We had the opportunity to interview Billy Raffoul at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego!
“Growing up in the small farming town of Leamington, Ontario, Raffoul first started writing songs at age 10, thanks in no small part to the influence of his father—a musician who’s opened for legendary artists like Joe Cocker. “Music’s kind of like the family business,” says Raffoul. “My dad raised us on the Beatles, and everything just took off from there.”
After landing his first paying gig—playing to long-haul drivers at a local truck stop—Raffoul began playing at nearby bars and clubs at age 16, often driving into Detroit for shows. He eventually connected with a manager, and moved down to Nashville to push forward with his music career. Soon after scoring a deal with Interscope Records, Raffoul got to work on 1975, which arrived in June 2018.
Over the past few years, Raffoul has opened for heavyweight artists like, Kings of Leon, X Ambassadors, NEEDTOBREATHE and Kaleo, captivating crowds with his understated yet intensely passionate stage presence. With his debut album due out soon, he’s looking forward to widening the reach of his live show, a stripped-back performance currently featuring only Raffoul, his guitar, and his drum pedals. “I try to make it as intimate an experience as I can, and interact with people on a really personal level,” Raffoul says. “I’m just up there telling my stories and hoping that people can find their own connection to them, so maybe these songs can help others the way they’ve helped me.”
Credits:
Theme Song: Scott Russo & Design: Oscar Rodriguez & Photo: Jesse DeFlorio
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