Thump Magazine: BILLY MIKOYAN "Commanding Respect"

by julieanne rau

Live Music in Second Life ™ is saturated with performers. But I always found that Billy Mikoyan is a performer that loves to perform. This was my third time seeing Billy perform at Gia's Fashion Cabaret and I find his performances to be sincere and from the heart. You first have to get by the fact that Billy is a male with a female avatar. Personally, I don't have an issue with that. I have seen frogs, cats, and wolves perform. Not to mention that a few of my friends at Gia's are a puppy, an otter, etc... After all, this is Second Life ™ where you use your imagination. Second, I don't find Billy's vocals all that appealing. I guess it can be said that “to each her own”

, but I find Billy's range is limited. But Billy knows music; his guitar and piano are HOT and when he cuts into a rhythm, I usually lean back into my chair, close my eyes and let the music take me.

Billy's great asset is how he connects with the crowd. As I mentioned, this is my third time seeing Billy and after the one hour set is finished, Billy never disappoints the audience if they ask for more. I have been to a concert where he played an additional 30 minutes because the crowd wouldn't let him leave. If you have read my previous reviews, you will know I am a stickler about performers making contact with the fans and Billy does just that. To highlight this, Billy's stream went down during his act. So encroached in his music, and with everyone at Gia's shouting 'DEAD AIR', it wasn't restored for 30 minutes. By then most of the crowd had left the cabaret and Billy was disappointed that half of the entertainment was missed by the remaining faithful. But to make it up to us, he played an additional 45 minutes and I think he saved the best for last with Jackson Brown’s “Dr. my Eyes”, the Hollies “Long Cool Woman” and Billy Joel’s “Allen Town” to name a few.

I will admit that I don't like the vocals but I like the attitude and the music. He commands respect and is truly his own man. From his choice of avatars to his choice of songs, he is a performer that Second Life ™ can't do with out. Whether you love or hate his voice, whether you love or hate his music; I'll steal a quote from a Jenny Heying column posted in Thump magazine in July 19, 2008 “To experience Billy is to be experienced. He changes you. He commands your attention.” I agree. You have to be comfortable with yourself and your music to play to a crowd of people hiding behind a monitor. Billy has my respect. I want to hear his new collection of original songs he said he is working on. So I'll be at the next performance.