An Interview of Billy Graziadei by Martina Doerner

October 27, 2020

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview of Billy Graziadei by Martina Doerner

Billy Graziadei, William Graziadei

(born December 31, 1969) is an American musician

Who is best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and founding member of Biohazard. Graziadei is also the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist of the band Powerflo and frontman for BillyBio, which is his latest Solo project. In addition, he is the former rhythm guitarist For Suicide City. Graziadei also performed as part of the Roadrunner United project in 2005 as well as Blood for Blood in 2010.

Additionally, through his music, Graziadei frequently Speaks about the realities of inner city life in New York City while promoting tolerance, speaking out against Racism and opposing drug abuse. Graziadei is the owner of Los Angeles-based Firewater Studios.

Today I’ve had the honor of interviewing Billy Graziadei, and I’m really happy that he took the time to answer my questions … Here’s what he had to say!

Q & A with Billy Graziadei

First of all, I would like to thank you very much Billy for taking the time to answer my questions. I know you are very busy and I appreciate it!

M: Biohazard, Powerflo, BillyBio..these are just some of your projects and I wonder how you can bring it all under one roof, what is the secret of your power?

B: Biohazard was the first band that brought me around the world, started when we were kids. Once the band was established it became my life. Around 2016 Sendog from Cypress Hill told me about a new band he wanted to do that was more close to Biohazard than Cypress Hill. We had been friends since we both started our careers in music and I always knew Sen loved Metal so that was the beginning of Powerflo. We are working on our second album right now. BillyBio is my solo band and I’m finishing up the new album as we speak, should be out early 2021.

It’s not work when you love what you do. My Pop said to me when I was young,“find something you love and you’ll never have to work another day in your life.“

M: Has your musical journey had a deliberate direction, or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?

B: I was never one to plan things out as far as music and art goes. I rebeled against my piano teachers since I was 8 years old and found punk rock and metal, and that fueled the fire!

M: What are your plans for the near future?

B: I’m finishing up the new BillyBio release now and esxpect it out early 2021, hinging on when the music world opens back up!

M: Can we expect a new solo album or new songs with one of your bands? Or maybe something completely different?

B: We’re finishing up writing on the new Powerflo and that release will be out later 2021. I have a lot of bands I produce and write for, looking forward to those projects coming out soon! Cutthroat, Viral, Countime, Lamara, Yard of Blondes, DelaDie, Blu…

M: Biohazard was formed 1987, a lot has happened since then, there were no streaming services, people were still buying records and music was not as easily available everywhere as it is today, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages from Spotify and other providers ? And what do you think about social networks in general, is it more of a curse or a blessing?

B: Back in the day there was tape trading before you could email and download mp3’s. That’s how you found new music. I think digital streaming replaced that underground method of learning about new bands, which is a plus. I also think that having so much music at your finger tips has made people more opened minded to different styles of music, another bonus!

As for the disadvantages….I’d have to say that as an artist, you used to be able to make a living while you made your record label rich, asuming you were successful. Now it seems like your music you release is only an excuse to go on tour.

I never began playing music in bands to be famous, I never chased the $. What was and always has been the most important part of what I create is just that, what I create. I love making something impactful out of nothing. I know a lot of people in the music industry that are no longer doing the same thing, but I have a hell of a lot more artist friends that are still creating. When you do something for the right reason, you find a way to continue to create your art. I’ve become really good at navigating the challenges of the music world and will be making music until I die!

M: The times we live in are difficult for each of us, how do you deal with it and to what extent does Covid affect your work?

B: As an artist, I think we’re all kind of isolationists. We live out of a suitcase and get used to seeing the same movie in a different theater each night. On top of sadly expecting something like this to happen to our society since I was a kid, I think I was more prepared than most. As for how it effected my work, it gave me more time to focus on what I love!

M: Is there anything you regret or something that you would change if you had the chance?

B: No apologies, no regrets!

M: And by that I mean in both private and professional areas, if the question is not too personal …

B: I do have a very strong and overtaking work ethic that is a plus and equally a negative for my life.

M: That brings me straight to the next question , what has been the most stressful experience in your life?

B: I don’t look at things as a problem, I look at them as challenges and that has helped me a lot with situations that most would find stressful. I have been training martial arts my whole life and have always tried to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

M: And what makes you feel most alive?

B: Being on tour!

M: If you had the chance to invite someone special to make music together, who would it be?

B: I’ve had the honor of make music with Dimebag and Phil from Pantera, Sendog and Breal from Cypress Hill, Onyx, Slipknot, Hatebreed, Agnostic Front, Type-O Negative and even worked a few times with Jam Master Jay from Run DMC! I’ve been pretty blessed with oportunities to collaborate with so many great artists it would be hard to imagine working with anyone else but if you’re pressing me for someone, I’d have to say Mike Patton, Henry Rollins, Ian McKaye, Siouxie Sioux, Ian Curtis….you asked.

M: In addition to the music you are a very sporty person, I know that you are a big fan of Jiu jJitsu and have been doing this sport for a long time, to what extent does sport help you?

B: Hahahaha, sporty…that’s hilarious. I never got along with the „jocks“ in school, but I’ll take it.

M: And do you find enough time to pursue other hobbies?

B: Life is what you make it, if you have the desire to do something, you find the time!

M: Thanks again for your time Billy! We’re all looking forward to hear more from you! All the best for you, your family and everything that will follow!

B: Thank you! I wish you well during these rough patches and when things are also well again!

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