Go visit Billy's Official Site
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Thanks to the fabulous Mods over on the MartyCasey.org message board for coming up with the questions they wanted to ask and to site co-editor Amy for organizing the whole process. Kudos to Rob Grabowski for his concert photos and to both Marty Casey and Dan Howard of Lovehammers for helping out with this. And of course a special thank you to Billy Sawilchik!
"Billy Sawilchik is a technical wizard and is the only professionally trained musician in the band. I think Billy's true talent lies in arranging music and his unbelievable live performances. He is one of the best in the Biz!" ~~Marty Casey |
Full Name: William Craig Sawilchik
Born: July 28, 1971 in Oak Lawn, IL
Hair & Eye Color: Reddish brown to auburn hair & eyes are blue
What school/college did you go to?
Illinois State University
Did you play any sports in school?
Wrestling
What other jobs have you had besides being a musician?
Annuity sales/service,
Media planner, and Wine & Spirits Sales rep.
What is your favorite food?
King crab legs
What music do you like to listen to?
Honestly, anything but rap
Last song/CD you bought?
All American Rejects
When you were just learning how to play, did you emulate someone famous or an idol of yours?
I don't think I tried to emulate someone.
Favorite early memory of the band?
Partying with everyone up in Wisconson
What's kept you motivated through all the years to stick with music and this band?
I believed we had something that could sustain. Most people are not lucky enough to find a career they love to do....let alone given a realistic chance at pursuing it.
 Were you able to enjoy yourself during this past tour or was everything a blur?
I told myself everday to soak it up...honestly. The tour was not insanely busy but rather a routine that kept your day full and things can go by fast that way if you don't watch it.
What's your favorite thing about making music?
The whole process really. From working on a song as a band to hashing out the recording and production to seeing fans singing along at shows.
Have you been surprised by the audience your music has attracted?
If you are talking about the amount of new fans, not really. I expected it from the TV exposure. As far as the demographic...I am very surprised by the wide age range.
Has anything really freaked you out about the sudden fame and being recognized?
No, I don't think I have experienced fame or being recognized. Outside of the actual shows nobody recognizes me.....
Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?
We all pile our hands on top of one another and on 3 shout some stupid phrase or word.
What's the one personal item that you can't live without when you're on the road?
Earplugs....just to get some simulated alone time.
Weirdest fan request?
Sex
Do you read the reviews about your music?
No, unless somebody tells me to check something out and then I still weigh it out.
What's your favorite tour memory?
I think it would be playing the last minute show at Joe's. Selling it out in a day, going to an old haunt in the tour bus and seeing all the friends and fans. It was a proud moment; an indescribable time.
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