Many military veterans face severe emotional, physical, and psychological hurdles when returning to civilian life. Challenges such as post-traumatic stress, isolation, and the weight of combat memories often go unnoticed by the public. While support programs exist, reaching veterans in distress requires cultural empathy, creative expression, and sustained community action to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Musician and songwriter Joe Bartell of The Joe Bartell Project tackles this issue through his tribute release, "Not Today Billy," paired with an active fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project. By combining evocative songwriting with cinematic storytelling, Bartell uses music to raise awareness and direct financial resources toward vital veteran rehabilitation services. In this Executive Q&A, Bartell discusses the inspiration behind the project, the creative collaboration behind the music video, and the role of art in supporting military families.
Q: What specific story or experience inspired you to write "Not Today Billy," and what central message do you hope it delivers to veterans and their families?
Joe Bartell: One day, as I was waiting at my favorite barbershop to get a haircut, the barber (who was cutting someone else’s hair at the time) stopped what he was doing and immediately walked to the front door to chase away a homeless veteran. As he was doing this, he kept saying “Not Today Billy”, “Not Today Billy”. I immediately picked up my phone and started to write the chorus. It came very quickly, as what had just transpired completely consumed me and motivated me to write “Not Today Billy”.
The central message I hope the song and video delivers is simply this, to help people. To see people as people and not be defined by a particular circumstance they may be stuck in. No one knows what someone else has been through in life, and what has caused them to be in a particular bad situation.
Q: The music video for "Not Today Billy" depicts the emotional weight of post-war life on both soldiers and their loved ones. How did your collaboration with director Edward B. Kessel bring that narrative to life?
Joe Bartell: This video would not exist without the brilliant work of Ed and his staff at Sound Imagination. After Ed and I produced the song, we decided that a video was needed and Ed understood exactly what I was trying to convey in the song and brought it to life within the video. He’s an amazing talent and we worked closely on this project to insure that it came out exactly as we envisioned.
Q: You paired this song and video release with a direct fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project. Why was partnering with this specific organization essential for the project?
Joe Bartell: It was important because the Wounded Warrior Project is an amazing organization that tirelessly works to help struggling veterans.
Q: Many service members struggle with unspoken trauma after returning home. How can narrative songwriting and visual media help bridge the gap between veterans and the support networks they need?
Joe Bartell: Simply by raising awareness through the mediums of song and video, which can be quite powerful and profound when done well.
Q: What has been the response from veterans, military families, and listeners since the launch of the song and music video?
Joe Bartell: The overall response has been overwhelmingly positive. I’m not sure if there is another song or video that tackles the subject of homeless veterans, so it’s been received quite well. We’ve received numerous awards for our efforts.
Q: Looking ahead, how do you plan to continue using The Joe Bartell Project to advocate for social causes and veteran support through music?
Joe Bartell: Absolutely ! I have several songs in the works that deal with other important social issues and Ed and I look forward to bringing them to life.
Music and visual storytelling remain powerful tools for social change, giving voice to personal struggles that words alone cannot capture. Joe Bartell's work on "Not Today Billy" highlights how dedicated artists can turn creative projects into tangible support systems for wounded service members and their families.
As communities seek better ways to assist veterans reintegrating into everyday life, grassroots cultural initiatives will continue to play a crucial role. Bartell’s efforts demonstrate that combining purposeful art with targeted philanthropy can spark dialogue, inspire empathy, and deliver real-world aid to those who served.
