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Billy Trudel

Billy Trudel - Singer, Songwriter, and Music Producer

Billy Trudel (born august 8th, 1960) is an American vocalist, independent singer, songwriter, and music producer. Billy is know for his years of work as a full time primary backup vocalist for artists such as Elton John^[1], and Billy Joel, and for his lead vocals in 80's and 90's rock bands such as The City, Public Domain, and Warpipes, as well as his contributions to major motion pictures such as Wag the Dog (1997), To Die For (1989), Fire Birds (1990), True Blood (1989), and Rescue Me (1992).^[2]

Career

Billy began his music career in 1981 as a session singer for professional songwriters at Warner Brothers. Responding to an ad in The Los Angeles Times Billy landed an audition at Chrysalis Records in 1985 where he ultimately became lead vocalist in the band, The City. This is where he'd meet record producer Peter McIan, guitarist Stuart Mathis, Bassist Wade Biery, and Drums & Percussion Jerry Speiser. Within weeks they would have a record contract and release a studio album shortly there after, titled Foundation.^[3] Shortly after they disbanded, Billy was an on-again off-again session vocalist from 1986 onward. Through session work Billy was introduced to guitarist Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olsson in 1990, they united with keyboardist Guy Babylon and bassist Bob Birch to form Warpipes^[4]. This would lead to the release of the studio album "Holes In the Heavens". Now having more professional experience than ever before, Billy would return to session singing in Los Angeles, singing backup vocals for musicians such as Motley Crue, M.C Lyte, Diana Ross, and Elton John.^[1][5] Having acquired the skills and the know-how along with his connections from the music industry he found himself singing a number of jingles for corporations like Taco Bell, Miller Lite, Pepsi, and Pringles as well as singing in major motion pictures such as Wag the Dog (1997) To Die For (1989)  Fire Birds (1990) and True Blood (1989). In 1995 Billy performed with Elton at the 67th Academy Awards where Elton won the Oscar for Can You Feel The Love Tonight.^[6] From 1997 to 2001 Billy toured with Elton and Billy Joel as their primary background vocalist.^[1][7][8] At this time he was also lead vocalist with the band Public Domain (MTM Records Germany). In 2001 Billy opened up his own music house, Billy Trudel Music which brought recording artists into the advertising world to sing and perform on national television. He wrote and produced music for commercial adverts with some of the largest companies in the world such as MasterCard, Budweiser, Saturn, Mitsubishi, and Coca-Cola. In 2002 Billy was asked to join the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) where he'd sit on the Board of Governors Los Angeles Chapter which he served a total of 2 years for the Grammys. Since 2008 Billy has been writing and producing music for film and television. He has over 100 song titles published and 200 cues. Now Billy helps aspiring artists develop their craft as a vocal coach, showing them the in's and out's of the music industry. He continues to pursue his passion for music. "Music is and will always be my voice" - Billy Trudel.

Discography

Studio Albums

1980's

1990's

2000's

2010's

Filmography

Film

1980's

1990's

2000's

2010's

Television

1980's

1990's

2000's

2010's

References