Jeriann Tripodi, Former A&E Editor

Header image: Vanessa Heins from Broadway World

Billy Raffoul is an alternative/indie singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer from Ontario. The award-winning artist connects with his audience through his powerful songwriting ability by using his lyrics to tell heartfelt stories. Raffoul has a growing fan base, as his music has been streamed over a hundred million times. He has also received praise from the magazines American Songwriter and Paste.

Billy Raffoul’s debut EP, “1975,” is available on iTunes for download. His upcoming EP, “I Wish You Were Here,” will be available March 24, 2023. Raffoul has also recently released fan-favorite singles such as “Bliss,” “I Wish You Were Here,” and “Jim Carrey.”

Billy Raffoul is currently on the “Best Night of My Life Tour” with the rock band American Authors. Raffoul took the time off from his busy schedule to answer a few questions. Let’s get to know him a little better. I hope you enjoy our Q&A session:

Q (JERIANN): Which song off your debut EP holds the most personal meaning for you?

A (BILLY RAFFOUL): My debut EP’s title track “1975” probably holds the most sentimental meaning to me. It’s a song about my mother’s upbringing and her strength. 

Q (JERIANN): What can the audience expect when they see you live in concert?

A (BILLY RAFFOUL): A little bit of everything! I have a lot of songs that are intimately acoustic and then some that are rockers with the band. When you come see us live, I want to give you some of each. Anthemic sing-alongs and quiet acoustic moments. 

Q (JERIANN): Growing up, which artists did you listen to that inspired you musically?

A (BILLY RAFFOUL): The Beatles, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, to name a few! 

Q (JERIANN): What advice would you give to young aspiring musicians?

A (BILLY RAFFOUL): Keep going! Revel in the good times. Really take in the great shows and the feeling of writing something you’re proud of because there will be lows. If you have something you’ve created that you really feel good about, put it out there! 

You can see Billy Raffoul live in concert in Philadelphia on Feb. 17 at World Café Live. The singer-songwriter will also be appearing at other US venues up until March 12. Below is the schedule of Billy Raffoul’s tour dates:

2023 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WITH AMERICAN AUTHORS

Feb. 10 — Fairfield, CT — The Warehouse

Feb. 11 — Carlisle, PA — Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium

Feb. 15 — Virginia Beach, VA — Elevation 27

Feb. 16 — Washington, D.C. — Union Stage

Feb. 17 — Philadelphia, PA — World Café Live

Feb. 18 — New York, NY — Racket

Feb. 19 — Allston, MA — Brighton Music Hall

Feb. 21 — Pittsburgh, PA — Thunderbird Music Hall

Feb. 23 — Madison, WI — Majestic Theatre

Feb. 24 — Minneapolis, MN — Fine Line

Feb. 25 — Chicago, IL — Bottom Lounge

Feb. 26 — St. Louis, MO — Old Rock House

Feb. 28 — Englewood, CO — Gothic Theatre

March 2 — Salt Lake City, UT — Metro Music Hall

March 3 — Las Vegas, NV — Red Rock Casino

March 4 — Anaheim, CA — The Parish at House of Blues Anaheim

March 5 — Phoenix, AZ — Last Exit Live

March 7 — Solana Beach, CA — Belly Up

March 8 — West Hollywood, CA — Troubadour

March 9 — San Francisco, CA — August Hall

March 11 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theater

March 12 — Seattle, WA — Neumos

Check out the official Billy Raffoul website for merchandise and more information.