WESTERN MUSIC

WILLIAM BECKMANN

INTERVIEW WITH SAM DONALDSON

William Beckmann was raised on the Mexican border in the town of Del Rio, Texas. At an early age, Beckmann discovered his passion for writing songs and performing. The 25 year-old singer considers his music to be a blend between Traditional Country and Americana, and often writes songs that are reflective of his small town upbringing. We caught up with William Beckman while he was on the road playing shows and here is what he had to say:

How has agriculture influenced your music and/or daily life?

Agriculture runs deep in my family. My grandfather, Santiago Hyslop, was born and raised in Parral, Chihuahua Mexico. He got involved in the cattle business after he purchased a ranch from his father. He raised Mexican cattle and crossed them through Presidio, TX throughout the 60s. After he married my grandmother, they relocated to Del Rio, TX to raise their family. My dad, Edwin Hyslop, eventually became a cattle trader and now my older brother does the same thing. They love what they do. Occasionally, when I have time off, I’ll visit my family in Del Rio. I’ll go to the pens and help them sort cattle and brand. I don’t think I’m much help but I love watching my dad and brother do what they do best. They have the same level of passion for the cattle business as I do with my music.

What are some musical influences that may be surprising to your fans?

I mostly sing country but I love all kinds of music. I have an obsession for traditional pop music. When I was in college, I went through a Sinatra phase and I practiced singing like him. I also love Mariachi music. Vicente Fernandez and Pedro Infante are probably my favorites. Listening to their records taught me how to be a better singer.

It appears that you are mostly independent as far as promotion/label. What are your goals in that department, and do you think that helps or hinders you as far as commercial success.

The most important thing is the relationship with the fans. Labels are great for helping artists reach a wider audience but at the end of the day, you have to go and play shows to make those die-hard fans. Being active on social media is also incredibly important. It’s great to be able to engage with your audience so easily.

Today’s country music is very “commercial” for lack of a better term… you’re Indie… is that by design?

There are a lot of modern country songs that I think are great. I lived in Nashville for 5 years and I still have an apartment there. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but that’s what the radio plays. Personally, I have a tendency to write more traditional country songs. Some of them sound like songs you would’ve heard in the 50s or 60s. Ironically, that kind of country isn’t everyone’s cup of tea either.

How do you measure success musically?

I measure my success based on the quality of songs I write. Nothing makes me prouder than writing something I think is really special. Having people show up to my shows is also a great feeling. I don’t focus so much on how many people come to the show. I just consider it a blessing that people go out of their way to come watch me. Success is doing what you love and making a comfortable living. That’s what I’m doing right now and I have to thank God for that.

What are your goals? What is your drive musically?

I’m in the planning stages for my next record. It’s long overdue but I was busy touring in 2019 and had plans to record in March of 2020. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. I want to keep putting music out there. It’s what I love. I also want to start writing with other people again. I recently signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell and I’m focused on collaborating with some of their other writers.

Guilty pleasure?

Doing impressions of people. Some of them are impressions of famous people and others are of people I know. I’ve secretly always wanted to be an actor so I love messing around with different voices and characters. My family seems to get a kick out of it.

What does agriculture mean to you?

It means family. It means prayer. It means taking care of this country and using its resources to feed the population. It’s the thought of countless generations of hardworking people doing what they love and passing it on to generations to come. It means asking God for rain and thanking Him when it comes. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for the cattle business. It’s what raised me.

Do you have an opinion on the push politically for less agriculture?

Farming and agriculture is the backbone of the United States. It’s what feeds this nation. It’s what puts groceries on the shelves. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to slow that down. I think the phrase “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you” has never had a more literal meaning.

For tour dates, news & all things Beckmann visit: https://www.williambeckmann.com

©Andrew Thorpe