William Beckett discusses his new solo EP and current tour

In 2011, the pop-punk band known as The Academy Is… broke up, leading its former lead singer, William Beckett, to release a series of three extended plays this year.

Walk the Talk launched on April 17 in iTunes following the release of its first single track, "Compromising Me,” one of four songs on the EP.

Beckett hit the road earlier this month to begin touring for his first EP, Walk the Talk, and on May 16, the Central Florida Future caught up with Beckett before his show in Boston.

Tonight, the Walk the Talk tour will make a stop at The Social in downtown Orlando, where Beckett is expected to hit the stage at 7 p.m.

Central Florida Future: Walk the Talk tour is only about two weeks old now, right? How has the tour been so far? Have there been any interesting moments yet?
William Beckett: Correct. The tour has been a blast thus far. And yes, we’ve had quite a few memorable moments already. For instance, on Cinco de Mayo, we were in Madison, Wis., and upon arrival, we were dodging drunk kids [who were] carelessly owning the streets and randomly crossing the road without caution. I’ve never seen more blackout drunk 20-year-olds in one place at one time. We narrowly escaped.

CFF: Tell me a little bit about your EP-turned-tour Walk the Talk. How have fans responded to you as a solo artist compared to a member of The Academy Is…?
Beckett: It’s been a lot of fun thus far. It’s been interesting seeing the subtle divide between those who are at the shows singing along to the TAI songs I play and those singing along to the Walk The Talk songs, and it has been amazing to see the support.

CFF: What is different about touring solo vs. with bandmates?
Beckett: I’ve done solo acoustic tours while still being in the band, but it’s been a lot of fun doing it on my own. I’m just focusing on putting on a great show and being myself; so far so good.

CFF: I see that Cara Salimando is opening for you at The Social in Orlando. Is she traveling with you or just opening for you at the show?
Beckett: She’s on the whole tour. We are traveling together. She is wonderful; I love seeing her play every night.

CFF: “Compromising Me” was the first single to be released for your EP that released on April 17. Why this one first? Is it your favorite?
Beckett: “Compromising Me” is essentially my mantra song. I thought it was appropriate to lead off with that tune on the first EP given its lyrical concept.

CFF: What inspired this EP?
Beckett: Life inspired this EP. I am releasing two more EP’s this year as well, and they chronicle the arc of a relationship. Each of the releases will pick up where the last left off and continue the story.

CFF: When do you release your next EP? What should we anticipate?
Beckett: July. Anticipate the next chapter in the story. It’s a bit darker than Walk the Talk, but such is life when you are trying to sustain a relationship.

CFF: Is there a place that’s memorable to you on this tour? Why?
Beckett: Every night is memorable. Cliché? Probably, but true.

CFF: Anything you would like to add for your fans at UCF?
Beckett: See you soon guys! I’m very excited to come down to Florida again. It’s been too long. Come hang out with me.