b: I listen to whatever the mood takes me. I love instrumentals, because you don't have to focus on words just moods and instruments and I like to free style. Newer influences...um...not sure...I am into a lot of world music. actually on itunes you can radio or something and they deliver some rad tunes without stopping and I don't even know half the folks I am listening to. Also, there is this "lemon jelly" album I really dig called "lost horizons". I can listen to that at any given time.
Who are some of your older influences?
b: old influences.. Bob Schneider 'cause he is the man , and now I actually am working with him on stuff which blows me away. His music got me through some hard times and now I get to tell him that. My first influence was a lot of 50's music rapped up with musicals and Gilbert and Sullivan.
If there was one thing that you wish to do musically that you aren't currently doing what would it be?
b: I would like to own a little coffee shop/record store, something community oriented that we could have kids programs at and good food and yes music...
What do you write about in your music? ie. Politics, family, community, religion or anything else?
b: Honestly whatever comes out in the mood I am in when I write. I try not to say "ok this is a political song, go!" but rather what do I feel and if it is religion or whatever I kind of sneak it in
What instruments do you commonly use?
b: Live- guitar, drums, and randoms; Recording- whatever it takes, I usually can figure something out on most instruments I have even if it sucks
What is your main goal musically and who do you try to reach?
b: Happiness, truth and honesty in music. To support myself and play a bunch of shows.....So I am not to far off, but always learning more.
This may be really complex, but when you write a song, do you think about the rhythm, melody and structure or do they just kind of evolve through the writing process?
b: Totally evolve, but sometimes I sing the song in my head then figure it out. But when I write a song i usually fiddle around for a while until I figure out what works.
Your improv skills are amazing, anything you'd like to say about them?
b: Yeah, everyone should freestyle, 'cause you freestyle in life everyday. Everything you do, you figure it out on your feet. I love it in song so I do it everyday, with myself friends or on stage. It is so challenging.......you have to lose inhibitions.
Anything else you would like to add about yourself, your music or music in general?
b: If you are into making music , move in baby steps and try not to get there to soon. Get there when you get there and let it all fall into place. Be honest and F' the man.
You can currently buy Bushwalla's "Ghetto Blaster EP" through his website and another album is on the way!
His website:
http://www.bushwalla.net
and his MySpace music page:
http://www.myspace.com/bushwallamusic
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Photo from Billy Galewood
U P C O M I N G
S H O W S:
J a n u a r y01/07
Room 5
West Hollywood, CA
8:30 pm
01/15
Room 5
Hollywood, CA
9:00 pm
01/21
Room 5
Hollywood, CA
9:00 pm
01/22
Plush Cafe
Fullerton, CA
8:00 pm
01/29
Room 5
Hollywood, CA
9:00 pm
R E L A T E D
V I D E O S:
"I'm Yours" live@AOL
Landon Pigg
"Eggshells" live in Seattle
Maroon 5
"Little of Your Time" acoustic
Rooney
"When Did Your Heart Go Missing?"