Welcome to The Songwriters Circle. Each month, The Songwriters Circle showcases a variety of talented local songwriters from across Central Florida.
This month’s featured Artists:
Tim Davis
Tim Davis delivers a raw, emotional live music experience you won’t want to miss. Armed with soulful guitar work and expressive phrasing, this lifelong, blues-driven artist commands intimate listening rooms with authentic storytelling.
How has your definition of a “good song” changed from when you first started playing music to right now? When I first started playing music, I actually paid more attention to the beat and the notes. I thought a good song was something that made me tap my feet and want to move. Now I really listen for the story. If it has feelings in the words and the way that the music mixes with it, then I consider it a good song.
What is a musical style or songwriting risk you’ve taken recently that pushed you way outside your comfort zone? I have challenged myself lately trying to move away from standard 3-chord songs and add some unique flavor by spicing it up. When I listen to some of the Beatles’ songs and really dig into them, I realize how clever they were for their time and how melodic their music was, so I like to move outside the normal.
If you could sit down with the version of yourself who was just picking up a guitar for the first time, what advice would you give them? I would have told myself to not let life get in the way of your dream. All I wanted to do from the time I was 6 was be a music star, and then, about the time I turned 16, life happened, and I had responsibilities, so I put my music career on the side to start working and provide for my family. Now I am semi-retired, and I can focus on music but I don’t think I have the runway to really be a star like I could have if I had focused on it when I was young.
What is the small, everyday thing that makes you feel successful as a musician? I have a pretty large collection of musical equipment around the house. I am constantly grabbing a guitar off the wall, going into the studio, turning on the keyboard, hitting the drum machine, and playing a riff. The thing that makes me feel successful as a musician is to be able to open up an Amazon playlist of songs that I have never played before and be able to figure out the progression and play along.
Irelynn
Tampa’s 12-year-old phenom Irelynn delivers a powerful pop-acoustic sound with a soul way beyond her years. This fearless singer-songwriter captivates audiences across Florida with honest, imaginative storytelling reminiscent of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo.
How has your definition of a “good song” changed from when you first started playing music to right now? My only barometer for if a song is good or not is if you like it. If you like what you have written, then that is a good song.
What is a musical style or songwriting risk you’ve taken recently that pushed you way outside your comfort zone? I have recently started reading sheet music rather than just writing and playing by ear.
If you could sit down with the version of yourself who was just picking up a guitar for the first time, what advice would you give them? Step outside of your comfort zone.
What is the small, everyday thing that makes you feel successful as a musician? I write EVERY day.
Caiden Walmsley
Born in West Virginia and raised in Lakeland, Caiden Walmsley turns raw emotion into unforgettable acoustic songs. Caiden weaves deep feelings into powerful chords, melodies, and lyrics.
How has your definition of a “good song” changed from when you first started playing music to right now? A good song to me now is more than a catchy melody or a solid riff. It’s a story that shapes the way I feel, think, and live.
What is a musical style or songwriting risk you’ve taken recently that pushed you way outside your comfort zone? I’ve recently tried gathering stories from others and experimented writing about stories that aren’t my own.
If you could sit down with the version of yourself who was just picking up a guitar for the first time, what advice would you give them? I wouldn’t say anything at all; I’d sit back and watch me slowly figure it out.
What is the small, everyday thing that makes you feel successful as a musician? Knowing that people can hear the stories I tell, relate with them, and have something to listen to.
Billy Ray Wheaton
Billy Ray Wheaton brings a striking presence to the stage, blending a unique gravelly tone with a cinematic, storyline vibe that pulls listeners deep into his songs. How has your definition of a “good song” changed from when you first started playing music to right now? It has definitely evolved and expanded. Even in my own writing, I’ll go back and look at songs that I’ve written and questioned If it met my internal criteria, and I can tell that my internal definition has changed.
What is a musical style or songwriting risk you’ve taken recently that pushed you outside your comfort zone? I’d say it’s been more performance “Risk” lately. I’ve been focusing on my vocals as more of an instrument to better tell the story. I’ve tried to add that dynamic to my delivery and how I emote the lyric.
If you could sit down with the version of yourself who was just picking up a guitar for the first time, what advice would you give them? Don’t worry about defining what you do; just work on getting better. This guitar is going to help you learn yourself in a way that neither of us could imagine, and most everyone around you will not understand. Keep pushing yourself, do not be discouraged, and do not let the absence of a fan section stop your pursuit, drive, and passion.
What is the small, everyday thing that makes you feel successful as a musician? The passion I feel for it. There are so many comparisons, barriers, and obstacles in trying to define success as a musician. I try to keep my definition personal, and I work to maintain the creative passion of storytelling.
Come out, bring a friend, and experience the talent that lives right here in Central Florida. We hope to see you at The Songwriters Circle Live at Krazy Kup!
Date: September 19, Time: 6:30 p.m.