Ep. 245 Billy Ray Wallace on Conquering Nashville, Soul/Funk Music, & Returning Home

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In this episode of The Day's Grimm Podcast, hosts Brian Michael Day and Thomas Grimm sit down with Nashville-based Soul/Funk/Blues artist Billy Ray Wallace.

Billy Ray takes us on his journey from growing up in the small town of Lynnville, Indiana, to cutting his teeth in the competitive Nashville music scene. We dive deep into his transition from metal bands to mastering the soulful sounds inspired by legends like Stevie Wonder and John Mayer. Billy Ray shares the gritty reality of being an independent artist—from working 70-hour weeks to fund his dream, to the unwritten rules of never canceling a gig (even at a swinger's hotel!).

Key Topics Discussed:

• Nashville vs. Evansville: The reality of the Nashville music scene and Billy Ray's decision to move back to the 812.
• Songwriting Secrets: How songs like "Ease Your Mind" and "Why Do I" evolved over years of writing.
• The "No Cover" Nightmare: A hilarious horror story about a gig gone wrong at a swinger's bar.
• Finding Your Sound: How Billy Ray went from shredding in metal bands to delivering vintage soul vocals.
• Advice for Musicians: Why you have to be willing to "suck" at first to eventually succeed.

If you are a musician, a music lover, or just love a good story about chasing a dream, this episode is for you!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Intro & Welcome Billy Ray Wallace

02:30 - Who is Billy Ray Wallace? (Elevator Pitch)

07:40 - Growing up in Lynnville & Early Music Influences

\18:25 - Playing in Metal Bands ("Torn Confidence")

21:52 - Moving to Nashville & Learning to Sing

37:40 - Finding the Soul/Funk Sound (Alan Stone Influence)

44:59 - The Story Behind "Ease Your Mind"

56:30 - The Swinger's Bar Gig Nightmare

01:08:51 - Moving Back to Evansville, IN

01:23:15 - Advice for Aspiring Musicians

LINKS

• Follow Billy Ray Wallace

IG: https://www.instagram.com/billyraywallacemusic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tW1gMWvoKnAMpZ905rDmU?si=yN2ZnVpNRIibY1QDIpSuqw

• Check out The Day's Grimm Website: thedaysgrimm.com

#BillyRayWallace #NashvilleMusic #SoulMusic #TheDaysGrimm #IndependentArtist #MusicPodcast #Evansville #Songwriting

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