FAWM : Bill White (@billwhite51)

Bill White

@billwhite51

Songs

Joined

2014

Lima PE
www.facebook.com/bill.white.507

With the strange, unlikely recurring manifestations of the covid virus in my system, combined with the danger and unrest of a civil war in the streets surrounding my home, i will try to escape my own predictible perspectives by immersing myself in the visions of some of my favorite film makers, antonioni, bresson, bergman, bunuel, ozu, naruse, rossellini, pasolini, fellini, and mizoguchi for inspiration.i am also hoping to produce a sequel to last fawms collaborative effort, state of the heart. https://billwhite.bandcamp.com/album/state-of-the-heart if you are interested in n participating, i will supply the lyrics while you take care of the music, production, and vocals. hit me up

Partial resume 1958-68 trumpet, school orchestra
1968 helped build stage and dig light show pit for sky river rock festival 1968 played Kazoo onstage with Pink |Floyd
1968-71 lead vocal doo wop group Bill Smooth and the Velvetones 1971-77 jazz and blues piano and vocalist
1977-78 The Vines duo w/ John Olufs 1977 back up singer for Red Dress 1978 lead singer and writer for punk rock group The Dimes 1979 lead singer for cover band The Protectors 1979-80 songwriter for Chappell Music 1980 cover band with Louis X
Erlanger 1980 lead singer and writer for The Vacations
1982-96 solo acoustic act on New England Folk Circuit
1987 recorded album with violinist Anna Presler
1989-92 actor,composer for Chekhov theatre and Film Company
1990 actor for David Wheelers directing class at Harvard
1992-96 Pendulum Theatre artistic director
1993-96 manager and booker for Bookcellar Cafe
1993 directed comedian Jimmy Tingle's one man show
1997 singer and writer for Manicure produced by Gregg Keplinger1998-99 harmolodic blues guitar /vocal
1999-2009 Seattle Post Intelligencer Arts Writer
2000-2005 guitarist/musical director of christmas Island
2005 guitarist, pianist on Gregg Keplinger release Absurd World Country with Stone Gossard 2006-09 band w/ Toni Marcus 2014-fawmer

Songs

Soundboard

@katestantonsings 6d

This—“fiction devised by the brain to protect humanity from the realization they were no better than the lower animals”. My husband often tells me we are one catastrophe away from becoming uncivilized. That we take everything for granted. First world problems, nepotism, & greed are firecracker convos. If he had it his way though, we’d be off the grid with chickens and horses. Somedays it doesn’t seem so bad…
I’m going to check out the author you mentioned. Last summer, I delved into the Elvis material you recommended on 50/90. I keep a close eye on Neuralink and AI; it’s fascinating to me.

@katestantonsings 6d

“I foresee a dystopian future in which all transactions are made through amazon, netflix, and spotify”
Yes, I think you’re right. Next will be mostly AI-created music and art as well? Lacking the soul and imperfections we’re all drawn to in humanity. I wonder if creators are supposed to embrace progress like we always have in the past, or is counterculture embracing classics and holding on to what’s real? Strange…always a pleasure to pick your brain!

@katestantonsings 1w

Your story reminds me of that scene in Office Space where she tells her manager, who’s forcing her to wear “flair”, to shove it!! Lol. I know exactly what you’re talking about. Pushing special CD cleaner at the checkout 250% mark up for glorified ass wipes—no thanks!! I left a good marketing job in a software corporation circa 2019 for small business. I hated the thought of being paid to lie, manipulate, & persuade the public to buy things they don’t need. Stuff. We don’t need more stuff! Stealing ideas from little companies as our own then buying them out…music business makes me just as mad.

@katestantonsings 1w

Those were the days! When people valued your expertise and knowledge of musical artists before they could just find similar music online. They trusted you enough to ask -- I was just a teen but took pride in trying to find the perfect music for the listener. Sadly, we got bought out by a major multi-media company and lost our personal touch. We became bloated--selling games, merch, and even cheap instruments. The ma & pop record stores were special in the early 00s before iPod, Napster, and mp3s stole our customers away :)

VVVVVV Couldn't agree more @gm7 VVVVVV always a pleasure with you too Bill!! Take care this spring, friends. Keep writing.

@katestantonsings 1w

One of my first jobs as a teen was at a record store. "Celtic" was one of my domains and responsiblity if anyone had a question or wanted to special order (CD days). I almost always recommended Clannad, so your comment made me smile!! My friend and coworker was a GWAR nut--bald with a long red goatee--he used to rib me "go ask her she's into that Enya stuff". :) Good times!!
@wacha rocked the vibe with her song!

@msculli1 1w

Hi Bill, I said I could hear Scott Walker in the lyrics, I didn't say I could get anywhere near sounding like Scott Walker.

Anyway, my apologies for not getting back sooner, stuff happening outside of FAWM, but that's no excuse for my tardiness really.
You've probably forgotten you even gave me a lyric to work on. I have posted the result for our listening only, just let me know if you want me to open it up for all, or scrap it. I know the site will close soon anyway, but I figure being 10 days late is better than not doing anything at all. As I say if you want to scrap it, that's not a problem.
Cheers and thanks again, Mark.

@thedutchwidows 2w

Thanks for the shining path info. I began wondering about my sanity and had to piece it together. The bits I knew were that I was definitely there, something big had gone down in an embassy or government building, and it was early summer or spring. Final piece was remembering that the plane I flew out on was called Maria Callas and I was humming the REM song E-bow the letter, which came out in Sept 96. So I think I must have been there around May 97, not 95 or 96 as I thought last night. Memory clearly not what it was! I guess it was the Japanese embassy siege that ended in April 97 that I was thinking of, so not a shining path thing. Was a lovely country though; I’m sad it sounds like it’s less so at the moment.

@berni1954 2w

I get where you are coming from in your distinction, but as a great fan of Neanderthals, I am perhaps over-sensitive to the "popular" use of the term. Indeed, I feel offended on their behalf 😁. I guess I too can fall into the trap of being too thin skinned about the things I feel passionate about 😉. And that from the guy who wrote a song called: "Grow a Thicker Skin" in response to the "I'm offended" culture that has come to dominate Western society over the last decade or so.

@johnstaples 2w

Hey Bill, that sounds like heaven! We'd throw back a couple of pitchers, flirt with the girls a little, maybe smoke a little Mexican from back in the day when a nickel bag was one finger tall and it didn't make you crazy! You'd finish up your set and we'd hang until last call.

Thank you for the kind words you've left in my songs this year! I deeply appreciate your comments! It hasn't been my best but they'll have to do for now! Life keeps getting in the way.

And hey, you be careful down there in Peru and take good care of your sweet little family! Estrella is adorable and following in her daddy's footsteps with the music!

P.S. I'm still gonna be around most of March but just wanted to share my thoughts with you.

@berni1954 3w

I get where you are coming from in not liking the Band in a Box backing on "Conor Kennealley's...". BiaB used to have a "cutre" style which really reproduced the feel of a Dance Band in rural Ireland; but I couldn't find it and in the time left (penultimate day and a few other songs to finish) I gerrymandered a Bluegrass Waltz style to fit the bill (though it obviously didn't fit this particular Bill 😈).

It might have worked just as a Guitar Vocal. But I was keen to give this demo a chaotic session feel.

@sbs2018 3w

Thanks for the comment/suggestion for "French Martini" - Amazon's process is quite complex and oh my goodness, I wonder if I could actually get approval. After you suggested Smashwords, I went over there and they have quite a process, too. No music on either, I think. That's what made it fun for me, but I have to think about getting the book up in audio format, because, as you say, the music can be distracting. Much to think about. One step at a time. Whew! Thanks, again, Bill! See you in 50/90!

@stephenwordsmith 3w

Hi Bill. I appreciate your comment - and praise - very much.

Gabrielle is an unusual song among my catalogue this year because I'm baring my soul a little more nakedly with this one. It deals with a lot of themes that have been weighing heavily on me recently - and occasionally for several years (I've edited the liner notes with more detail if you wanted the specifics). The fact that it's given you pause to consider the layers means a lot to me.

@thetau 4w

I'm thinking that "Doo Wap" you do so well, although your Derivation of Dylan is intriguing, and so well done in that "Yonkovich," way that you have put it. It would take me some doing to match Dylan on the musical side. He has that Spiritual aspect that approaches the Divine. Hmmm... well yes his lyric do the same.

Regarding either Party: neither represents the "People." I do liked what Tulsi is up to, even before she walked away. She's more of a Constitutionalist than any of them, and I don't think that Political Parties, all of them run by Corporations, are anywhere part of the Constitution. So reforming the Parties won't do the trick. "Back to Basics." is tough too, when it all, world wide, has all been infiltrated by Corporate Gangsters.
Anyway, give me a day or so to deviate something. I'll get back
Russ

@thetau 4w

Hey Bill, I have been following what's happening with the unrest in Peru. It's happening all over the world, though the main stream media here in the US are not covering it... hiding it actually. I have a Drummer I work with in Brazil, they seem to be in the middle of it too, then over in Europe, especially France, the people are thinking twice about what their leaders are up to... half a million in the streets over there. Dylan's words are coming back to haunt us, "The Times They are a Changing." Maybe we should do another on this year?
Russ

@nahlej381 4w

Well most dispensary weed is actually fine but a lot of companies do stuff to quick dry and quick cure, or use these machines that are essentially industrial microwaves that are intended to remove any impurities (mold etc.) but these machines remove pretty much all the terps as well. I may or may not grow my own. The reference to price and quantity is actually a reference to the film “boys and girls guide to getting down” where they say that weed is cheap, good, and plentiful, so might as well keep it illegal.

@jerrypettit 4w

I haven't been watching foreign MOVIES lately (although I'm in the middle of ARGENTINA 1985--which I love), so much as a lot of foreign TV series I'm finding on Netflix. FAUDA out of Israel, BORDERTOWN out of Finland, BORGEN out of Sweden? Norway? --several series out of Spain. You can just GOOGLE "Best foreign tv series on Netflix" and get a list--I've pretty much seen every one of the top 10. Movies I'm way behind on...

@msculli1 5w

Thanks for the comment on Dead End Falls and The Animals link. Escape from the poverty and drudgery of life in North East England in the early 60s. Its a common theme worldwide and unfortunately still relevant 60 years later. I may return to the song if inspiration grabs me, but it's unlikely.
Your finished the 14 already, I have much to do, got another 6 mapped out, then nothing. May be a little short this year so was thinking I could try something with one of your lyrics if ya got any spare. I haven't put music to someone else's lyrics since about 1989 and I have to say it didn't go that well, but let's face the fear. Cheers.

@timfatchenMod 5w

We never had the money to cruise and then we didn't have the time until too late (we could have hitched a ride on one of my brother's ships had the time been there) so ignoring overnighter passage ships from long ago, didn't start until 2016 with MV Astor out of Adelaide. Did two more cruises and she suited us perfectly. Small, old style, good entertainment if you wanted it, just lovely. AND we could afford a suite! COVID fixed that. Can't cope with the giant chicken coops that have survived. Bill, fingers crossed for you and your family. No real help to offer, but I hope the US immigration does something. I remain appalled at the treatment of your family, but you knew that. Some things about the US of A I know but can't fathom.

@tageule 5w

Hey Bill, you are at 14 already, amazing! I've been meaning to comment a lot more on your songs, they are such a good mix of thoughtful and emotional, and I like the way you sing. So there is so much in them I want to comment on that I overthink what I want to say and just leave again without saying anything. I do that a lot anyway, but as it happens more with your songs than with others', I just wanted to say I really like your music. And I'll still try and leave comments on individual songs, but that may take some time...

@katestantonsings 5w

“Craving emotional turmoil” sounds like a wound😬love drug. I’m reminded of that Bowie quote, to paraphrase, something about how artists crave dysfunction for their next work. Limerence is also a fascinating topic with how it takes over the brain. Nothing beats a woman’s intuition though once she learns to trust herself. I’ll definitely check out the works you mentioned! Your lyrics are fascinating. Thank you for sharing, Bill!!

@katestantonsings 5w

Please tell me :) I tend to look at things thru a lens of betrayal and trauma whether I mean to or not. I think those strong initial “love” feelings may be wounds that we are subconsciously still trying to heal. It’s why people choose the same type of partner over and over until they heal the core wound. It’s why players play and deflect. Vulnerability in love is truly rare I think bc too many insecurities and people weaponize it. It can be something for the sake of it, right? There’s always a lesson…I thought these things with your lyrics!! Please tell me bc I’m not aware of the works you mentioned. And thank you for the song with Catherine!! She rocks!

@guatecoop 5w

Thanks Bill! Btw, I am going to be getting to mixing that song either tonight or tomorrow. The structure and arrangement of Thinking Problem isn't as thought out as I would like, but it still captures the idea alright. I just forced myself to stay up and do it and just accepted the results. That is my world right now. You are doing great! I am looking forward to having the time to listen to what you've been doing, which should be soon.
On the situation in Peru, I'm glad that the conflicts are pretty limited to the airport area. I remember one time when there was a Coup in Honduras and we went there, but there wasn't really any sign of conflict except in remote, isolated places that we heard about. That was really some situation in Peru though. I was kind of shocked that they tried to shut down or knee cap huge parts of the government just like that.

@brisk 6w

Ahhh, thanks for that lovely comment on Sing To Me (talking of Blur, isn't Sing just wonderful?) - if my subconscious was writing comments on my songs without me knowing to make me glow with pride, they'd probably sound a lot like that!

I think there's something so magical about Mellon Collie, I love the fact that you are a fellow traveller in that regard! I'm not sure that there's any better start to a double album's second disc (I realise this is quite a specialist category) than Where Boys Fear To Tread - that single song is probably the most influential on my idea of what a heavy rocker should be. It should sound incredibly heavy, and it should have ephemeral "do do do" backing harmonies!

@kiffa 6w

Thank you very much for the listen and comment, Bill. "Easter Sunday" is not the murder ballad I was talking about a few weeks ago-- this idea just came to me within the last few days. And while it's a ballad about a murder, I don't think of it as a 'murder ballad' per se. Maybe it is, maybe any ballad about a murder qualifies and it's not up to me to decide, but to me "Easter Sunday" isn't a murder ballad, it's just a horribly sad true story. My intended murder ballad, if I get around to finishing it, will be a fictional story, and I'll be able to sing it without crying lol. Thank you again; it means a lot to me that the song affected you so deeply.

@brisk 6w

Oh, thanks so much for taking the time to listen to that - and commenting as you did. Although I said it was ungraded, any SFF comparison earns you a gold star, which will be in the post forthwith.

At the time I was tending to be a bit looser with structuring songs I think - it's weird how you go through phases. I don't think I could write that now.

Anyway - thanks. I do what I can to keep my creative "neediness" in check, but sometimes it just kind of squirts out around the edges, I have come to recognise!

@brisk 6w

Thanks Bill, that was a really lovely comment. I think a lot of my most successful lyrics end up being splurted out when I need words to say to go with a melody I'm laying down - and when I spend hours trying to do thoughtful words I get so tangled up in being clever that they don't work for other people.

On the structure: I tend to feel the tension between giving my creativity free reign and making something that other people will have any interest in listening to. Having a kind of ABCABC kind of thing going gives a bit of a middle ground - room for some variety, but hopefully it doesn't make it too alienating. Hopefully!

@headfirstonlyMod 6w

The Canterbury scene? Oh hell yes. Robert Wyatt is a genius. The Softs will always have a place in my heart (two words: Allan Holdsworth). I love Hillage, and Caravan; Kevin Ayers's "Stranger in Blue Suede Shoes" was one of the first singles I ever bought. And Dave Stewart was a big influence on my keyboard playing (especially his later work in Bruford, although I still remember him and Barbara Gaskin appearing on Top of the Pops...)