There was a tweet going around the other day about how younger people don’t know pop culture history because they aren’t chained to the likes of Nick at Nite and music television anymore. Alas, not every young person only wants what is standing in front of them. Some, like LA-based rock artist Billy Tibbals, is very interested in what came before him. We talked about where his interest in sounds from yesteryear spawned from, as well as making memories opening for The Black Crowes and working alongside Chris Robinson on his 2024 release, ‘Nightlife Stories.’ With the new album out on April 26th, find out more about it and the best bartender in Los Angeles below! 

Kendra: You open your latest, “Dream Away,” with “We found our childhood dreams in TV shows and magazines.” As someone who grew up very much attached to the small screen and the likes of Tiger Beat, I felt that line in my bones. So I’d love to know what shows and printed publications guided you as a kid, and led you to be the artist you are today? 

Billy Tibbals: I used to read Beano comics as a kid! That was probably my favorite. I’m not so sure how much that influenced me though. When I was a member of the Young Magicians Club in London, we would get a monthly copy of the club’s magazine ‘Secrets.’ I’m sure my childhood interest in magic influenced what I do now quite a bit. 

Loved Tommy Cooper’s TV show growing up. ‘Monty Python,’ ‘Blackadder,’ ‘The Muppets,’ all the Disney Channel shows and CBBC stuff. I think we’re born into a world that looks pretty massively different to the world today. I’m not averse to change or progress or anything but I don’t want to live in some whacked-out tech guy’s wet dream vision of the future either. I’d rather…Dream Away!

Kendra: Without even seeing an answer I would’ve guessed you grew up enamored with the likes of Vh1 back in the day, as they often showcased music from the past – which is the vibe you bring, that ’70s greatness with not only your overall sound but also the aesthetics of the “Dream Away” video. For you, was that the pinnacle era for music? 

Billy Tibbals: I got into finding like every video there is on YouTube in my early teen years! The rock n roll stuff. I guess YouTube was my Vh1! I don’t know if I’d say the ‘70s was the pinnacle era for music. As far as modern pop music goes I’d say the 1960’s has more to offer on the whole. 

The “Dream Away” video is very ‘70s looking for sure. My good friend Fred Joseph shot it with these old tube cameras. He did the Uni Boys “Let’s Watch a Movie” video too. He’s got a very specific style and it’s great! I hope that people can hear my sound isn’t just a ‘70s thing though – there’s a lot of different influences from different times that come into it.

Kendra: Switching gears, you worked with Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes on your 2024 release. When all was said and done, what do you feel he helped bring to ‘Nightlife Stories?’

Billy Tibbals: Chris and I were really on the same page when it came to the recording of ‘Nightlife Stories.’ We wanted something louder and more aggressive. I love working with Chris in the studio! Recording this one was even more fun than the first!

Kendra: Speaking of, you’re an LA-based artist, and as someone who lived there for almost 20 years – I know the nightlife can be intense, especially at the various venues that make up its extensive music scene. With that, what LA venue would you say best fits the overall vibes of ‘Nightlife Stories’ and why? 

Billy Tibbals: It would have to be the Monty Bar in Downtown! It’s one of the very last proper rock n roll hang-out spots. My friends and I spin records there all the time. Sometimes it’s wild and packed, and sometimes there’s like two people there. It’s always a good time! 

I put on a show there every Sunday of March leading up to our run of shows with the Black Crowes. I had some of my favorite LA bands come down and play and it was a real blast every week. The night of the last show some guy pulled a knife out and threatened one of my mates in the men’s bathroom. Joey punched him in the face and threw him out of the bar. The greatest bartender in LA, Kevin ‘O Sullivan, is often slinging drinks there too.

Kendra: You covered the past with “Dream Away” but another song I enjoyed a lot was “The World Revolves.” It’s kind of like the mentality we had to really embrace a few years back when the world was starting to fall apart and we had to be like, well – I’m going to bake bread, have fun, and see where I am the next time the sun rises. Is that a mentality that comes naturally to you, or did it take a minute to grasp onto the idea that the world is falling apart and you might as well live life to the fullest now? 

Billy Tibbals: Well, I have good days and bad days like anyone. It can be a pretty frightening world out there sometimes. I guess the desire to have a good time came naturally to me! I wanna have as much fun as possible while I’m here. I’m a lover, not a fighter.

Kendra: I’m sure you’ll live life to the full extent on the road with The Black Crowes! You’re playing a lot of great places with them, including The Greek in LA. Such a beautiful venue (have they fixed the cell service there yet?). Being an LA artist, is that date one you’re going to be taking a lot of mental pictures of throughout the day? 

Billy Tibbals: We just played there a couple of days ago! It really was one of the most special shows we have ever played. I’m so grateful to Chris and Rich and the rest of the Crowes for having us play. The crowd really seemed to dig our set. I’d love to play there again sometime! It’s been a great run of shows so far and the biggest I’ve ever played.

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘Nightlife Stories’ out on April 26th and dates already booked – what else can fans expect as the year continues to roll on?

Billy Tibbals: I hope to play as many shows in as many places as I possibly can! I’m writing a lot and putting together what I’m thinking might turn into my first LP of songs. I’ve also got another music video up my sleeve that I’m really happy with that’ll be coming out real soon!