02.25.2008
Billings looks forward to documentary, new songs
Michael Billings reveals his most intimate thoughts and feelings through the lyrics of the music he writes.
“Music gives you a medium to relay your story and share it with the rest of the world,” he said. “It’s a diary, a journal. You’re letting everything off your chest whether it’s through the lyrics or notes.”
The Statesville native is not only an aspiring musician - he has other artistic talents as well.
For several years, the 23-year-old was an extra on the TV show “Dawson’s Creek.” He has also appeared in several commercials and is in the process of writing a couple of screenplays.
This summer, he will film the trials and tribulations of trying to break in to the music industry. In July, he will spend a week in London shooting a documentary on new artists trying to book gigs and have their music heard.
Despite his many talents, he said music holds a special place in his heart.
“Music seems to be a part of my life that calms me down. It’s what I do to relax,” he said.
The 2003 North Iredell High School graduate is attending Full Sail Real World Education in Winter Park, Fla., where he is in the film program.
For the past two years, he has been focusing on writing for his latest collection of songs.
He released an acoustic song, “But I Think I Have To,” a few weeks ago. He plans to shoot a video for an upbeat version of the song in March.
He said he has a difficult time labeling his music. He takes genres including electronic, folk and indie rock and fuses them together to create his own sound.
“I try to heighten the music to a theatrical level to intrigue people,” he said.
Most of his songs revolve around “relationships and the realization you have during the end of a relationship.”
He noted that a special young woman serves as a muse for many of his songs and his latest video.
Billings said his love for music began many years ago. He started out playing the trumpet in middle school and over the years added the guitar, piano and violin to his repertoire.
Michael Billings Sr. said he has been proud of his son from the start. He is most amazed at his son’s ability to teach himself in many areas.
“I’m proud of him and hope he makes it,” he said.
Unlike many aspiring music artists who define success as signing with a major recording label, Billings has charted a different course for his career.
His ultimate goal is to have one of his songs featured in an independent movie soundtrack.
He prefers staying in the indie scene, saying “I don’t want to deal with the troubles and insanity that come with a major label.”