Hi, my name is Billy Gaus, CEO of The New York Songwriters-Circle. I’m a singer/songwriter with a diverse background that helps me view the music industry as a time for opportunity. I studied finance at Georgetown University and upon graduation spent a brief stint as a “non-working” actor before heading to Wall Street where I have worked for 12 years before starting this company with my partners. I also have a graduate degree from NYU Stern, focusing in on the music industry and finance.

I originally met Tina Shafer while searching for the best vocal coach in NYC and her name came up from a fellow high school classmate who was a professional musician. At the time, I was playing guitar and singing (Elvis mostly-whenever I got the chance). I also started an original rock band G5 which eventually became "DeepKick". I studied with Tina and used to go to The Bitter End Circles after my business school classes to “wind down”. The community that Tina built was amazing and the upcoming talent unsurpassed. I knew there was something, a special seed, there that needed to grow.
Upon graduation, Tina and I met several times to discuss building her community.

I thought the Contest would help bring the best talent to the top and with a little structuring and networking our company could become a great resource as partners for these artists. A short time thereafter, Tina brought together her team: Shai, Robbie, Deena, Julie and Caroline and the first Contest was born. Kate Voegele won and things began rolling. For our artists, winning the Contest is an awesome experience, but entering into the Circle and becoming part of our extended family is what is also really beneficial.

I do see opportunity in this changing industry environment and I know our company is built to adapt to whatever new technology or consumption trend is thrown our way. Our Company is a family of artists working for the individual artist. Our perspectives come from the right place; the biggest difference is as a larger entity we can cover more ground. That is why I see us as the ideal partnership for an individual artist. Artists should focus on building their art and their individual business and we as partners will look for ways that make sense to help with that growth.

Ease of access to resources (recording, producing and selling -itunes) offers great freedom to an artist but also creates a lot of “noise”. Exposure is the key to getting above and becoming noticed. As a company, we are constantly looking for ways for all our artists to find this exposure. Bi-monthly Circles at The Bitter End are a perfect start. We are currently doing halftime shows at MSG through John Gags and our friends at the NY Titans and we just opened a Philly franchise with the brilliant artist Lindsay Rush. The dream is to have one in every city across the nation.

I see technology as our friend. Our new website demonstrates that to a tee. Offering massive exposure for an artist through state of the art video and radio while allowing for members to be participants or consumers.

“No matter what happens in our world and daily lives, there will always be a need for great artists and entertainment and it is through Art that we can in fact affect what happens next.” Look forward to having you join our family - BG