While releasing (and recording) an album these days certainly is much easier than it was 20 years ago, the process of preparing everything and even the count-down to the release can often be a nervous time for many artists, especially if it’s their first time experiencing the whirlwind of activity that often comes with promotion of any new music. Well, for one artist – the alternative / art-rock / post-rock project known as Evidence of a Struggle – the day has finally come to reveal their long-awaited eponymous album,
After first releasing several videos in support of this record (part of a six-chapter audio-visual storybook, created by Chicago artist John Airo), now the Chicago-based artist is ready to take us further on this journey with the release of a whopping 13 tracks. Kicking off this fantastic instrumental journey is the upbeat and thoroughly enjoyable ‘Sal-E’, a solid starting point that sets the tone for the transitions to come. But get ready to dig in, as there’s much more on offer here.
Surrounding the musings of multi-instrumentalist William P C Simmons V a.k.a. Rev. Billy Simmons, Evidence of a Struggle is an evolving group of artists and musicians whose sonic creations may lead you to the center of the darkness or just might unfurl the universe before you with lush, cinematic, beautiful, and sometimes chaotic compositions. Swans, Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, Spiritualized, Yo La Tengo, God is an Astronaut,
Evidence of a Struggle began in 2020 during lockdowns. This ambitious effort sees Rev. Billy play every instrument – guitar, drums, piano, synth and violin – recorded and engineered from his home studio, The Glue Factory. With Covid restrictions lifted, he began working with Sanford Parker (Voivod, Russian Circles, Yob, Eyehategod, Wovenhand, Darkthrone, Youth Code, Pelican), who helped produce and record the final versions of the songs for this record, as well as mastering.
“There is so much attached to these songs, musically, visually and emotionally. I don’t think there’s an inch within The Glue Factory that hasn’t been touched by literal blood, sweat, or tears. I believe that Evidence of a Struggle is natural in creating all art,” says Rev. Billy.
Evidence of a Struggle began in 2020 during lockdowns. This ambitious effort sees Rev. Billy play every instrument – guitar, drums, piano, synth and violin – recorded and engineered from his home studio, The Glue Factory. With Covid restrictions lifted, he began working with Sanford Parker (Voivod, Russian Circles, Yob, Eyehategod, Wovenhand, Darkthrone, Youth Code, Pelican), who helped produce and record the final versions of the songs for this record, as well as mastering.
Shaped by a wealth of records inherited from his older sisters and their boyfriends, coupled with a childhood of playing piano and clarinet until his first guitar acquisition at 16, Rev. Billy was quick to start playing with touring bands. After honing his craft and gaining invaluable experience, he elected to study music performance and guitar at Wichita State University, coupled with two and three-dimensional arts and silversmithing.
Noticed for his unique style and songcrafting, various musicians and labels began to notice Rev. Billy’s talent, and he ultimately had to choose between university and music. Beginning with RCA recording artist Ké, Simmons also wrote songs and played guitar for other artists on major record labels like RCA, Touch and Go, BMG and Universal.
In 2023, Matt Walker (of1000faces, Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, Garbage, Filter) became involved in this project, playing drums and helping with production with Matt’s brotherSolomon Walker (Morrissey, Bryan Adams, Eastern Shadows, Year of the Rabbit) and Alan Berliant (Chris Connelly, Mavis Staples, Saint Asonia) also contributing bass.
Apart from music, Rev. Billy also owns Rev. Billy’s Chop Shop, known for high-quality haircuts, friendly, welcoming atmosphere and its inclusive, creative space. Hosting new artists’ work bimonthly, Chicago Reader declared this to be the city’s best gallery in 2019. A staple in the Chicago community, Rev. Billy’s Chop Shop is as strong a passion as his music.
The ‘Evidence of a Struggle’ album is out today and you can easily find it on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and other digital platforms where music is sold.
CREDITS
All music written by William P C Simmons V (aka Rev. Billy)
Performed by William P C Simmons V (aka Rev. Billy)
Produced by Sanford Parker
Loveless Publishing ASCAP
Videos by John Airo
Follow, support and fan out over Evidence of a Struggle
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