Nate Amos, also known as This Is Lorelei, is set to release The Singer In My Band on September 11. Preceding the new record is a single titled “Billy Came Back”. This endearing track is written about a local karaoke singer that Amos once knew but lost contact with in 2022. Amos turned a simplistic concept into a sing-along rock anthem, which is a songwriting trait he’s known for.
In a press release through Consequence Of Sound, Amos states, “Finishing the song was the only way to get me to leave it alone.” On the new album, Amos explained, “The ideas incubated while daydreaming in the car without access to any instruments. So instead of being home and writing on the guitar or a computer, they developed slowly and subconsciously, existing as a sort of intangible thing while looking out the van window.”
Amos’ dad made him look at the album differently as well. “It’s funny, I sent my dad the album after I finished it, and he said it was kind of an ‘on the road beatnik’ album and that reframed it for me. It really is like a collection of chaotic experiences that you have while traveling. They’re also very much little works of fiction with elements of truth.”
Who Is Billy?
Billy is a real-life friend and local karaoke legend. The song is about longing for Billy’s return, as the narrator reminisces about the good times at karaoke together. He mentions that the last time he saw Billy was in 2022, with no explanation of where he went.
Billy doesn’t need to watch the screen
‘Cause he knows most every word and what it means
I always thought that Billy had the knack
And I always thought that Billy might come back.
The last time I saw Billy was in 2022
Yeah, the only things he ever did were things I wouldn’t do
And now he’s showing up in cowboy boots with all that love he needs
He’s got every song he’ll ever wanna sing
You can hear him sing.
The Return of a Local Legend
Ultimately, Billy returns, and the legendary karaoke singer is better than ever. It’s a happy ending, with a joyous sing-along chorus that is sure to become the foundation of Amos’ upcoming performances. It’s our first glimpse into the upcoming release. The album is full of characters, such as Billy, along with stories from the road.
Like he’s singing from the bottom of a deep blue sea
Yeah, my Billy’s got a voice that sings for you and for me
Billy’s back, he’s singing to the track
Billy came back.
Photo by Griffin Lotz/Rolling Stone via Getty Images