Teaflix Interview with Billy Amendola

Send us Fan MailBilly Amendola is one of the most respected musicians and industry leaders in the music business. Billy, a New York-based studio drummer, songwriter/producer, podcast host, celebrity interviewer, mentor, and music industry advisor, is a founding member of the late-seventies band Mantus. The band released two albums, charted three top-ten Billboard dance singles, and achieved worldwide fame, touring the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Amendola, associated with Modern Drummer magazine for 25 years, left in 2022, shortly after the publication was sold. Immediately after his exit from MD, he hosted an audio podcast series with Drum Channel for two years, recording 94 shows under his own “Billy’s Bubble” show. A forerunner in electronic programming and hybrid drumming from the mid-70s to the late '90s, Amendola, combining acoustic and electronic drums, achieved success in the studio, recording on albums, song demos, television commercials, soundtracks, and hundreds of 12” remixes. In 1987, he combined his hybrid sound on the debut album of teen sensation and Eighties songstress Debbie Gibson’s Out of the Blue. The album spawned several international hits, including “Only In My Dreams” and “Shake Your Love.”Coming full circle, on several occasions, Billy has performed as a guest percussionist with Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band on the encore of The Beatles' classic song “A Little Help From My Friends.” He’s also attended Starr’s “Peace & Love” Birthday celebration for the past fifteen years. He subsequently serves on the advisory board of Jules Follett’s “The Sessions Panel,” a foundation that empowers artists through education and real-world advice.Billy was also an advisory board member of Music Will (previously Little Kids Rock). This charitable organization provides free music instruction and instruments to school districts nationwide. Over 1,000,000 youngsters currently participate in Music Will/LKR programs nationwide.In 2022, Billy was appointed as an A&R board member of the non-profit organization Raven Drum Foundation (with co-founder/Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen and his wife, singer/songwriter Lauren Monroe). The non-profit sponsors events and drum circles to raise money and support for veterans and first responders. Having spent over fifty years in the industry, Billy has experienced the ins and outs of the music industry from both sides of the fence. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/billy.amendola/Teaflix is sponsored by MrsMcCartneysTeas.com Thanks for tuning in to TeaFlix - learn more about the hosts at https://MrsMcCartneyTeas.com and https://RuthMcCartney.comLearn more about Dr. Angie & Ruth at https://MrsMcCartneysTeas.com and https://RuthMcCartney.com