How ’bout those political-activist musicians? We got ’em by the boatload here in Charlotte, so what’s the deal on the national level? When activist rock bands hit the big time, their outrage over stuff like the war in Iraq turns to friendly benefit shows for organizations no one disagrees with. And what does this have to do with Jeffrey Williams? Well, he calls himself a “singer/songwriter/guitarist for political indie-pop band gogoPilot,” and a “social-political activist” whose credits include donating time to “Folkin’ Vote” and “After the Storm.” Alright, that works. As long as gogoPilot promises to keep fighting the good fight way after their videos get all over the TRL on the MTV, the VH1, the BET and the CMT. (Whew! What do those letters mean anyway?) Here’s what we know for sure: gogoPilot’s debut is one catchy collection of power-pop, twang and good songwriting. And when Williams isn’t gogoPiloting, he’s playing bass with the Mersey Sound or producing in his home-based Wasteland Studio. When he’s not doing any of that? Well, he’s gazing at his navel and thinking about the five things that rock his world. Wanna know what they are? Here ya go:
1. Beth (wife). “She’s up at the crack of dawn every day reading the papers, checking the blogs and watching the news. When I crawl out of bed, she fills me in on all the news and the latest Bush administration gaffe as I’m sipping my first cup of French Roast. Ten years and rolling. . . she’s just the best. I’m a lucky mofo.”
2. Sadie (dog). “She is the Lady Lord Jesus Christ of dogs. She’s getting a little gray in the whiskers now, leading us to make some tough decisions. . . cloned, stuffed or both?”
3. Friends/Bandmates. “In the past few years, I have come to know an awesome group of creative folks. A group of intelligent, creative people who are generous with their talent and who dig music, films, conversation and politics. They’re also not afraid to act like meatheads watching football with me on Sundays at Jack’s. Go Panthers!”
4. Work/Not being at work. “There is nothing like working hard to make you really appreciate not being at work. It’s a love hate/thing.”
5. Staying up late. “Sometimes I’m writing songs. Sometimes I just can’t get to sleep. Other times, I’m out way too late drinking and talking trash with friends. There is nothing better than the quiet and calm of the city at 4am. Great ideas are born early in the morning.”
This article appears in Oct 5-11, 2005.
