Melbourne artist and pioneer of the local R&B and neo-soul scene Billy Davis has released his much anticipated sophomore album THIS IS WHAT’S IMPORTANT.
Opening up the record, Billy’s stunning piano playing takes centre stage. His chords traversing a delicate balance of soul and tempo. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of watching Billy in his zone, you’ll see a musical genius in play. Ever humble, Billy is quick to deny the compliment. Since Grade 5 he has been playing the piano, “My Mum tried me out on the drums, decided it was far too loud and so she got me on the piano.”
His late Mum’s influence is a strong overarching theme of the record, as it explores themes of family, fear, death, life, love, hope and as the name suggests, the notion of what’s important. Ask Billy what’s important now and he’s clear: family, friends and God. But just a few years ago, swept up in making music with global stars, Billy is the first to admit he lost sight of it all and became someone he wasn’t, or in his words “a real douchebag”.
There are more upbeat moments on the record, with big horns and rap, such as ‘Wilderness’ which features Phoelix, the Chicago-based producer, instrumentalist, and vocalist (Noname, Saba and Smino), Jordan Dennis and EMRSN, ‘I Ain’t’ featuring PJ Morton and Jordan Dennis, ‘Headspace’ (feat. Jordan Dennis & KYE) and ‘Shoulda Known’ ft. American R&B sister duo VanJess and Matt McGhee . As well as more introspective tracks like ‘This Is What’s Important’ and ‘With Me or Not’ with Aodhan King, David Ware and Guvna B and recently released track ‘Dream No More’ featuring Ruel and Gensis Owusu. As Pilerats describes it, “regardless of what sound Billy attempts, he nails it out the park, and that's something that's held true since day dot. It's also an example of how Billy works as a songwriter, masking vulnerability and emotive lyricism underneath accessible hooks and shimmering productions that sweep you off your feet.”
THIS IS WHAT’S IMPORTANT is the follow up from his stellar 2017 debut album A FAMILY PORTRAIT which featured break out singles ‘No Longer Lovers’, ‘Ball and Chain’ and ‘Goldfish’ featuring acclaimed American rapper Denzel Curry.
On the album, Billy says, “This album is a culmination of 3 years of emotions, the highs and the lows, the joys and the sorrows, the ups and downs. Certain songs represent periods of my life, whether that be in the features, the lyrics or the influence.”
Those influences are just as eclectic as Billy’s sound – whilst creating the record he was listening to the likes of The Internet, Moonchild, Phony pplb and Mac Ayres to name a few. He also drew inspiration from Doobie Brothers, who his Uncle introduced to him as a child.
Over the last five years, the West Melbourne-born multi-instrumentalist and R&B heavyweight has used this commitment and ambition in music to blossom into one of the country's most in-demand names amongst our bustling hip-hop scene. His signature, sleek touch has been felt on collaborations with Ruel, Amy Shark, Tones and I, BROCKHAMPTON and GoldLink.
Along with building up a global network of creative collaborators, Billy has shared the stage with Anderson Paak, NoName, Thundamentals, Ruel, Jessica Mauboy and Blackalicious, and played at Australia’s most recognised festivals including Let Them Eat Cake, Golden Plains, Laneway Festival, and Lost Paradise.
Listen to 'This Is What's Important' here!