Meet Bill Hart | Professional Guitarist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bill Hart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bill, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Musicians are some of the most driven, courageous people on the face of the earth. They deal with more day-to-day rejection in one year than most people do in a lifetime. Every day, they face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should get real jobs, and their own fear that they’ll never work again. Every day, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they have dedicated their lives too is a pipe dream. With
every note, they stretch themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and judgment. With every passing year, many of them watch as the other people their age achieve the predictable milestones of normal life – the car,
the family, the house, the nest egg.

Why?

Because musicians are willing to give their entire lives to a moment – to that melody, that lyric, that chord, or that interpretation that will stir the audience’s soul. Musicians are beings who have tasted life’s nectar in that crystal moment when they poured out their creative spirit and touched another’s heart. In that instant, they were as
close to magic, God, and perfection as anyone could ever be. And in their own hearts, they know that to dedicate oneself to that moment is worth a thousand lifetimes.” -David Ackert, LA Times.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Growing up as a young child life was a struggle. My mother and I were very close. My stepfather was very mentally and physically abusive. Somehow I gravitated towards guitar and it brought me comfort. I don’t know why but I felt safe and comfortable playing the guitar. Of course in my career as a guitar player, it is not an easy path to take. The key thing I did as I persevered and did not give up. Although I did try to get a so-called normal life. I was very fortunate to meet a lot of professional guitar players on the way. I found they dealt with the same kind of frustration and uncertainty and insecurities that I do. It made it easier for me to accept that that is just the way it is. It keeps you humble and it keeps you growing musically. The biggest struggle I’ve had in music is the relationship between Money and Music. I did not really enjoy playing and cover bands or corporate bands although the money was great. Besides, some people are really good at that I’m just not one of them. When I leave a corporate gig I feel down about music. And I believe Music was the thing that kept me going through my years. So I stayed strong to my word and played original music. Composing taught me so much about music. I do not regret the choice I made but I will say at times it can be somewhat of a struggle. Especially in today’s times with the industry changing so much due to the Internet.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That would definitely be somewhat of a challenge for myself. My whole existence has been nothing but a nightlife. For decades, and most the people I know are musicians. So I would probably take them to some happening Jazz Club’s in the city. I’m also a biker that loves Harley Davidson. If a male friend of mine showed up with the bike we would ride up to the mountains. If it was a female friend she could ride with me on my bike and we would also go into the mountains. or ride to the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Guitarist Mike Stern and Pianist Randy Hoexter, have both been big influences in my life becoming a professional musician. More with life experiences and living as a professional musician. The ups and downs of this career can be a challenge. The uncertainty is always prevalent. These two are two of my best friends that have helped me persevere.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/billhartmusic/

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp95irtVvOyS4o21EOE3hQg