Let’s all just face it. We spend our whole lives seeking out the things we want and TRYING to obtain them, but aren’t the best things we end up getting almost ALWAYS accidents and surprises? Such was the case with this latest video. There was no planning or even any intention involved, at least on my part. Most of the footage was produced without my knowledge while I was away on location filming something else. The footage of ME was shot in about two hours (I just hammed it up for a couple of takes with my 3 year old daughter’s miniature guitar and drum set). Photographed and directed by Adam Mason, conceived and designed by Pollyanna Rose herself, this video came as a gift. All the credit goes to them with my shocked and humble gratitude.

Now I’m not sayin’ it’s not important that we work hard in order to enjoy the fruits of our labor and all that. Everyone knows the more you do, the more that comes back. But sometimes the results of those things we pour our guts into, turn out to be only half as rewarding as the “mystery fruits”. The ones that somehow look shinier and taste sweeter. The ones that get fertilized by the residual energy we put out there. The ones that come from the seeds we didn’t know we planted.

Much Love -bb

Drop in a comment and let us know what u think…

For the next 72 hours I’m going to be giving away a free, previously unreleased track. This is the story of how it came to be…

Veruca Salt: “Snozberry?! Who ever heard of a Snozberry?!
Wonka: “WE are the music makers. And WE are the dreamers of dreams”.

My favorite movie of all time is still “Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory”. Almost every scene contains a simple but often forgotten life lesson or rule to live by. But instead of force feeding these proverbs down our gullets with a bulldozer sized “drama spoon”, the creators chose to let the characters lick their fingers and “wet willy” the irony into our ears.

When the master of derision himself, Gene Wilder embodied one of the greatest adjudicators in literary history (Willy Wonka), our morality gauges young and old, were poked and tickled into submission. In the glorious aforementioned moment, when Wonka disputes Veruca’s un-childlike, insulting lack of “pure imagination” with a deft quote from Authur O’Shaughnessy while not so gently scrunching her cheeks together, the tone of this masterpiece gracefully careens from remedial quirkiness into sublime perspicacity. (That means it starts off a bit milky and awkward but becomes fuckin’ genius).

Candy wrap all of this into a musical with an almost eerie, other worldly quality and some disturbingly indelible songs, and it’s pretty tough to think of any other motion picture that’s been able to weave such sociocultural nuances.

“If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it.” Were any truer words ever sung or spoken? They have stuck with me since I was 8 years old. I couldn’t think of a better way to pay homage to a film and a song that’s haunted and taunted me forever than to warble out my own humble version of it. So, about 10 years ago… I did.

I was in a studio session just banging out random shit to warm up my fingers and vocal chords and the engineer said “Hey, let’s lay one of those down”. The recording you’ll hear (if you choose to snag it for this limited time) is just me sitting at a baby grand piano– oh, so many years ago. The significance and the sentiment of this song for me, speaks for itself. I hope it taps your “fountain of youth keg” as well.

The track is not currently available for sale anywhere. Instead I’m going to give it away for free to anyone who picks up a copy of my physical album here:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/billyburke

Once you’ve ordered it simply send an email to wonka@billyburke.net with your order number and/or the email address you used when you placed the order and I’ll personally email you a copy of my version of “Pure Imagination” shortly thereafter.

THE CATCH: This track is only going to be available for the next 72 hours, then it’s back into the archives until who knows when. So if you’d like a free copy of the track… you gotta get it now.

DON’T STRESS… If you were one of the people who bought a “hard copy” when it first came out, the same thing applies. Simply send me a copy of your order number or email receipt and I’ll send you the track as well. I’m so sorry but due to online tracking difficulties we have to limit this offer to ONLY THOSE who bought the physical album. Not to mention, call me old school but I think physical albums are cool.

ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO the “VH1 Save The Music” Foundation so you’ll be helping provide a kid with a violin or a tuba or something while you provide yourself with a free bonus track and an album that has received unanimous 5 STAR REVIEWS on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon and others.

After you take a listen, drop in a comment. Love it or hate it, I’d love to hear what y’all have to say.

Once again, this track is not available anywhere else and currently there are no plans to release it.

To get your copy for FREE, just order a “hard copy” on CD Baby and then email your order number and/or email address to wonka@billyburke.net.

As always, much love,
-bb

I’m going to out myself. I’m going to admit that despite all the stuff it looks like I’m up to all the time, the reality is that I am a hopelessly and shamelessly, lazy fuck. I suppose the irony to that fact is… that because I am never satisfied with anything, I am constantly and perpetually compelled to improve the shit I do and in order to maintain a truly blissful lazy existence, one would have to feel complacent with that shit not getting done, let alone getting done right.

I really dig sleeping. I miss it. But that little luxury boat left the harbor 2 & a half years ago when my daughter Bluesy LaRue was born. The irony to THAT fact being– she’s the only thing I’ve ever really done that was unequivocally right. With more plentiful, albeit resented waking hours, it’s still a tight fist that holds the reigns to any carriage I believe only “I” can drive. I expect this to make sense only to those like me, who are tormented by the possibility of “perfection” yet continually punched in the face by mediocrity’s jolly fist.

Ambition is the devil. Ask too much of him, he’ll only slow you down. Ask too little, he’ll pull out your eyes and point them back at you. Ignore him and he’ll laugh in your face like a 300 pound concupiscent cellmate until you cower onto your belly and receive him. So, in the interest of avoiding the devil’s front-tail, I am doing what keeps him at bey and giving the appearance that I’m once again, steadfastly pursuing my ambitions. Please be advised, this confession should not be misconstrued in ANY way. My inherent need to pour my stupid guts into each and every venture I set forth upon will always win the battle against my lackadaisical nature. Really, this preface is only a long winded, flowery way of saying that although it’s been a long stretch since my last post (coming up on a year), there will always be a daisy up my sleeve and a litter of rabbits waiting to be yanked out of my dusty, wilting hat.

My family and I spent only a few months out of 2010 at home. Mostly, we resided away on film locations in “other one homes”– a term Bluesy coined. Like her dad, I think she actually embraces and perhaps prefers living on the road (but I’m probably just projecting my own childhood fantasies onto my only offspring). Looking back on the year we stole together, I’m reminded that all meaningful experiences begin with a question mark and results can only be regarded as fleeting. The ride is the trip, kids. Knowing we survived it without dissolving into a cliché reaffirms my belief that anything is possible when “quit” is not an option. So now, with all production of the “mustache movies” neatly tucked behind us, the pages of an unknown chapter lay in wait. Some reading this may be asking “what’s next?”. The most truthful response I could give would be, “I feel secure with nothing. Ever. However, I feel pretty safe in saying that I have NO fucking idea what’s next for me”.

At heart, I am a troubadour, but real troubadours have no ties and no borders. By definition this label leaves my outlook in an ongoing scourge between who I’ve become… and what I believe myself to be. The genuine answer to “what’s next?” lies in the illusive conviction I must find. I’d love to put together a little tour, you know — to sing my songs, find my instinct and fulfill at least an appetizer portion of the initial dream. But the hungry machine I’ve inadvertently created in the accidental interim has to feed somehow, lest it devour itself or starve from disinterest.

And so, as I draw the curtain on these late but brief, narcissistic musings from a warm-winded Caribbean balcony overlooking the Yucatan coast (the ONLY vacation we’ve taken since getting married and having Bluesy), I’m reminded that those who once inhabited this heavenly region had a calendar that abruptly just STOPS on a date in the not so distant future. Let’s imagine for a moment that these kooky Mayans end up being right. The end? Or perhaps just a new beginning? Either way, it would mean that we’ve all got about a year and a half to squeeze some significance out of our collective existences and guide our energies in a new direction. What I’d like to do is wrap up this post with an unoriginal question of existential unimportance…

If this IS all there IS, and the END was indeed predictable and just ahead…

What would you give? What would you take? Where would you go? Where would you stay?Who would you kiss? Who would you punch in the face? What laws would you make (more importantly which ones would you get rid of)? Who’s mind would you steal? What music would be the soundtrack to your departure/arrival? C’mon, If you could start from scratch, knowing what you know… how would it be different? What’s “next” for YOU?

I wanna know. Hit me back.

As always, Much Love -bb

There are few times in my life I can remember the anticipation of an event actually being outshone by it’s happening. I’m sure I’m not alone in recognizing that most times the climaxes we so fervently strive for, will pale in comparison to the dreamy visions we allow ourselves leading up to them.

The realization of this record showing up anywhere on a BILLBOARD CHART (this week #48 on the “Heatseekers” list) Much less becoming the NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER on CD Baby, the world’s largest online distributor of independent music, has left me in unfamiliar territory. I don’t know what the opposite of disenchanted is… but for the first time in a long while, that’s what I’m feeling and it’s pretty fucking great.

The upshot of this post is to exclaim in no uncertain terms that YOU who are reading this are directly responsible for the success this project is having. There is no ugly corporate monster pulling switches and manipulating the sales or promotion of this album. There’s no motive other than the desire to provide you all with some music that in turn, just happens to provide ME with an artistic outlet I’ve kept bottled up for more than a few years. In short, (and at the risk of sounding ridiculous) it’s just about LOVE, people. Love and music– the two undeniable, universal languages. It is solely the love and support that’s coming from all of YOU that is fueling this machine and with a portion of the album’s proceeds going to Vh1′s “Save The Music” program, we couldn’t be prouder or more ambitious to spread it as far and wide as we can.

I must confess that self promotion is an animal I’ve attempted to elude battle with throughout my entire career. My distaste for it even now, will no doubt keep me from saying some things that those around me would urge me to. It is only necessity that has compelled me on this new and long awaited venture to pick up my own megaphone and shout the word to anyone with willing ears. So, I guess what I’ve learned is– if you have a mission, there is no substitute for belief in yourself and with that, there is no shame in expressing that belief. It’s unlike me to be even mildly exhilarated by ANYTHING, but at this moment, I find myself on the precipice of a new awakening to EVERYTHING. I owe this revelation to all of YOU and I just wanted thank you for it.

Lastly, I must mention that releasing this album independently has taken tireless effort and selfless dedication from many people other than myself. Although I did put up my own funds to pay for this adventure, I have no desire to make it a narcissistic source of income. Those who know me would easily testify that my interest here is only to make music and create a way for it to be enjoyed by those who dig it. However, In order for that to happen and for “Save The Music” to benefit from the sales of this record, we do have to cover the costs. Once we sell enough units to do so, the kids’ music programs will get some money and everything else will go straight back into making music, videos and whatever else keeps the machine running. So… if you’re into what we’re doing here and you want to hear and see more, I ask only that you keep doing what you’re doing and help us promote by any method you choose. Retweets, Facebook, word of mouth, whatever– it’s all working.

You can order physical and digital copies of the album at CD Baby.

The album can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon as well.

Once again, thank you &
Much, much love my friends
-bb

So here we go.

My debut album is now available. CLICK HERE TO ORDER.

The album can also be found on itunes.

Once again, I’ll remind you all that the PHYSICAL COPIES are in rather short supply so if you want an actual CD with the 12 page booklet that includes pictures and lyrics, we urge you to order soon.

I think I’ve said everything that need be said by now so all that’s left is… I really do appreciate the love, good wishes and support I’ve received from you all and — I hope you enjoy.

With humble gratitude, I give you “removed”.

much love,
-bb

We are not ourselves in the presence of others. By this I mean, If you really wanted to know someone, you’d have to spy on them when no one else is around. When you’re young, you truly believe that no one understands you and, well… you’re mostly right. In fact, if you can find even one or two people in your entire lifetime that genuinely care about “getting” you, you’ve done pretty well. Art (in any form) is really just a quest for some sort of remedy for that “lack of understanding” and like it or not, our lives are constantly influenced by the product of that quest and the people who set out on it. I’m pretty sure I didn’t recognize this philosophy when I was a kid but I definitely wanted to be one of THOSE people and I myself, couldn’t understand those who didn’t.

Most of the songs I’m about to release were written on cocktail napkins. I suppose if anyone had been spying on me while I sat alone in a booth or on a barstool scratching them down, they may have gotten a glimpse of the real me. Although I never consciously write songs in order to be understood, those whose ears this music falls upon will be in a way, hearing “me” when no one else is around.

On June 22nd, 2010 — “removed”, my 12 song debut album will be available as a digital download or mail order physical copy (with 12 page booklet) either here on this site, at iTunes, or wherever you buy your music. Please know that hard copies of the CD with booklet are in limited supply so if you want one we urge you to order quickly.

For those who live or will be in the Los Angeles area on June 22nd, we’ll be kicking off the release with a party at The House Of Blues in Hollywood where the band and I will be performing a few cuts from the record. This will be an invitation only event, however WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY SOME PASSES TO SUBSCRIBERS so if you haven’t yet already, sign up (top right corner of this page) and stay tuned if you’re interested in attending the show. More info will be coming soon.

We’re also trying to put together a video Q&A for subscribers sometime before the album drops and there are a few more bits of awesome that we’re planning that I can’t mention until we get the go ahead so again, check in as frequently as you can. If you wanna help spread the word please retweet, comment, or post a link to this site on Facebook, Twitter, or anywhere else you choose.

For all of you who have been here from the start and those who are just joining me, I want to once again put forth my sincere gratitude for your kind words, graciousness and support. My hope is that this record will not only bend your ear for now, but in time find a permanent and poignant place in your listening library for years to come.

much love
-bb

I’ll start this post by saying this… we here at the bb site have been nothing short of BLOWN AWAY by the overwhelming and sincerely adulatory response we’ve received since launching this project. I personally, want to thank each and every one of you who have put forth SO MANY kind thoughts, compliments and good wishes. From conception to fruition and everywhere after, this is now, and will continue to be a collaborative and interactive effort. I’m gonna do my absolute best to keep you current with everything we’re doing and everything that transpires along this dusty ass little road you’re walking with me.

In that spirit, we managed to throw together a little something while on location in Shreveport, Louisiana. Some of you might know that for the past couple months I was there filming a pretty groovy and I think, pretty bad ass (somewhat adult) 3D action road picture (directed by Patrick Lussier) with Nicolas Cage called “DRIVE ANGRY”. On one of the few days that I had free, I had the good fortune of being visited by my close friend and up and coming filmmaker Devon Gummersall. He and I both thought it might be a sweet opportunity to shoot some unplanned, guerilla style footage for an impromptu video for “REMOVED”. My super-cool wife and best pal Pollyanna Rose agreed to play with us and thus, we set forth on a one day into night excursion to see what we could come up with. As you’ll see we started out on the deserted streets of Shreveport and ended up literally, in the closet of the house we were renting.

So alright, listen… admittedly we’re not shattering any earth or reinventing any wheels with this thing. We just wanted to give you all something visual and perhaps visceral to experience while we prepare the “drop” of the record and I really wanna thank my friend Devon for rocking us with his talents. Anyway, if you get any mild entertainment, amusement or even a bad taste in your mouth from it, hit us with a comment below this post, over at youtube, twitter, facebook or wherever you’re so inclined. We installed a comment reply notification here on the site so if myself or anyone else responds to your comment you’ll be notified by email.

I can’t tell you all how invaluable your involvement has been in helping spread the word about this album. Again, thanks so much for all the kind words. As I write this, the rest of the record is being completed and mastered. We’re still on schedule for a June 22nd release. It’s really been quite cool for me to have this place to communicate with you all in a more personal setting. That said, I’ve been a bit lame lately due to a non-stop schedule in terms of responding to your comments and emails. I WILL get better.

With sincere gratitude and as always much love, I hope you all enjoy seeing me in my underpants…

-bb

November 25th, 1991. My 25th birthday. Everything I owned fit into two boxes which in turn, fit quite comfortably into the ’65 Cadillac Limo my band had been using as a mini tour bus to get us to and from the shitty little gigs we’d been playing around the Seattle area. Nirvana’s seminal album “Nevermind” had been released two months prior and I had a cassette copy. However, that was NOT the tape I put into the Caddy’s crappy, one speaker stereo as I drove out of town on what would be my third and final move to Los Angeles.

A year before, in August of 1990, the band that REALLY broke the ground for the Seattle music scene had put out THEIR seminal record. A band that two years earlier, we were sharing a rehearsal space with at The Music Bank in the Ballard district. That band was then called “Sleaze”. You know them now as Alice In Chains and the record (which I must admit I hated at first) was called “Facelift”. I had a cassette copy of IT too. It was given to me by the lawyers who handled my first (and only) solo demo deal at Warner Brothers Records. A demo which I had recorded at the upstate New York home studio of legendary producer Phil Ramone (Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Elton John… look him up, his credits are astounding). I don’t know if it’s needless to say, but that demo deal did NOT turn into a recording contract and “Facelift” was also NOT the tape that I chose for my triumphant farewell soundtrack.

As I merged from the onramp onto I-5 South on that typically drizzly afternoon, the voice coming through the Cadillac’s single speaker was one that had long since altered my musical perception and therefore took the place of honor as co-pilot on my journey. The title on the dilapidated cassette tape was “Small Change” by the guru of involuntary solitude and ironic disenchantment– Tom Waits. While the rest of the world was being falsely introduced to what would become known as “grunge”, I would choose to stick with the guy that in my opinion, wrote the book on the elements that movement came from. It’s music like his and other troubadour poets like him that would greatly influence what I did as a musician, if I could ever find the time, dedication and fortitude to actually BE one.

I came to L.A. with a different purpose. I had acted in two indy films while in Seattle so I was gonna see if anyone in Tinsel Town was interested. Well, as most of these stories go of course, at first they were not… and then they were… and then they were NOT, and then… well, you get the picture.

It’s been 19 years since the Caddy sputtered into Hollywood, low on oil with a driver even lower on outlook. In those years and throughout his sometimes rosy, sometimes less than stellar career as a film and TV actor, that “driver” has continued to write songs. Songs that reflect the ongoing experience of never knowing. Songs that he hopes might speak to those with similar presentiments and with any luck, those who just dig some music.

So here, on the precipice of two decades into what was always intended to be a “duel career”, I am about to share with you what was supposed to be the FIRST half, but has now become the second…

With the exception of a couple of very special guest musicians whom I’m beyond elated to have coming in, initial tracking for my first LP is now complete. We’ve got some mixing and mastering yet to do but we’re almost there. It has been such a fucking treat for me to be able to work with the caliber of artists we’ve gathered to make this thing happen. Much credit and my ongoing gratitude goes to producer Dave Darling who saw my vision and fearlessly brought it to life as no one before ever has. I’m not gonna put any useless preconceptions out there and tell you what “kind” of music it is or who you might compare it to so…

We’re just gonna give away one of the tracks for FREE. Give it a listen. Decide for yourself. To be honest, I’m not sure how long the “freebie” will be available as I’ve gotten quite a bit of resistance to this idea, (Whatev. It’s my music, I’ll do what I want with it) so… GET ON THE LIST AND GET IT NOW.

In addition to the album, we’ve got some other good shit in store for the subscribers in the months ahead. As we work out the details, you’ll be informed on how to get in on it. Don’t be shy. Leave a comment, question or unsolicited rant. I’ll be as diligent as I possibly can in responding to everyone (even the jack-offs and smart asses).

At the risk of sounding all squishy and sentimental, this venture has been a long time coming for me, so I really would like to thank you all in advance for coming along…

Much Love
-bb