Billy Schafer wrote and recorded his first song at the age of seven on two cassette players. Years later, the Texas born and bred singer-songwriter has released his debut album, First to Believe. An impressive introduction to the music scene, throughout the seven tracks the listener gets a sense of Schafer as a songwriter. With songs of love lost, blossoming relationships and realized dreams, the album strikes a chord.
Though somewhat new to the industry, Schafer recently won “Best Song Award” in a West Coast Songwriters competition and even sang the national anthem at Wrigley Field in Chicago. While his sound is radio friendly, it is perhaps no surprise then that he landed a feature spot on “My Tune TV,” a Bay Area program that showcases up-and-coming artists.
First track, “Wondering” begins with light guitar strumming and Schafer’s warm and wavering vocals. His emotion-filled lyrics tell a story of lost love and the curiosity one feels in wondering where their former lover might be. With soaring string accompaniment and light percussion, the song ends unresolved and the listener can only assume the conclusion.
“My Mona Lisa (The One)” is a beautiful ballad of love that is sure to be the wedding song for many couples. With light strings in the background of his whispered vocals, Schafer’s singing style brings to mind that of Joshua Radin. Throughout the track, the lyrics are descriptive and detailed and the listener is taken on a journey.
“In your eyes I can spend all day/And come the night, right here I will stay/‘Cause in this modern gallery where beauty runs skins deep/Oh, my Mona Lisa, you’re a stunning masterpiece,” he sings.
Standout track, “Valeska,” quickly transitions from the first two tracks on First to Believe. The upbeat song transports the listener to another place as he soon realizes Schafer’s diversity. Slightly reminiscent to Jason Mraz, Schafer raps in Portuguese accompanied by seductive Caribbean beats. With slow percussion throughout the start of track, the chorus picks up the beat and it is easy to picture the lovers in the song dancing the night away in Salvador.
Next track, “First to Believe” slows down from the energetic “Valeska” and begins with a much deeper sound for Schafer. After a few bars, strings enter and the combined percussion and light guitar strumming crescendos perfectly with Schafer’s emotion-filled vocals.
Lead-off song, “The Dream Is Alive” was one of 12 songs chosen by record label Acoustic Fuel for a compilation dedicated to music with an empowering message. Additionally, the track was featured in short film “The California Triple.”
“The dream is alive/Even if I never arrive,” Schafer sings. Not knowing what lies ahead, he remains optimistic. “Wheels spin/Believing in/The road ahead,” he continues.
First to Believe ends with the laid-back “Because You’re Mine.” With a soothing vibe and relaxed vocals, Schafer hypnotizes the listener. An album complete with radio friendly tracks reminiscent to that of Joshua Radin and Jason Mraz, Billy Schafer remains an artist to watch.
Review by Annie Reuter
