S1E9 - Billy Mays III - Infinite Third

Episode Notes

Eric, Ben, and John sit down to talk ambient music and pushing content in the digital age with musician Billy Mays III.

John, Ben, Eric, and Billy Mays the Third discuss how Billy used to tour as a solo musician, but now streams on Twitch. Eric and Billy recall how they met in Chicago – Billy was there for a home and bath tradeshow.

The conversation began with a brief recounting of a coffee shop meeting between the two that took place around eight months after the passing of the Billy’ father. In February 2009, Billy had recently moved out of his father’s house and into his own apartment, was awoken in the middle of the night by a knock on his door and told to evacuate the building as it was on fire. Billy managed to escape unharmed, but the speaker lost all of his possessions, including his music, collections, and studio gear. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt.

In February 2009, Billy had a custom-made guitar that was priceless, but it was destroyed in a fire. Thanks to his father, the speaker was able to start over with a basic Fender Strat guitar and practice amp. This inspired them to write softer, emotionally-connected songs to process his shock and trauma. Later in 2009, his dad passed suddenly, leaving Billy unable to make music for three months. Eventually, the speaker was offered a free spot at a celebrity retreat and they used this opportunity to reconnect with.

He worked from August to November to make an album called Gently, which he considers to be the most unique thing he has ever made. He also spoke about how he sometimes retcons his music and updates the album art. Find Billy’s various projects at bm3.me