| Billy the Kid is a unique talent - in Medicine Hat Feb. 2 |
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| SW AB Content - Arts/Lifestyles |
| Friday, 22 January 2010 18:45 |
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By Ryan Dahlman
Pettinger, otherwise known as Billy the Kid on stage, is a bluesy, folksy, yet still with a-bit-of-an-edge singer. Pettinger is not trying to conquer the world, nor is she trying to become the next popstar poptart. She knows what it takes to make it big and definitely has the talent for it, but she refuses to fall into the corporate trap. She wants to be able to look at herself in the mirror. “I would love to be to do what I want (financially) but I do not want to compromise myself,” explains the talented Pettinger. “I don’t feel entertainment is not what people should be able to live off of. Honestly, singing it’s a big part of who I am, but it’s not all who I am. I have a bit more perspective as I get older. I would rather have a slow build and I have a true fan base than be (a flash in the pan).” Reminiscent in appearance of a cross between Dana Plato and Lisa Loeb — without the tattoos — the Vancouver-based singer and songwriter is enjoying critical acclaim and has worked with producer and Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida. One would think someone who has had much commercial success as Maida has had with OLP, that he wouldn’t be able to relate to someone who seems as as earthy as Pettinger. However, Billy the Kid seems happy with Maida as a producer. “He’s a bit of an anomaly ... I didn’t realize he had such a great taste in music,” explains Pettinger who adds the two have a mutual understanding. “I don’t need to hear, ‘Billy, great this, Billy, great that.’ I’m very stubborn, but he’s able to get through what he wants to. I enjoyed working with him. He was pretty laid back ... he understood me even more than I understood myself. I learned to be much better (as a whole). He very gracefully pointed things out to me. “Everybody can learn something.” Currently on tour (see dates at the bottom of the story), Billy the Kid lives her life and runs her career according to her own strict rules. She even has “Give Back” and “Lost” tattooed on her body. She adopted the name Billy the Kid after starting a band with some friends in her early teens. She always loved music as it gave her inspiration. Her band is even called The Lost Boys. Being “lost” is how she lives life and “give back” is what she actually does in life with those around her. Pettinger definitely follows that creed. “Oh (heavens), it’s everything, it’s the manifesto; it’s the way I approach life, writing songs and with creating music,” explains Pettinger. “I hope it’s apparent. I try to be as honest and truthful with my music as I can.” As she describes on her website: “It was our way of surviving amidst the mishaps of independence, by throwing out the maps that resulted in a conventional lifestyle and embracing a fierce determination to find our way (even if others deemed it to be a ‘Lost’ Cause).” Pettinger’s music reflects that attitude. She could be the acoustic granddaughter of the Traveling Wilbury’s. She has a sound which is almost liberating and sad all at the same time. It’s music you would put into your car as you want to leave something or someone behind. Check out the video These City Lights on her myspace page: www.myspace.com/billythekid. Travelling, the idea of her searching for something is evident. She herself skillfully plays the harmonica and acoustic guitar. Billy the Kid as a band generally has a bass, piano, pedal or lap steel guitar and drums. In her visits to Swift Current and Medicine Hat she will be on her own. She says it’s fun and is truly enjoying her time exploring new communities and meeting new people, something she truly makes a point of doing. It’s part of the “Give Back” and “Lost” manifesto. “I try to soak it all in like a sponge. I’m so grateful (for) being able to do this.” She’s on tour in southern Alberta this upcoming week:
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