I had been calling record companies, managers and for obvious reasons and time constraints couldn't set anything up.
However, December 2014 I scored a coffee interview with Luis Billhey. I was SO nervous....but So anxious at the same time. I set up an interview at a quiet and quaint coffee shop in Downtown Phoenix.
Mr. Billhey is a handsome young man with an infectious smile. I waited patiently, and nervously for his arrival. I got a text that he was running late, internally I was dreading a cancellation, or a no show. However, he arrived and I was able to relax a bit. He didn't fail to impress. Like most of his colleagues, he smelled delicious, was wearing an outfit that has become a staple for this genre......and had that soft spoken manner.
We talked about personal interests, he was very accommodating. Perhaps it had to do with the relaxed setting, or the atmosphere. I felt like I had known him forever, we had endless moments to reflect on many topics. Which was ever so helpful. Unfortunately, the cafe closed at 7:00 pm. But, he willingly kept the conversation going. We were able to move ourselves to the park outside the cafe and continue talking.
I was curious to know a lot of things; it happen to be that at that moment I was hungry for the knowledge of every aspect of the genre. I wanted to know so many things, yet I also was reluctant to ask. But Luis made asking so easy. Of course none of my interviews asked any personal questions pertaining to the drug cartel. I am not focused on that, and don't feel the need to know about it. So we never touched that topic, but boy did we discuss everything, I even threw in some social injustice issues his way, I was blissful!!!
I did enjoy listening to Luis talk about his obstacles, and triumphs in getting to where he is at.
I was mesmerized by his hard work, and how much passion he has. Because of the relaxed setting I hadn't taped anything. almost 3 hours into our wonderful and carefree platica I found out the camera was stuck or wouldn't film for me.
After a good 20 minutes of me apologizing, and googling ways to make the camera work, I had to apologize over and over for not checking my equipment. I was devastated, had I NOT vowed to never have this happen again???? How had I allowed myself to have equipment that was faulty?!
Although I was panicked, Luis was ever the gentleman, and calmly said that he had enjoyed our conversation, and we could meet again to do the film portion. I was so thankful, I told him that I was so embarrassed to have made this trip and waste his time, but he said no worries and that was that.
We decided to go grab a drink, and continue with our talk. Luis happens to be a good looking guy, with that infectious smile. Another quality of his was his easy going personality.
Talking to him felt like I was talking to a close friend. He loves soccer, and plays with friends weekly. He loves to sing, and does it with gusto. He is always readily accessible to his fans, and above all he never forgets to be humble. Now, don't think I didn't ask him hard questions, I did, I asked him why not go for another genre, he does occasional love songs, but he also understood that this genre was popular and profitable.
Luis gave me so much to think about, from his personal experiences, to examples he presented to me. My head was spinning. I was taking it all in. I was seeing stars, I was mad that I wasn't writing it all down. I was enthralled in the many issues he spoke about or touched on.
I was so lucky to have been able to interact with Luis, to have him give me so much time, to take time to teach me things I hadn't considered.
I graciously thanked him for his time, and for allowing me to redo his interview once I had proper working equipment at a later time.
I drove home with ideas swirling in my brain......with concepts that hadn't occurred to me till then.
I am lucky to call him a friend, and to occasionally send a "hello", "how are you" text.
To the next coffee date my friend.........
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