Inside the uPlaya Music Universe™: Billy Gear

Billy Gear has been hooked on music for most of his life. Eager to explore his passion, he started out by traveling with international acts working on sound for big name performances like The Allman Brothers, Neil Young, Heart and many others. After touring, Gear went to school to study recording and worked as a producer on the side. It wasn’t long before his passion compelled him to return to writing and performing, and to this day Gear continues to thrive in his unique musical journey, rousing excited audiences with his blues rock fusion…

uPlaya Artist Gear

uPlaya.com:  How did you come up with your band name?
Gear: I was in a band, Gear, with my sister. It's my last name and I didn't really want to use it. However, we were working with Jimmy Miller at the time, who was the producer of the Rolling Stones, Steve Winwood etc., and it was his idea at a business meeting … From that point, I signed all music related stuff as B. Gear.

uPlaya.com:  What would you say your performance is best known for?
Gear: Being very reflective of the recorded version and having a good show. I believe in the lights, dress and the whole theatrical aspect of live playing. It's a great visual for the audience.

uPlaya.com:  What is your inspiration?
Gear: My inspiration is what music does to me and to people in general. It moves me and always has. It's like my salvation. When a song comes together and the performance is right on, there's no better feeling. Everyone can remember a place and time when they hear a certain song. Some good, some not so good, but raw emotion is the common denominator.

uPlaya.com:  Describe one of your most recent performances.
Gear: It was at The Next Page, a local blues club, with a female artist Cindy Daley. She's a local icon and rippin' blues rock singer. We played some Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Creedence Clearwater Revival and tore the place up. It was with a few East Coast heavy hitters and the experience was a total musical high. When the band clicks and it's all good, players it doesn't get any better. We played til' hours because the audience didn't want us off the stage. A great night...and there's many of them like that here.

uPlaya.com:  What words of wisdom do you have for other musicians who are just getting started?
Gear: The only words of wisdom are if it's in your blood, you'll know, and don't ever give up. Perseverance. And the only real secret to getting good is the time you put into it. Follow the dream. Always. 

uPlaya.com:  What else would you like to share with fans?
Gear: Well, I’d like to thank everyone for their support and faith in me. Their responses are part of the drive. I’d also like to thank uPlaya™. It’s a great too in every way and beyond any expectations any writer could have. It pretty much covers all the bases and so far, everyone has been equally supportive of the writers in general. Great team.

Listen to Gear's music