Billy McCarthy is a musician, songwriter, artist and author. As the former frontman of New York bands Pela and more recently Augustines, Billy’s lyrics and vocals have won him acclaim as a master of live performances, selling out venues across the United States, Europe and beyond. His lyrics explore the backstreets of the human condition, delivered with an unapologetic truth that both excites and resonates as familiar.

The artist’s first band Pela were renowned for punching above their weight and critics celebrated the ambitious lyrical subject matter and high-octane performances which became the band’s signature. Following the split of Pela in 2009, McCarthy went on to form Augustines together with former bandmate Eric Sanderson and drummer Rob Allen. Together, the trio set about delivering on a manifesto of high quality, soul-moving music, driven home with lyrical grit and grace. Forever buoyed by the band’s loyal fanbase, Augustines confronted traditional label systems, their music often spilling out of venues and into the streets, pubs and public realms of the cities where they performed, earning them accolades across the indie music landscape. The band’s debut album Rise Ye Sunken Ships, written by McCarthy, was met with glowing reviews and iTunes named it "Best Alternative Album" of 2011.

Following the amicable disbandment of Augustines in 2017, McCarthy released his solo record Shelter, introducing a stronger folk influence to his work. The album was a self-described ‘ode to lyricists’ and to accompany the album, McCarthy released his debut book Unsheltered, to capture the stories which provide a moving account of the inspirations behind the songs on the album. Following sold-out success of solo tours across Europe, McCarthy released a second solo album Wild Eyes, and is currently working on new music projects and continuing to perform internationally.

McCarthy’s incredible life story and path to high acclaim caught the attention of Michael Baum and Todd Howe (Arcade Films). In 2019, a documentary movie was released entitled Rise: The Story of Augustines, which depicts the extraordinary story of the initiation of the band, delving into McCarthy’s own life and beginnings in his home town in California. The movie was praised for affording viewers an unflinching look into the behind-the-scenes reality of struggle, perseverance and endurance that was typical of the independent music scene in the early Spotify years.

HOST A SHOW

Billy McCarthy has quietly been forging a unique DIY approach to his live solo shows playing in multiple towns and cities spanning 9 countries the past 3 years. If you have a space that will hold between 40 and 200+ people and love live music, we’d love to hear from you. Become a host!

DIY+ALTERNATIVE SPACES has a simple concept: Friends, food, stories and songs in alternative spaces that feel good, around comrades and music lovers for the same price as a club show ticket. We have built shows at wineries, living rooms, art galleries, lofts, rooftops, backyards, barns, stores, community halls, social clubs, bars, music venues, and warehouses.

We work with you the host to make it easy to host an unforgettable evening.

Please reach out to book a pop up show!

And as always thank you for supporting independent music…

-Joe

Ottawa, Canada

“I had long contended that Billy McCarthy is one of the best frontmen in music and it was an absolute true come true when he agreed to come to Canada to play for our community. From the moment he belted out the first line, jaws dropped in the room. Through the night, Billy blew us away with songs old and new, telling tales of his travels and adding a splash of humour throughout. A powerful lyricist, a passionate musician and genuinely one of the best people you’ll meet, he’s surely not one to miss and you’ll be looking to see him again and again.”

-Stelios

Koblenz, Germany

“Seeing William McCarthy play live is a testimonial to the good, the true and the extraordinary. From authentic banter, told by a well-travelled storyteller with an intense background to the soul-cleansing music that connects deeply to the heart: His shows are a unique rollercoaster of emotions that leave you clear, full and upright. Life affirming and connecting - every time. I have and will take on challenges to see the man play live again.”

-Anonymous Newcomer

Nottingham, UK

“The enthusiasm, passion and power in Bill’s performance is incredible and the power in his voice has to heard to be believed. The room was filled with not only the powerful voice of William but he was very enthusiastically assisted on more than one occasion by members of the McCarthy choir who were in full voice and I soon found myself singing and clapping along too.

It was a fantastic night and I would recommend anyone who is offered the chance to go to one of these type of performances to give it a try it is completely different from a conventional gig, a chance to experience something amazing.”

-Jonny

Edinburgh, Scotland

"We were fortunate enough to have William McCarthy perform at Outwith Festival in Dunfermline, Scotland. One of the most cathartic, visceral and upliftingly raw performances I’ve witnessed in well over a decade of working in music. An incredible story is intertwined throughout which sees the audience hang upon his every word. Billy is a true professional - generous and humble behind the scenes and a joy to work with."

-Andy & Ellen

Columbus, Ohio

“We were fortunate enough to host a Pop Up Show of Bill’s in June of 2019 at our home in Italian Village, a downtown neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. Bill played a collection of his songs and told a number of stories spanning the course of his career to an audience composed of our friends and family, some already confirmed fans of his work, some who had never heard him play before. We were overwhelmed by the response of our guests, several reporting it to be one of their best nights on memory. Bill was flexible with the limitations of our unique venue, and made the show a magical, unforgettable memory. We’re look forward to hosting another show!”

-Cindy

San Diego, USA

“I had the pleasure of hosting a concert for Bill in San Diego last year. It was incredible! His rapport with the audience was so much fun. He sang, told stories and had the crowd wishing the night would never end. I still get compliments from friends today. The last song Bill sang was "Nothing to Lose but your Head." I led the audience in singing the "Hey!" part. Really, a night to remember. If you haven't yet, get his new EP. the songs will become your new favourites.”

Dave, England, UK

“We attended the William McCarthy show on Saturday (1st timers both). Firstly, many thanks to you and Jude for opening up your home, We both thoroughly enjoyed the evening, it was special to hear such an emotional performer in that intimate setting. In terms of feedback - I wouldn't change anything and would happily attend something similar again. It was a good choice to have a support too - Louis is a talented lad; I did thank him on the night but if you could pass on our encouragement when you next see him I'd appreciate it.

TIM,

UNITED KINGDOM

“Great concept & I felt privileged to attend such a select event. I didn’t really research Billy’s music having only listened to some Augustines songs prior to Dot to Dot. Basically I would assume these events stand or fall depending on the artist. Billy appeared to be genuinely happy to be there and the balance of humour, stories and songs was spot on. Bringing your own booze works well. The local support act was great and nice to see a new young artist getting out there. Sound was spot on your living room clearly has acoustic properties.

-CHRIS,

UNITED KINGDOM

“It is difficult to describe how good the performance Saturday night was, being in a smallish room with about 30 people in it and William McCarthy in one corner. Bill was singing songs and telling stories just for you and a few of your friends, the interaction and intimacy between artist and audience was something you could only experience in such an environment. The enthusiasm, passion and power in Bill’s performance is incredible and the power in his voice has to heard to be believed. The room was filled with not only the powerful voice of William but he was very enthusiastically assisted on more than one occasion by members of the McCarthy choir who were in full voice and I soon found myself singing and clapping along too. It was a fantastic night and I would recommend anyone who is offered the chance to go to one of these type of performances to give it a try it is completely different from a conventional gig, a chance to experience something amazing. The evening was started by Louis, a young local singer, songwriter who was exceptional and very talented. It is great that such events can showcase local artists.