Chart-Topping Singer-Songwriter Bill Abernathy on Mixing Humor, Heart, and Hard-Hitting Messages in His Latest Single
In a world filled with noise, Bill Abernathy is cutting through it with sharp wit and a passion for storytelling. His latest single, “Save Your Drama for Your Momma,” takes aim at the political and social chaos that often dominates our news feeds. But Abernathy isn’t just venting frustrations; he’s blending humor, perspective, and a dash of realism into his music. We sat down with the chart-topping singer-songwriter to discuss the inspiration behind his bold new track, the balance between message and melody, and how his remarkable journey from corporate life to music stardom continues to shape his sound.
Bill, your latest single, “Save Your Drama for Your Momma,” tackles some pretty heavy social and political themes. Can you tell us what inspired you to write this song, and how important it is for you to reflect current events in your music?
Well, I like to keep up with what’s happening in the world. I’m a bit of a news junkie, so every morning while I’m working out, I watch the news. But I’ve got a system—every 15 minutes, I change the channel. I think that’s the key to cutting through the noise and getting a real sense of what’s happening. You’ve got to understand that every news program has its own bias, and once you get that, it’s easier to work through the drama. That’s exactly what inspired *Save Your Drama for Your Momma*. I was just tired of hearing all these politicians stirring up trouble, pointing fingers, and making a mess of things. So I thought, “Why not just say it? Save your drama!” It’s important to reflect what’s going on in the world, but I also like to add a bit of humor and perspective because, let’s face it, we all need that from time to time. And honestly, the news gets my heart rate up too, so I guess it helps with the workout! Ha-ha.
You’ve had quite a remarkable journey from your corporate career to becoming a chart-topping singer-songwriter. How do you think those life experiences have shaped your music and storytelling style?
Oh, they’ve definitely had a big impact. Spending over 43 years in the corporate world, raising a family, and then transitioning into music full-time gave me a pretty unique perspective. Corporate life teaches you a lot about dealing with people, handling pressure, and making tough decisions. All of that naturally fed into my songwriting. I like to write about real-life experiences, whether they’re mine or things I’ve observed in others. I think living through those challenges gives my music a sense of authenticity. It’s about being real, telling stories that resonate with people because they’ve been through something similar. The corporate world gave me material, and stepping away from it gave me the freedom to dive deeper into those stories.
Your music is known for its storytelling, and songs like “Goodbye Will Never Come Again” and “Cry Wolf” have really resonated with listeners. What is your process for crafting such emotionally powerful and relatable songs?
For me, it always starts with the lyrics. If I don’t have something meaningful to say, I’m not going to force a song. I want to make sure the story comes through first. A lot of my inspiration comes from personal experiences, but sometimes it’s just something I’ve seen or felt. Once I’ve got the story down, I pick up the guitar and let the melody find its way. It’s like the music is there to support the emotion, not the other way around. The goal is to make the listener feel something—whether it’s a sense of loss, joy, or hope. I want the story to hit home for people because, in the end, music is about connection.
“More,” your latest album, has garnered a lot of success with multiple #1 hits. What themes or messages did you want to convey with this album, and how does it differ from your previous work?
MORE was really about capturing different sides of who I am and the journey I’ve been on. There are themes of hope, love, frustration, reflection—it’s a mix of everything life throws at you. The title track, *MORE*, is about always striving for something greater, never settling for just enough. It’s about wanting more out of life, and I think that’s something a lot of people can relate to. Compared to my previous albums, this one is more polished, and I think it crosses more genres. I wanted to push myself creatively, and I think *MORE* reflects that growth. Each song takes listeners through a different part of the journey, but it all ties back to the idea of pushing boundaries and wanting more from life.
The title track of “More” hit #1 on the UK iTunes Folk Rock chart, among others. How does it feel to see your music resonate internationally, and did you anticipate this kind of global success when you first started?
Honestly, it’s been incredible to see how far the music has traveled. When I first started, I wasn’t thinking globally—I was just hoping people would connect with the music wherever they were. But to see MORE chart in the UK and beyond, it’s humbling. It’s a reminder that music really does cross borders. People everywhere are dealing with the same emotions, challenges, and joys, and I’m just grateful that my music is resonating with them. Global success wasn’t something I anticipated, but I sure appreciate it!
Your lyrics often address social, environmental, and political issues, as we hear in “Save Your Drama for Your Momma.” How do you balance delivering a strong message with maintaining the musicality and accessibility of your songs?
That’s always a bit of a balancing act. You want to make sure the message comes through, but you don’t want it to feel preachy or heavy-handed. With songs like “Save Your Drama for Your Momma,” I try to wrap the message in a way that’s fun and approachable. Humor plays a big part in that, and of course, the melody has to be something people can enjoy. If it’s not musically engaging, the message gets lost. It’s like giving someone a spoonful of sugar with the medicine. I want people to have a good time listening to the song, but maybe later, they’ll think about what it was saying.
The music video for “Save Your Drama for Your Momma” has also gained a lot of attention. How involved were you in the visual storytelling of the video, and what do you hope viewers take away from it?
I was very involved in the video, and I had a lot of fun with it. The song has this playful, sarcastic tone, so we wanted to bring that to life visually. We went with exaggerated drama—people being over-the-top ridiculous, and then this reminder to just calm down and save it. I think we all know someone who brings unnecessary drama into every situation, so it’s a bit of a tongue-in-cheek way of saying, “We see you, and we’re over it!” I hope people get a laugh out of it but also walk away realizing they don’t have to get sucked into the chaos around them.
As a seasoned artist, what advice would you give to aspiring singer-songwriters who are trying to find their own voice and build a lasting connection with their audience, much like you have done over the years?
First and foremost, be yourself. Don’t try to copy anyone else—your unique voice is what will set you apart. Authenticity is what people are going to connect with, so tell your story the way only you can. Also, remember that this is a long game. It takes time to build a real connection with your audience, and success doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient, keep honing your craft, and focus on the quality of your music rather than chasing numbers. And above all, enjoy the process. If you’re not having fun, neither will your audience.
For more information, please visit – http://www.billabernathy.com
