“Musical chemistry is more important than being the best technical players. Also learn how to sew, always have duct tape, and check the expiration dates on the condiments in the green rooms.”

Billy Walton: New Jersey’s Rockin’ Blues

Billy Walton is an accomplished guitar master from the vibrant New Jersey Shore music scene. He earned his stripes in the rock & roll trenches, playing lead guitar for many years with Jersey icon, Southside Johnny. He has also shared the stage with music legends; Little Steven, Gary US Bonds and Steven Tyler, to name a few. The Billy Walton Band grew out of this rich musical heritage, and found its groove when Billy connected with bassist William Paris. Their efforts met with immediate interest from the fertile British Blues scene, leading to multiple successful tours across Europe and eastern United States. They have a solid, dedicated fan base which is growing quickly. In addition to blues rock fans, the jamband scene has also embraced the band – hungry for their high energy live shows.                            (Billy Walton / Photo by John Loreaux)

The Billy Walton Band, regarded as one of Southern New Jersey's most dynamic, popular live acts, release the soulful, rockin' new single, Knife In My Back (2025). “A classic case of losing faith in some so- called friends while strengthening faith in yourself and what you do," explains Walton, "but I always try to leave the song lyrics for the listeners to apply to their own life. I had a great time recording this one," adds Walton. "I started writing the lyrics on the way up to the studio. It's always such a pleasure working with Anthony Kirzan (“Knife In My Back' co-producer). It is always the right vibe!

Interview by Michael Limnios                              Special Thanks: Doug Deutsch

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Well for me music and art imitates life. It also has a super power of unity. Whatever division flavor of the month is in the world you can still have camaraderie with a fellow human in music. That’s how I see it. I don’t think there’s a “one moment” that changed my musical life. There’s thousands and thousands of live shows that we have done were we walked in knew no one and walk out being great friends all on this spiritual musical roller coaster..

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

There are many elements to our sound. I come from blues rock, old Soul with a New Jersey flavor. We have a lot of jam band tendencies with catchy hooks and fiery guitar… so I would say Jersey rock and soul Jam… The creative drive is an absolute gift. I think it might come from the water in New Jersey. Our song book is rather large with A lot of flavors. We never write the same song twice.

Why do you think that New Jersey music scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

Well, New Jersey always had a friendly competitive atmosphere. There a Million places to play and great musicians throughout the state challenging and rooting for each other. There is also a chip on the shoulder for most jersey musicians.. they’ve always been the underdog not New York, not Philadelphia, but New Jersey! And the under dog always works harder… Fans know that and when they come to a gig they know they’re going to get every ounce of energy the band has that night…

”Thinking outside the box musically to start with killing every live performance of the songs selling the live experience… I’m always doing my best to keep the song lyrics relatable, with an up to date great recording and production, always given the listener a musical book that they haven’t read yet… Having a feel and vibe they can align with.” (Billy Walton / Photo by John Loreaux)

What´s been the highlights in your career so far? Are there any memories from gigs, jams, and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

There’s so many highlights on a personal level… I’ve had the opportunity to play with some awesome rock legends but to list them would be just going for the wow factor and that’s for me and to impress the guy at the gas station. To be honest the highlights are when i write a new song, go to a country I don’t live in, sell out a venue and have them sing along with the lyrics is always the highlight, the connection!

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

There are a lot of great artists out right now... so I don’t want to be negative but I will say what I do miss about music of the past is the human element… The rub! Otis Redding sing a note that’s a little flat then it lands in pitch makes it so much sweeter.. Chuck Berry staying on the one cord when the keyboard player goes to the four but yet it still sounds right. Push and pull with the Rolling Stones... yeah!!! You feel that!!! So polished, auto tuned, and perfected in the template it’s not always my favorite… my hope for the future of rock ‘n’ roll is kids playing with each other in the garage more and more!

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Musical chemistry is more important than being the best technical players. Also learn how to sew, always have duct tape, and check the expiration dates on the condiments in the green rooms.

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

If you’re around the right people with the right vibe, that leads you right up to that time, that you hit the stage or studio you get the best results.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

Thinking outside the box musically to start with killing every live performance of the songs selling the live experience… I’m always doing my best to keep the song lyrics relatable, with an up to date great recording and production, always given the listener a musical book that they haven’t read yet… Having a feel and vibe they can align with. Make it easy to find on every streaming service available!

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(Billy Walton / Photo by John Loreaux)