Billy Covington: Next Chapter Unlocked

Billy Covington

Billy Covington, renowned for his soulful voice and contributions to the legendary group Hi-Five, is making waves once again with his powerful solo single, "Forever." This heartfelt track marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his growth as an artist and his ability to connect deeply with his audience through authentic, emotional music. Join us as we explore the story behind "Forever," Billy’s journey as a solo artist, and what fans can expect next from this talented singer.

Q: Let’s hop into this single, "Forever" — how did this particular track come to fruition? 

I wrote this song a few years ago. And, it didn't sound anything like it does now. I had been vibing to this Apple Afro-beats Essentials Playlist that I have, and it inspired me. I was talking to one of my video editors about an upcoming trip we had to Carnival in Colombia. And he was like,"bro, you need some theme music for Colombia." I put the word out that I was looking for some really smooth R&B flavored Afro-beats tracks. And came across a producer named Sena. Everything he sent was on fire. And “Forever” was the first of many born out of that fire. 

Q: How then does "Forever" compare to or differ from your previous songs? 

Up until now, I was really only doing traditional R&B stuff. But I always had a love for Afro-beats music, and Latin culture. Once I found a way to fuse R&B with that, I fell in love with music again.

Q: Now as a songwriter, where do you draw inspiration from? 

I draw inspiration from many things. A lot of my inspiration is from personal experience and situations, but I also draw from the lives and situations of others. Things that are real things that everyday people can connect with. Whether it be love, heartbreak or sensual experiences, all of these emotions live inside our heads, and that's what I write about.

Q: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you? 

It really started at an early age. I was always listening to music and playing instruments. My parents had a vast music collection, but it wasn't just them. I listened to all kinds of music. Rock, Heavy Metal, Pop, Reggae, Salsa. It didn't really matter, as long as you could vibe to the music. From listening to all of those different kinds of music, I honed my writing style. 

Q: Growing up in 'The Garden State,' who were some of your biggest influences? 

Well I’m originally from New York, but New Jersey was the second chapter of my life. In that second chapter is where I found the most appreciation for what I had around me. It seemed like everybody in my area was doing music. Naughty By Nature, the whole Flavor Unit camp, Next, Jaheim, Donell Jones, DJ Eddie F, Sheldon (So) Goode and Darren Lighty, are all people that I had access to that inspired me.

Q: How do you define your style? 

I guess I would say I’m a forward thinking traditionalist. I just try to stay in my own lane. I don't put myself in a box, because I feel like I can do any kind of music I want to. 

Q: What do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope people can see themselves through my music. I hope that it resonates enough with them that they continue to listen and be inspired by the lyrical content and the melodies that I come up with. But most of all, the stories that apply to their lives.

Billy Covington

Q: Dream collaboration — who would it be? 

There are so many people that I would want to collab with. But, my ultimate dream collaboration would be to reproduce some type of version of "U Will Know" by D'Angelo. To be able to collaborate with all of my brothers in music on a song that can actually help people. Whether it be uplifting through spirituality, or some kind of charity. To be able to do something like that would be extraordinary.

Q: If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be? 

Wembley Stadium. I Did Wembley Arena, but the stadium is on another level.

Q: How do you feel about the current state of R&B? 

I think the state of R&B is coming back. I think that because of the current state of the record industry and everyone dropping music independently, you have to go find good R&B. It's definitely out there, but every artist doesn't have a huge budget to market it to the masses, so you have to go find them.

Q: What’s the key to your longevity? 

I think just maintaining authenticity is the biggest part of a long career. People tend to gravitate to other people that are real. They like to be able to relate. Those are the kind of fans that keep you going.

Q: Beyond music, what else, if anything, do you want to do? 

There's definitely a few things that I want to do. I still want to get my pilot's license. But professionally, I just want to continue to grow my real estate portfolio, and eventually live abroad.

Q: Biggest career moments thus far? 

I think one of my biggest career moments was being on the Back To The 80's Tour. I was with Hi-Five. We were the only nineties R&B group on the tour. With performers like Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Whodini, Slick Rick and Chubb Rock.

Q: What’s an average day like for you? 

An average day for me is getting to the gym at 5am. Then a little bit of local news, reading a book, or an audio book over breakfast. Then it’s all about business building. Networking, meetings, phone calls, social media etcetera. I’m involved with a lot of businesses. So, whatever needs my attention gets it. Some days I may work out again in the evening before dinner, it all depends. Each day is different. 

Q: How do you interact with your fans? 

Nowadays, typically through social media. But also, of course, special events, shows, hosting parties. I try to interact and engage as much as possible. In the entertainment business, those who are entertained are the ones that you need to pay attention to. Without my fans and people who believe in my vision, what's the point of it all?

Q: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work? 

My favorite is making music and the engagement with my fans. My least favorite is building content around myself and what I do, and posting it online. I guess I’m humble by nature, and sometimes I feel that posting too much about yourself can come off as being self centered. And, I’m far from that. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps? 

I would tell them, don't follow in my footsteps. Create your own footsteps. We all have our individual gifts. And, my contribution to the game may not be the same as yours. Be authentic in what you do, and do it for the right reasons.

Billy Covington

Q: Five to ten years from now, where do you see yourself? 

Definitely not living in the Country. And, if I am still here it will only be as a home-base. I want to make music all around the world. Writing, recording and touring globally, is definitely where I see myself.  

Q: What’s next for you, Billy? 

I'm just going to continue on my current path. There’s a lot of doors opening up for me. I just need to make sure I’m ready to walk through them. 

Q: BTW, what's up with Hi-Five? 

Not a lot. That’s a whole other interview in itself. I'll leave it there out of brand respect.

Q: Speaking of the iconic group, how exactly did you even land a spot in the current line-up? 

At the end of 2011 going into 2012, I received a phone call from my cousin, Faruq, who was already currently in the group. They had been making attempts to put the group back together after Tony passed away, but did not have the right chemistry. After listening to some records that I wrote and performed, I got a call from the guys to come to New York and hang out for a weekend. The chemistry was cool, and at the time my music is what they needed. Soon after that, I started rehearsing for shows and recording records for Hi-Five. It’s now been 13 years.

Q: Any parting words for our readers? 

I hope everyone can connect with me on a human level. Keep me accountable for putting out good music. I still have a lot to offer. And, I plan on giving this entertainment industry everything I got.

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