Based in Austin, Texas, singer songwriter Bill Godfrey explores how the mind seeks influence, in his haunting new EP, ‘Hypnotized’.
With vocals that ooze soul and a storytelling talent that is unmatchable, Bill Godfrey has been compared to the likes of Jeff Buckley and Sufjan Stevens, with his emotionally charged delivery that is beyond restraint.
Bill Godfrey pairs an indie pop and folk sound with electronica, soul, and indie rock; in less capable hands this might come off like a complete cacophony, but in Godfrey’s skilled hands it results in a delightful and enticing sound.
Growing up in Texas, he started playing music at an early age, and so every song he writes is borne out of a classic inspiration.
“The Kerrville Folk Festival was a big part of my early exposure to playing and singing. It’s a 3 week long camp out in which friends bring instruments and play music together. Only acoustic instruments are allowed. I learned a ton of songs and was exposed to artists like Townes Van Zandt, Rodney Crowell, Guy Clark, Blaze Foley, James Taylor, Carol King and John Prine.”
Speaking of the new EP, Godfrey says,
“Hypnotized is a coming-of-age exploration of a young mind that seeks identity and love, but struggles to break free from outside influence and control. Each track explores a means of influence over the mind, by way of fear, grief, co-dependence, substances, dogma, or even malice.”
If the prospect of music from this incredible artist wasn’t enough already, Bill Godfrey has additionally created an interactive, touchable music video for the title track, using created by Bill himself using web technology. The video allows the viewer to immerse themselves in the animated clip, which when you touch and hold the screen, changes the colour of the scenes. Watch the innovative video on Bill Godfrey’s website.
Accompanied by a finger picking guitar, pounding percussive beats, and horns, track 2, ‘Sprightly Gentleman’ is upbeat and catchy, while track 3, ‘Perfect Place’, draws the listener in, lulling us with soft vocals and hypnotic rhythms.
‘Hypnotized’ is out now, and is available to stream on Spotify. You can find out more about Bill Godfrey and his music online on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube.
