Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bill Dorfschmidt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bill, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My mother and father bought me a cheap bass guitar thinking that it was “just a phase” My father noticed that I was always in my room practicing and using all my money from mowing lawns on parts for my guitar to make it less “cheap” One day, they asked me if I wanted a new bass that I didn’t need to modify. I was very skeptical, but I said yes, and we went to a local music store. I looked at a guitar that cost $300 ( to put this in perspective, it was 1982 and $300 was a lot of money to teenager that wasn’t old enough to get a job ) I was pointing out all the things that I could change on it. My dad stopped me and said “Why not get a guitar you don’t have to change” I said because I don’t have $830 for that Fender Precision Bass. He then told the owner of the shop that we wanted the $830 Fender Bass. Again, it was 1982 and $830 was like $2,000 today. I was in total shock. I said to him “I can’t believe you are buying this” He looked at me and said “I’m not buying you a guitar, I’m making an investment” It was then that I realized how much my parents believed in me. Their “investment” is still played at almost every gig I’ve played. Their belief in me really gave me the confidence to keep playing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Being a musician is not an easy profession. You really need to network and rely on other people. Joining a union is very important for legal matters. Finding fellow musicians that share your vision is incredibly important. Finding a job that fits with your profession and finding a partner that believes in you too. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have found all those things. I worked at a theme park as a sound and pyro technician. That is were I met Dan Pepin who put me in touch with Central Florida Musicians’ Association Local 389 and we have played in several projects together. I started teaching guitar at Guitar Center in Lakeland and later was promoted to be their Lessons Manager. All of these “jobs” helped to improve my craft. Last is my beautiful wife, Beth. She has been so supportive of my career and encourages me to do great.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

To be a role model for future generations. I love sharing my knowledge of music to students. In a world of AI and instant gratification, I love that there are still kids that want to perform and write their own music. Being even a small part of the future of live music makes life worth living.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing people have a great time and knowing that you were able to make them enjoy life for a little while. We all have our daily stress that drags us down. Seeing people just enjoying life, dancing, laughing, hugging people they haven’t seen all week ( or longer ) and being up on stage, knowing they came together to see you, puts a fire in my soul. Bringing people together through art and music is a very powerful and rewarding thing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: evilbill1
• Facebook: Bill Dorfschmidt (Evil Bill)
• Other: Evil Bill And The Struggle Bus on all streaming platforms

Image Credits

Beth Dorfschmidt
Disney photographer ( ? )