A Clearfield musician is on track to release his first album. His story is one that began when he was a teenager and started to play guitar because he saw others doing the same and they were popular.
Billy Davis said he began to get serious about his craft when he was 18 years old. “What I found was as fun as it was to do cover songs, I constantly found myself leaning toward writing.”
Davis’ music can now be found on all of the major music platforms (Spotify, Amazon, etc.).
When he started composing, he chose themes he thought people would appreciate. It was after that when he found his own voice and sound, which leans toward 90’s alternative, with his unmistakable delivery.
“I abandoned the idea of being liked.”
He is at work on releasing his album – “41,” which is the age he is now. The song “Little Girl Running” is the first release, which he wrote 15-20 years ago when he decided to embrace his unique style.
Davis’ style, approach, tone, and music is influenced by the band Creed. He was first introduced to the band via a CD he was handed while on a mission trip to Jamaica at the age of 16. He was on the south beach, and he was feeling very close to God. “It was very overwhelming,” he said.
The song “With Arms Wide Open” struck him, and although the meaning behind the song is entirely different, Davis connected it with his own spirituality. He said the sun beating down and the crashing waves led him to thinking about the “Good News.”
It was then that he realized how important music is in people’s lives. Bands such as Linkin Park, Shinedown, and Live added to the background of Davis’ artisty.
His process in writing is unique. When asked whether he writes the lyrics or the music first, he replied, “Yes.” He said he will find some chords that hit his ear in a certain way. “It elicits an emotional response in me, and my brain goes into overdrive.”
In interviewing Davis, he was in his very favorite spot for creating, his front porch. With the sweet sound of windchimes in the background, he said he is a bit of a recluse when in creative mode.
From his Amish-made wooden glider, he said, “I like to be in solitude when I’m writing.” This spot is meaningful in a few ways. He can look out on the farm, and he gets to sit on one of the very first purchases he and his wife made together.
Davis will take part in the 2025 Corner Concert Series on July 4 at Lower Witmer Park in Clearfield, beginning at 7 p.m. He also will perform at the Dented Keg in Clearfield May 25 from 4-7 p.m.
A large event will happen Sept. 27 at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds, a collaboration with Adam Bell (sound engineer and producer) and Izen Lingenfelter of Blue Moon Media and Marketing. More information will be forthcoming on this event, but attendees can expect to see local, original musicians with sound provided by Wallace Audio.
“Local musicians need a platform to be heard,” Davis said. In addition, local food and beverage vendors will be on hand. The event is driven by his drive to create a sense of community that existed prior to COVID-19. The music festival will run from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Davis said his dream would be that five years from now, he would be touring. His biggest wish is that his songs can help people who listen to them as much as they did when he wrote it.
He said that when he is able to perform, he “disappears” and feels like he is traveling in time.
“Just be here in the moment.
“There is no future. There is no past. There’s just right now.”
Davis is currently looking to build a band. “I’m just going to go for it.”
