Halfway Hamill
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Halfway Hamill

Warren, Michigan, United States

Warren, Michigan, United States
Solo Rock Acoustic

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"Halfway Hamill's "What You've Become" Featured in Short Film"

Halfway Hamill is proud to announce the inclusion of his song "What You've Become" in the Urreola Film "The Maintenance Man". You can view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84fVoUwILrE&feature=youtu.be. - Halfway II Productions


"Rusty Nail Songwriter's Contest Winners"

William Hamill has solo as well as along with Jason Hackstock won the Rusty Nail songwriter's contest, as can be seen here on sonicsbids at the Rusty Nail opportunity page. - Halfway II Productions


"Detroit Perfect Invited to Interfusion Music Summit"

Detroit Perfect's Bill Hamill has been invited as a panellist and performer to the Interfussion Music Summit taking place in Cahedral City, just outside Palm Springs CA. from Oct. 4-7. It will be taped for future viewing on Netflix. For more info check out http://goims.org.
- Halfway II Productions


"Detroit Perfect to be Interviewed on ROK Out Radio!"

Detroit Perfect's own Bill "Halfway" Hamill, will be interviewed by ROK Out Radio, on Tuesday, October, 30, (which seems appropriate, it being Devils Night and all) at 7:00pm eastern time. As well as the interview, they'll be spinning Detroit Perfect tunes. Make sure to tune in! - Halfway II Productions


"Hamill's Halfway House Now On Rok Out Radio!"

Halfway II Productions is proud to announce, Bill "Halfway" Hamill, lead singer for the Detroit based rock bands Detroit Perfect and Halfway II's podcast Hamill's Halfway House has been picked up for syndication by Rok Out Radio. Hamill's Halfway House can now be heard every Saturday night from 7:00pm - 8:00pm Eastern Standard Time at http://rokoutradio.com. Hamill's Halfway House can still be heard at http://hamillshalfwayhouse.podomatic.com/. - Halfway II Productions


"Halfway Hamill "Everything to Me" Review"

Artist: Halfway Hamill
Album: Everything To Me
Review by Rhonda Readence

Halfway Hamill is the brainchild of William James Hamill III, otherwise known as Bill Hamill, otherwise known as Halfway Hamill. His debut album Everything To Me features appearances by guest musicians Jason Keith, Eric Bachman and Santo Ludy. Based in Detroit, Halfway Hamill sings of many disturbing facets of human life including child abuse, addictions and being broken hearted. While the lyrics are at times very heavy and despondent, the melody within many of the tracks shows a lighter side filled with hope.

The album starts off promising with “All You’ll Get.” A melancholy guitar hooks leads the way into Hamill’s vocals, which are a bit pitchy at times, but seem to level out as the song continues. Lyrically, the piece is full of heartbroken imagery, and yet at the end, listeners will be left with a sense of hope due to the majestic guitar work that lends light where there is darkness. The album’s title track, “Everything To Me,” is basically a love song detailing the highs and lows of being with someone. Hamill’s vocals could be considered whiny at times and he would do better to avoid the twang that he seems to carry. His vocals are fantastic when he sings in a lower register rather than trying for the high notes. Aside from this, the song is written with aching honesty and Hamill has no qualms about putting his heart out there for everyone to see.

“Last Goodbye” contains some of the best guitar work on the album and the melodic solo will send chills racing along the spine. As with most songs on Everything To Me, it is deeply honest and lends itself to human emotion in a way that is enviable. “Just As Good As Dead” delves into the word of drug addiction and it is one of the more standout pieces on the album. With a darkness that borders on despondency, the lyrics are well-written and carry a sense of hope in the midst of despair. Hamill’s vocals are very strong here, and he should consider utilizing this method of delivery more frequently.

“What You’ve Become” is one of the few tracks with an upbeat tempo. The lyrics are intelligent and thoughtful and it is during this track that listeners will gain a new respect for Hamill’s talent as a songwriter. “Nothing’s The Same” carries a country essence and has a rhythm that will get the feet tapping. The music of Halfway Hamill could be classified as a very mellow sort of country rock, which is highlighted during this piece. It is worth noting that the instrumentation throughout is performed with skill, particularly during this offering.

“Daddy’s Eyes” is a song about child abuse, and again Hamill’s honesty as a songwriter is brought to light. It is not often that an artist can so blatantly and shamelessly put their heart on the line for complete strangers to dissect, and this must be respected. Included on the album are two alternate versions of “Everything To Me,” both produced by Santo Ludy. The first alternate version is an electric mix, and to be quite honest, it is not great. There is a sense of discord throughout and this piece needs some attention with regards to timing and overall quality. Perhaps adding an electric guitar to a piece that is so obviously better suited for acoustic is not the route to take. The second alternate version is a harmonica mix and it is much better. A piece like this seems more natural acoustically and the addition of the harmonica adds a certain country charm that makes this piece complete.

Halfway Hamill is a good band with potential. The songwriting is the strong suit here, and Hamill should continue to put his life to music for other people to relate to. With regards to the vocals, Hamill does have an occasional fit of pitchiness here and there, but there are also moments of strength that shine brightly. The guitar work is great throughout, as well as the rest of the instrumentation. The sound quality is mediocre and could be polished up a bit but will suffice as it is. Overall, Everything To Me is a record that is decent enough for now, but could be much better with a bit more attention and polish.



Review by Rhonda Readence

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5) - Review You


"Detroit Perfect - Detroit Perfect 2"

There is, I think, something quite endearing about the durability of punk rock. Its heyday in the UK was very brief, a year perhaps two at most, then it faded. Across the Atlantic punk continues, alive and kicking, past hardcore and the like. Detroit Perfect are an example of a band which has taken the still throbbing heart of punk and clothed it with a body which, while familiar in many ways, is new and potentially quite exciting.
The band's second EP, rather obviously titled Detroit Perfect 2, showcases some talent and ingenuity from the members of the Detroit punk scene. In the same way that their fellow citizens of Motown two generations before took soul and distilled it into three minute snippettes of wonder, Detroit Perfect have taken an obvious punk sound and distilled from it a pure ecstatic joy of playing music, and then mixed it with a variety of touches which turned it from something run-of-the-mill to something with some zest, rather like adding cranberry juice to vodka turns distilled ethanol spirit into a drink rather than a means of getting hogwhimpering drunk in minutes.

"From the Basement" opens as if I was back in the days - powerful yet simple guitar hook, a bit of screaming and some wacky drum sound. So it comes as a surprise to hear the flourish of a flamenco style acoustic guitar providing a signature theme to the melody. The Damned never got this far in '77 though, like the Damned perhaps, Detroit Perfect took less than two minutes to get there. And if you think this is a not to be repeated novelty, think again. "Black Cloud" has a mini acoustic guitar solo followed by a guitar bridge which reminds you of "Turning Japanese" by the Vapours.

The first three tracks of the EP are all frenetic and brief with strong melodies and idiosyncracies which will make you realise that this is something different from the ordinary. The second half is slightly different. The tracks are a bit longer and provide the band with a chance to display something more than a bloody good thrash. Sadly, they do not always rise to the occasion. "I Don't Want to Go Home" starts well, but becomes a little repetitive as the refrain is drummed into you. "Real American" is better and carries with it a political overtone, parodying the sort of macho insensitive posturing which many overseas associate with the projection of US power across the globe. Funnily enough, the final track, an acoustic version of "I Don't Want to Go Home", is actually the best track on the album and the one which shows the ability of the band more than any other. It benefits over its electric version by having clearer vocals and some texture changes in the music which really bring the track to life.

Detroit Perfect are clearly a band which has the potential to make a name for themselves by innovating away from the genre standard. They are at their best when they do, and fall short when they do not. Something to watch out for in the future.

- Music Emissions


"Detroit Perfect "2" Review"

Artist: DETROIT PERFECT
Title: Detroit Perfect 2
Rough, ready and stripped to the bone is the best way to describe the debut EP from these guys. There is literally no information on band make up or history available on them and the music here is about as simple and raw as you can get. It’s pure garage rock with punk attitude that sounds like it was done in one take using tin cans and a shoebox as recording technology.
That will be no serious impediment to your enjoyment of these tunes, but it sure requires an adjustment, especially if you’re used to modern ProTools production techniques. Expect NONE of that from Detroit Perfect! This really is 60’s style proto-punk with production to match.
They don’t try to cover it up, either. First cut is called “From The Basement” and right away you might be shocked by the muffled, buzzy production. The song is based on a simple power packed riff, much in the style of MC5, who you can easily tell are inspirations. It’s a peculiar mixture of super-fuzzy electric guitar sound with bare acoustic strumming on top, while basic vocals repeat basic lyrics. Nobody’s going to be reaching for a dictionary while listening to Detroit Perfect 2. I really wish the electric sound would have been thicker in the vein of Fu Manchu…then this would have REALLY kicked you through the wall. As it is, the song is a fun garage punker and that’s what this release is all about.
“Black Cloud” is the second cut and except for just a minor change, the riff sounds very similar to the previous track. More simple, thundering fuzz-punk in the vein of MC5, Stooges and early Ramones. With “No Love Songs”, things get a bit poppier, as the tune kicks off with a “na-na-na” vocal hook and the acoustic guitar is emphasized a bit more. Despite the increased accessibility, the profane lyrics ensure that this is no radio friendly pop song. The line about Sid and Nancy will bring a grin to your face.
“I Don’t Wanna Go Home” continues in the more pop-punk vein, but the super raw production keeps this from being the usual Blink 182 sugar kick. I could actually see a song like this getting airplay, back in the days when radio took chances and listeners were more open to songs that didn’t sound like they came out of a computer. The EP ends with an acoustic run through of the same song, which puts a different spin on it but kind of makes one wonder why they didn’t include another original.
Lovers of true gritty garage rock and punk will dig Detroit Perfect 2 but there is such a thing as having a production that is TOO garage for its own good. The guitars and drum sound could have used more thickness and oomph here and that’s what keeps this from getting higher marks.
Review by Mike Korn
Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

- Review You


"Detroit Perfect - I Don't Wanna Go Home"

Exclusive Interview
Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today.
My name is Bill “Halfway” Hamill, the co-lead vocalist and acoustic guitar player for Detroit Perfect. The rest are Shonny Constant on vocals and electric guitar, Eric Bachman on Bass, and ChZk on drums. The four of us all went to East Detroit High School together once a long time ago, and are all 20 year veterans of the Metro Detroit rock music scene.

I’ll let our bio tell the rest: Detroit Perfect is an acoustic/ electric mashup of punk rock styles from first gen NY CBGB bands through the re-explosion of the 90's, combined with protest and revolutionary songs spanning all generations, and a dash of glam rock piss, to taste. We keep hearing being asked what style of music we are after shows, and being told “I’ve never seen anything like that.” Hopefully you feel the same way, and until someone smarter comes up with a better name, we’re calling it dirt rock.

What do you have coming up? What are some of the new projects we can expect to see?
Tuesday, June 26 my first solo record Halfway Hamill “Everything to Me” will be released through iTunes, Amazon, etc. Maybe something new from Detroit Perfect. And of course you can purchase Detroit Perfect’s 1 and 2 anywhere on the web.

Tell us more about the current song you are promoting to everyone.
I wrote the majority of “I Don’t Wanna Go Home” on a notebook at my cousin’s house on Long Island the night before I was driving back home to Detroit. I was feeling melancholy about having to leave the city that never sleeps, and returning home. As much as I love Detroit, hell, it’s in our name, it can be rather bleak. Also, my mother was very sick at the time, and it was just a very hard time in my life. On the drive home, I constantly sang the melody to myself, so I wouldn’t forget it. When I got home, I went right to Shawn’s, where we then polished it up. Shawn came up with a lot of the electric parts in the studio if I’m not mistaken.

How does your music separate yourself from other artists and bands out there?
As far as Detroit Perfect goes, I’d honestly say that there’s nothing like it. With the the contrast between Shawn and I’s vocals. Whereas I come from the Vince Neil/Bret Michaels school, I think he’d agree that his style is more akin to a Rancid. Also I think the addition of having the acoustic guitar behind the electric gives us a very unique sound, almost percussive.

Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in the industry?
For myself personally, just proving myself as a draw, i.e., that people would pay to watch me perform.

What was one of the biggest set backs in your career and how did you bounce back?
For me personally, it was the death of my parents. I know they wouldn’t want me to just sit on my ass and mope. It’s just been recently that I’ve forced myself to really put some effort in, because, let’s face it, it’s all I know how to do.

What are some things artists need to be careful of?
A big problem with performing musicians is getting paid. If you’re not a proven draw, chances are you’ll be playing for the door with four other bands. So, make sure if you can, to have someone working the door that you trust.

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
Make sure you get paid. ‘Nuff said.

What is one of your favorite ways to promote yourself and your music?
It seems as if social media is going to be the way for the foreseeable future. With all of the record stores going the way of the dodo, especially in a city like Detroit, where there’s no mass transportation and everything is so spread out, you can’t just rely on flyers anymore. I do make sure flyers are up at the venue at least two weeks prior though.

Where can people visit you?
www.facebook.com/DetroitPerfect
www.sonicbids.com/DetroitPerfect
www.facebook.com/DisruptorRecords
www.faebook.com/BillHamill


- Warped


"Liam Hamill & Halfway II & Friends"

You might have seen these guys at the Nasty Dog 2007 Benefit and with other great acts such as Counter Culture and Chris White. Acoustic sounds with a killer 80's rock inspiration! Always a good time- sing along in a laid back atmosphere to your favorites like Poison, Motley Crue and more! And we can't wait to see who they bring along for the party!

- Mill Street Grille


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

Bill "Halfway" Hamill, is an acoustic singer/songwriter from what in his mind is not only the capital of Rock 'N Roll, but the world's greatest city: Detroit , Michigan. Born and raised at 8 Mile and Gratiot ,the sounds of Motown were ingrained into his mind before he could even talk, let alone sing. It would be Motley Crue's "Theater of Pain" released in 1985, when Hamill was but only 9
years old, that would shape the rest of his life. Performing since middle school, to this very day barely a week goes by where you won't find Hamill performing. Amongst the places Hamill has performed are Detroit's Hard Rock Cafe, Mount Clemens' Emerald Theater, Metro Detroit's Arts, Beats, and Eats festival, and the world famous Gratiot Cruise on a number of occasions.

Hamill has showcased at Freddy's Backroom in Brooklyn, NY, and Ella Lounge in Manhattan's East Village. Hamill was a featured performer at the 2012 Interfusion Music Summit in Cathedral City, CA. You can hear Hamill's song "What You've Become" in the Urreola short film, The Maintenance Man, as well as hear "Evil in Disguise" in another Urreola short The Belt. Beyond performing, Hamill hosts Hamill's Halfway House formerly heard on the late great Rok Out Radio, now at http://HamillsHalfwayHouse.Podomatic.com/, as well as produce and mentor young and upcoming local Detroit area acts. Hamill is also an accomplished writer, writing blogs for the pro wrestling site http://camelclutchblog.com/.

When not performing solo, Hamill's band is Halfway II consisting of Jason Hackstock on guitar and vocals, Dave Messerschmidt on percussion, Jason Keith on harmonica, and Kristi O on violin.

Hamill is also the co-lead singer/acoustic guitarist for punk band Detroit Perfect (http://facebook.com/DetroitPerfect) as well as one half of the comedic hip-hop duo MC Sampler 'N The Halfway House (http://reverbnation.com/TheHalfwayHouse).

Band Members