Who are ‘Billy Hunt And The Modern Classix’

At the moment I guess it’s kind of a collaborative project because I write with a few different people but don’t have a set line up currently. So you kind of get different people every time. You know musicians man, you can never tell when you’re gonna see them again or if they’re gonna turn up.

For someone that is yet to discover you, how would you describe your music?

I’d describe it as a kind of soulful indie folk pop vibe but to be honest every record we do is very different from the last, i don’t like to stick myself in a box. One minute I’m writing country and the next minute I’m writing rock and roll. i think it depends on who I’m working with and what’s going on around me and in the world at the time.

What inspired you as an artist?

I think I always liked the idea of being a musician, from a young age my parents were always introducing new music to me and showing me different bands and stuff. maybe it was their plan all along right. i guess i take inspiration from just about anything to be honest. Some of my songs are stories that I’ve made up and some have very deep personal meanings to me.

What Is Your Pre-Show Routine? Do you have any Diva demands?

I don’t really have any. If I’m honest I’m pretty laid back, I usually just have a couple of pints
and I’m ready to go anytime, anyplace. I don’t see the need to make a mountain out of a
molehill, if it’s something you love doing you shouldn’t have to force yourself to do it with
some stupid routine i don’t think. That’s just me anyway.

Where do you feel you fit into the music landscape?

Personally I feel I’ve got a lot to offer the music scene, I’m not just a writer and performer, i ran open mic nights for about 4 years in pubs all over my local county as well as putting on numerous music events and helping run stages and curating line ups for festivals. I feel that I’ve learned a thing or two in my time in the industry and I’m always happy to help out other up and comers and new musicians in any way I can. I think putting back into your local scene
goes a hell of a long way.

What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike?

I pretty much listen to every type of music other than metal. my music taste changes everyday though I’m like a sponge i just keep taking more and more in. top genres right now would probably be soul, folk, traditional and bluesy rock. somedays I’m into drum and bass but not so much as I get older.

Is there a story behind the band’s name ?

Not really i just needed a band name to release under because someone else releases under billy hunt and i don’t want my records confused with his and it sounded good when i said it at the time so i guess we just rolled with it.

What would you say is your greatest strength as a Artist?

I think I’m pretty resilient and i don’t give up easily that’s probably my greatest strength as an artist. i like to think I’m the kind of guy that makes things happen.

What can fans expect from your new single ‘California Callin’

It’s kind of a song about transformation and the death of the ego, i shed the skin of an old character i once was with my last band and moved onto be writing music that means more to me. we’ve had some great response on it. Its been voted record of the week on City Sound Radio and Suffolk Sound and been played all over the world on different stations as far as Australia. i posted an acoustic version that sitting at 20k in a matter of a few days too
which I’m pretty happy with.

What music artist would you say has influenced your work?

At the moment the main artists who influence me are Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley and Paolo Nutini.

Who would you most like to collaborate with artistically?

I’ll collaborate with anyone as long as they sound good.

What was your worst performance?

Probably my first one but i had a room full of people that supported me there and i was only singing covers so you can’t really go wrong.

What was the most difficult obstacle you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?

Probably having a deal that fell through, it’s pretty gut wrenching knowing that you had the opportunity of a record deal on the cards but it didn’t work out due to who you chose to bring along for the ride! oh well you live and learn right! maybe i wasn’t ready anyway who knows

What is your creative process when making music? Do you work with others or is it just you?

Sometimes ill listen to a song and all of a sudden my head’s writing another one. sometimes i pick up a guitar and it comes to me. Other times i can wake up from dream with one playing in my head. I’ve got a lot of material to work from so I’m fairly sorted on that front.

Where do you see your musical career in 10 years?

If I’m not on my 3rd or 4th album in ten time and touring in different countries I’m definitely doing something wrong. I’m fairly happy with where I’ve gotten so far for a small town boy though so i see both sides of it.