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Bill Binkelman |
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Initially, when I began my pursuit to record my songs, I was very guarded about people finding out that I was self-taught. More and more I found that many of my favorite performers didnt read music either. I remember reading a story in USAToday about Luciano Pavarotti - amazing talent, amazing voice - [he] doesnt read music either! Cool, I thought, one more for our side! I don't have any plans to learn to read music, I simply don't like the structure, although I do know it has its place and purpose. I have had quite a few requests for sheet music, and that is something we MAY offer in the distant future. Perhaps even downloadable on my website. My true focus is still to get the word out about my music, and of course to find new listeners. Your site makes mention of your mother's music background, but are you the first performing artist and/or professional musician in the family? Yes, after spending 20 years in the restaurant business, I eventually escaped to become the first in my family to pursue my passion for music as a career. What part did your Greek heritage play in your pursuit of your musical career? For example, did you have to struggle with "old world" expectations that a music career was not "practical?" Struggle, yes. Initially, my family wondered why I would leave a successful career in the restaurant business (a very common career for us Greeks) to be an pianist. Now I think they get it and are proud of my accomplishments. Again, no regrets! How did you meet Chris Spheeris, whom you collaborated with on Adagio? What was it like to take another artist's work (as opposed to your own) and re-do it? Was there a certain pressure you felt or did you have free rein to go wherever the muse took you? I had been a fan of Chris music for a very long time. Often I would put on his CDs and play piano along with him. When I was ready to release my my first album, I wanted to include one of Chris songs, but was new to the industry and didnt really know how to go about it. I did a little research and found a contact number to his record label. Nervously, I called wanting to ask permission for me to do a piano version of Chris song called "Magaya." A woman answered the phone and was very helpful. We spoke quite a while about Chris and his music. I mentioned my interest in using and and performing one of his songs, and she said, "I'm sorry you cannot do that." She then asked me for my name, address, phone number, hair color, and my mother's maiden name. ( OK, so she didnt ask for the last two :) I thanked her for her time, and said goodbye. Her name was Eleni. I was so nervous after the call, that I sat down at the piano and started playing a song I can attribute to my conversation with her. I decided it was only fair to name the song after her, and included it on my very first album- Homeland (1996) I wanted to share the song with Eleni, and ultimately sent her a copy. Not much later, I received a call from her. She really liked it and wanted me to send an additional copy for Chris Spheeris to hear! I think to myself, "Wow, could that be possible?" Quickly I sent an extra copy to Eleni in hopes that Chris would like what he heard. Weeks went by - and nothing. Not too long afterwards, I was home one evening and received a call from Chris Spheeris himself. Stunned and excited, I could not believe he was calling me. We talked for a very long time and became instant friends by phone. Eventually, I found out that Eleni was actually his mom! Over the years I have shared my music with Chris, and eventually, he and his producer Robert Cory helped me to co-produce Numinous. Later, Chris gave me the opportunity to create the album Adagio. It was a challenging proposition, but very worth the effort. It also helps that he happens to be a great guy. A lot of piano players in the new age/adult contemporary genre say they enjoy playing live. Do you play many concerts and, if you do, how does it feel to perform for an audience? Actually, playing live used to absolutely terrify me. When I played the piano in my younger years, it served as my private escape. I performed in the talent shows during my time in elementary school, and was scared then too, but kept on doing it. It was kind of like riding a rollercoaster - there's always an element of fear and enjoyment at the same time. Within the past five years, I have been making many more public performances, and I actually do enjoy performing live now. I really enjoy connecting with my audience and explaining the what's, why's and when's of my songs. And lately, near the end of my performances, I have been asking the audience if they have questions for me. It is a nice way for us to connect in a way that many performers do not. On your newest album, you recorded some Mark Isham soundtrack pieces, one of the few times you recorded someone else's music (other than the album Adagio). What led to this decision? Have you yourself ever considered composing soundtrack music? YES! I love soundtracks and film music, and very much desire to do more. Some of my songs have been used for documentaries on PBS, and soon I will soon be working on new music for a program created for Georgia Public Television. I must thank David Foster, Mark Isham, Randy Newman, and Dave Grusin for inspiring me at the movies at an early age. I would LOVE to follow in their footsteps. Your newest album, Second Nature, features more electronic keyboard work than your last two releases? Is this a new direction for you? Did you enjoy integrating the keyboards with the piano pieces? Do you worry that the more overt electronic tracks will alienate your "piano" fans? Yes, Second Nature has a few new elements. Not only violin and vocals, but a few more keyboard and synthesizer sounds in addition to the subtle (actual) nature recordings. It was nice for me to break away from the comfort zone of solo piano and grow artistically, adding some element of surprise, without really going beyond what was palatable for my listeners. So far, the listener response and reviews have been quite good. Wasn't it you who said "...his best release yet?" There seems to be two schools of thought about an artist putting his/her own photo on album covers. Some artists are all for it, others avoid it like the plague. You are graced with handsome features, so it stands to reason that you would go the former route. Do you ever consider whether people will make the mistake they do with some other "new age" musicians (Yanni, John Tesh), i.e. overlook their talents and think they're more about image? Honestly, I really don't like doing photo shoots for CD cover art. I much prefer the role of being a photographer (one of my other passions) than being the subject. Actually, my first three albums featured artwork (not photos of me) on the covers. Through feedback, and some curiosity from listeners, I was encouraged to make more of an appearance on the CDs. I think they were right, as a photo of the artist sometimes sparks curiosity, therefore people who don't know my music may pick up the album to find out more. Have you ever been approached by a major label about signing with them? Are you content having your own label or do you ever wish for the clout and exposure that being on a major could afford you? I have had interest from some smaller labels, but at this point, I have not really pursued them. Over the years the industry has changed so much, and especially lately, I must again say...NO REGRETS. I wouldn't change my independent status. More and more artists are now doing the same (taking responsibility, controlling their projects, their image, songs, production, marketing and touring). It is a lot to juggle, but you never get bored. Also, through the convenience of purchasing CDs online at the independent artists' websites, the artist can actually get paid directly for their CD sales (getting paid can be a VERY slow process with some distributors and labels. Trust me, I know.) So, these types of new avenues helps. I have just signed on with a new distributor, Music Design, and I hope that they will help me reach a much larger audience. What's next on your agenda? Any plans for mounting a regional or national tour? Actually, I am doing more public appearances than I used to, including some Greek Festivals in the Southeast. I am also continuing to develop my new line of aromatherapy products (they are off to a good start and can be purchased on our website). And yes, I do make the sugar scrub myself ! Also, just this week, I have returned to the studio to work with my producer Alex Mizell to revisit the song Athena. Athena was originally written with the 2004 Olympic games in mind. I am planning on doing a few new versions that may even have a more contemporary house and/or trance style to them. Very rhythmic, and certainly very different. The versions will then be sent for consideration for the television broadcasts of the games. Any other comments you'd like to share with Wind and Wire readers? Yes. I realize that many music lovers out there have become comfortable with burning copies of CDs to share, or just hunting around for free copies of music online. In doing so, please keep in mind that some of us actually are trying to make a living through the sale of our CDs. Without that income, future releases may not happen. Therefore I leave you with this thought: Share Music...by word of mouth. Bill, thanks you so much for all of your support. I applaud your tireless efforts in keeping the music alive for all of us. I hope that you and your readers will take the time to stop by my site now and then for the latest news and updates. Peace, George Skaroulis |
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