Billy McKnight, the frontman for Tampa-based Soul Circus Cowboys, remembers the first time the band landed on the Billboard Charting songs list.
“(It) was a thrill,” McKnight recalls. “However, Billboard Magazine went online. We had to look it up online and then make a post. Growing up in the business, I always wanted that paperback to have with our name in it. That being said, it was a thrill but I have to go back and look at it. I can’t go to the office and see it on the wall … perhaps I should have printed a copy.”
McKnight didn’t have to fret long as Soul Circus Cowboys charted two more songs since then. ED Magazine spoke with McKnight, courtesy of Bob Chiappardi of StripJointsMusic.com, about the band’s single “Leather and Chrome”, the notorious “Florida man” headline, and his key to a live show.
ED: You formed in Tampa in 2009, what were you guys doing before the formation of Soul Circus Cowboys?
MCKNIGHT: Before 2009, each one of us were in different bands. Me and Dewey (Buxton), my other lead singer, were in a duo called McKnight/Buxton.
ED: When you hear the headline “Florida man …” do you roll your eyes?
MCKNIGHT: When I hear the words Florida man I don’t roll my eyes unless it’s somebody getting arrested for something stupid lmao.
ED: What’s the key to a great live show — what’s your most memorable live show (either performing or attending)?
MCKNIGHT: In my opinion, the key to a great live show is connecting with the audience. If the energy goes back and forth, then the show is rocking! Usually the way that happens is everybody is dead on with their job and the music pumps through the heart and soul of the listener.
ED: What’s the most humbled you’ve been meeting a fellow musician — can you talk about how that interaction went?
MCKNIGHT: Since I lived in Nashville for 11 years, I have gotten the opportunity to meet many stars. However, the late Joe Diffie was probably my most memorable. He was engaged 100% to everyone he talked to. He was interested in the conversation and there was no bullshit. You could tell he had his act together and gave a damn about the people he was talking to.
“The key to a great live show is connecting with the audience. If the energy goes back and forth, then the show is rocking! Usually the way that happens is everybody is dead on with their job and the music pumps through the heart and soul of the listener.” — Billy McKnight
ED: Have you found during the pandemic you’ve relied more on music than usual — either as a means of escape, combating boredom, having more time to experiment, etc.?
MCKNIGHT: Many lessons were learned during COVID-19 and the shutdown. We really had an opportunity to focus on the songwriting for our latest record called rolling across America. We’re working band and so over the years as we would write a song. It would be during gaps when we were not performing. Since we were sat down we could go back and visit a song over and over again and really strengthen the content. The best thing that ever came out of it was the refocus on songwriting.
ED: What do you have planned as far as live shows for 2022?
MCKNIGHT: As far as life shows post-pandemic, it seems the whole world is ready to get out again. All our festivals and concerts have been full. It’s been great going back out and seeing the desire for live music again.
ED: StripJoints services DJs at gentlemen’s clubs nationwide, so, in your words, why would “Leather & Chrome” be a good choice to play at a gentlemen’s club?
MCKNIGHT: Because it’s a woman’s anthem in such a way. Women nowadays are CEOs, executives and bosses all over the world but it would comes to the weekend. They like to strip off their work gear, put on some chaps and boots and ride. This song features women at their strongest!
