Americana Podcast

Billy Strings | From The Big Bang to Bluegrass


Listen Later

Okay y'all… We need to talk about something. at first we only heard about it in whispers or read it in citations or saw the occasional New Yorker comic about it. But now’s it’s been going on for a bit and we can’t ignore the elephant in the room any longer..  Bluegrass music is considered cool now. 

I know. I'd like to say i’m surprised, but I’m really not. Bluegrass music has a rich and vibrant history, dating back to the early 20th century. It is a genre that encapsulates regional identity, creative freedom, and advanced music ability- while also nurturing a vibrant base of music lovers and players through it’s natural communal education. What it was lacking was a new take, new chapters, new songs being added to the bluegrass biblical canon. 

The key word in that sentence is “was”. 

Out of this heartland happening springs forth our guest today- the one and only Billy Strings. 

Billy Strings music is Bluegrass and beyond. His lyrics reflect a critical understanding of the power and skill of songwriting. His songs often take the time to comment on personal happenings’, his concerns regarding economic and ecological disruptions, and just general musings on life itself.  All amplified by the immaculate production of the records themselves. There are moments within Billy Strings albums that arguably border on soundscape due to the inclusion of complicated chromaticism's and lingering sonic intricacies. To try an describe how good he is… its ineffable. 

Episodes and Bonus content available on YOUTUBE!

https://www.youtube.com/@robertearlkeenofficial 

Donate to the show!

https://tiptopjar.com/americanapodcast

Instagram

@robertearlkeen1

Have questions or suggestions? Email

[email protected]

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Americana PodcastBy Robert Earl Keen

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

269 ratings


More shows like Americana Podcast

View all
Sound Opinions by Sound Opinions

Sound Opinions

1,970 Listeners

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast by Marc Maron

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

29,354 Listeners

Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

Freakonomics Radio

32,299 Listeners

NPR's Mountain Stage by West Virginia Public Broadcasting

NPR's Mountain Stage

432 Listeners

Pivot by New York Magazine

Pivot

9,272 Listeners

Rolling Stone Music Now by Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone Music Now

1,004 Listeners

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe by The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

40,933 Listeners

Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond by Pushkin Industries

Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

4,124 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

58,196 Listeners

One by Willie by John Spong

One by Willie

873 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,613 Listeners

The Economics of Everyday Things by Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett

The Economics of Everyday Things

1,627 Listeners

Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers by Seth Meyers and Josh Meyers

Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers

2,787 Listeners

Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes) by Team Coco & Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson

Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)

3,492 Listeners

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov by Vox Media Podcast Network

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

1,134 Listeners