In the Blog
Billy Pettinger: Billy the Kid
Every month I profile a new incredible woman, each from a different walk of life. Different professions, causes, backgrounds, ethnicities, orientations, and anything/everything else!
So without further delay, let me introduce the awesome Billy Pettinger…a.k.a. Billy the Kid…
“Life tends to give us what we want…but never how we expect it.” This is the first line on the “About” page for Billy the Kid’s website. Also known as Billy Pettinger, the singer/songwriter realizes that being “lost” isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
As awesome as she is shameless, Billy was able to answer our questions in the few days she had left before embarking on a tour across Canada to tell us about knowing in your heart what’s best for you.
What drives you to do what you do?
There’s always been something in me propelling me towards my goals. At times I feel like it’s a part of me that is almost out of my control, as if I am at its whim, but at times it feels calculated and precise. I guess I can’t quite put my finger on what it is exactly but it’s a force of nature, a vague entity of its own. That, combined with a sincere desire to help people and give back makes up the path that is behind me and the ever-so-exciting route in front of me.
How does being a woman empower / challenge you?
It’s interesting being one of the few females in the music business. I feel like even the second I begin to answer this question, a lot of people roll their eyes or turn off their ears. It’s a male dominated industry and I’m reminded that every day when I load in to a club, meet the other bands on the bill, spend time in a studio…every aspect of my life I’m the sole female it seems. But it’s empowering every time I get an email from a young girl who has been inspired by something I’ve done, or get a chance to talk to a fan at the merch table who says she started her first band because of me. I also enjoy challenging the preconception of females that a lot of “boys” in the industry have.
What advice would you give to young women who want to follow in your footsteps?
Never, ever, ever, ever listen to anyone except yourself. There are a lot of people out there who will give you great advice, and of course you should consider (some of it). But you know in your heart what is best for you. And no amount of success is worth achieving if it’s by being something or someone you’re not. What is one person, place, or thing every young woman should know about?
Your mother, 6 flags in California and Words With Friends for iPhone haha! What is the most important thing we can do in order to change the world?
In my opinion? Lead by example. There is strength in all that we overcome and if you show the world what you’re made of by living with a true heart and good intent, it’s infectious. How many times have we met someone amazing and tried to model our own existence after their example? Be a good person. Care for one another. Act with morality and integrity. Consider the planet and your surroundings. Do not be ignorant of others beliefs or ideals. Consider every perspective, especially that of a foe or adversary. Be that good person and good people will surround you. And one at a time, day after day, the world will change.
Be sure to check out Billy and her music on her website at www.billythekidonline.com. You can also see on tour now across Canada. For full tour dates click here.
