Billy Kemp

Billy Kemp is a multi-instrumentalist maker of original music and songs performed in a country-folk-blues manner.

Quotes about Billy

"About Billy Kemp, I think he is quite good. He reminds me of some Austin type songwriters; also, a cross between Leroy Preston and Loudon Wainwright both excellent writers. He’s better than 90% of the music I receive." - Roseanne Cash



"Literate songs in a country blues manner. A collection of down-to-earth tales punctuated by vivid lyrics and crisp guitar work." - Dirty Linen



"Billy Kemp, a gifted multi-instrumentalist with an impressive list of studio and road credentials frames these songs with austere and subtle acoustic arrangements built on various combinations of guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin and harmonica.” Bob Allen, Bluegrass Unlimited



“An amiable and entertaining performer, Billy had the audience in the palm of his hand from the moment he stepped on stage. His stories and the background to his songs were both humorous and enthralling.” - Alan Cackett, former editor of Maverick Magazine, UK



"This is the most heartbreaking breakup song you’ve ever heard, honestly. It’s minimal in the recording style, allowing the scathing lyrics to cut through the air with so much more precision. It really sounds like it could come out of the hills with Pa Carter. It’s a really remarkable recording and song. I can’t wait to hear more from Kemp with this roots, raw style” – Ear to the Ground Music Blog about Billy’s single, “Another Life to Live.” Jan. 2018