Part 2: Conquer your fear and show your work to the world. Interview with LA rock star, actor, artist Billy Morrison

“Rise” artwork by BrownJames

Tell me about your attitude towards fear. Do you welcome it or avoid it wherever possible?

Jumping into one of the biggest shark tanks in the world to swim with a 12 foot tiger shark is pretty scary. In fact doing the shark feeding dive in the Bahamas last year was a rush as well. But the fear normally presents itself in smaller, more intimate settings.

“Deep” artwork by BrownJames

I’ve played football stadiums and arenas, the main stage at Reading, played to many thousands of people and that doesn’t make me scared. But taking a friend to have some Chemo to try and help his Cancer, that scares me. Fear that I won’t be strong enough, that I’ll be unable to be there for him.

You talked earlier about being happy and to keep smiling. What advice could you offer people about the type of attitude it takes to be successful?

In all honesty, I believe that humility and gratitude are the keys to prolonged success. My ego and arrogance has got me in trouble many times and in the last ten years, I have tried hard to change that stuff. No one wants to work with a coked-out asshole anymore. I lived a crazy life for a long time and made zero friends. My advice is treat people as you would want to be treated. And remember how lucky you are every day.

“Faith” artwork by BrownJames

You’ve collaborated with some world class musicians, what have you learned from performing with these guys?

My career so far has been absolutely mind blowing. Standing next to players and singers like Slash, Ronnie Wood, Tyler, Ozzy, Robbie Williams, (Dave) Navarro, I mean its like the ultimate school of rock. My playing has improved beyond all recognition for me, and I have so much respect for these musicians I get to play with, and humility for being able to do it. I am so grateful for every single gig I get to play and work hard to make sure my ego stays put. That is the secret.

Not only have you had a successful music career but you also act, you’re a radio presenter and artist. A lot of people who do gain success in one field, are sometimes too scared to put themselves on the line and try something totally new. What advice would you give them?

Put the fear aside and have a go, What have you got to lose?. I don’t really care if I look stupid or not, at least I am out there actually working. I want to try things and experience all parts of the business. Its the business of ’show’ so I figure I should get out there and ’show’.

I want to embrace the true meaning of the term ‘multi media artist’. Most people seem to misrepresent that phrase, they get a website and say “yeah, we’re multi media artists”. Wrong!. I act, play and write my own music, write screenplays, compose music for film and tv. I also host a weekly radio show, create artwork, produce video blogs in Final Cut, run and manage three websites and, I’m one of the principals in Camp Freddy. I think that qualifies me as Multi Media.

Photo by Drew Ressler

Has life in the public eye lived up to your expectations?

Well I’m pretty lucky, I’m not what I would call ‘famous’, thank God. Many of my friends get driven mad by the price of fame. And I am blessed that I get to work and play in all the wonderful and glamorous situations without getting hassled at every step. I do get the occasional “hey….you’re Billy Morrison” and its nice. But to answer your question, I could not have dreamed how great life could be, and I live each day in wonder that an ex-junkie like me gets to do the things that I get to do, its amazing.

On the film set of “Basement Jack”

How do you handle negative attention and comments, who do these most often come from?

Hahah. Oh trust me – that shits out there. What do I care, I love my wife, have a great standard of living and get to enjoy so much. I got all the toys. I’m still alive (after 14 years of heroin addiction) and play music with some of the greatest talents on this planet. Why would I care what the ‘haters’ think?. God Bless ‘em all, I say.

Photo by Wendy Bird

What are the biggest benefits of this type of life?

A creative outlet that gives my spirit the lift that it needs. The opportunity to meet and know so many interesting people. And to hopefully connect with someone out there and actually make a difference somehow. Maybe with a song, a piece of art, some kind of connection that helps someone.

Thanks Billy I love talking to you! Your positive attitude is always so infectious and I’m sure you’ve given our readers a lot to think about and take action on.

www.billymorrison.net
www.twitter.com/billymorrison
www.campfreddy.net
www.circusdiablo.com

Interview by Angel Greenham
Proof reader Justine Gardiner

Artwork by BrownJames
Photography by Wendybird Photography
Drew Ressler
Hugh Hamilton
Mike D