Guestsplaining: The Hillbilly Thomists on Preaching Through Music
Sep 30, 2024
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Fr. Jonah Teller and Fr. Thomas Joseph White, members of the Hillbilly Thomists, share their unique journey of blending faith and music. They discuss the inspiration behind their latest album, 'Marigold', and the creative process that brings their Americana sound to life. The duo reflects on their interactions as Dominican friars and musicians, exploring themes of evangelization through music. With humor, they delve into the challenges and joys of collaboration, while hinting at exciting upcoming projects and their upcoming Christmas album.
The Hillbilly Thomists fuse their Dominican vocation with music, creating a unique blend that showcases complex harmonies and religious themes.
Their latest album, 'Marigold,' emphasizes innovative musical elements and aims to connect with diverse audiences beyond traditional church settings.
Deep dives
Introduction to the Hillbilly Thomists
The Hillbilly Thomists is a unique bluegrass Americana folk band composed of Dominican friars from the East Coast province. Although primarily a musical group, it emerged in 2015-2016 as a collaboration of priests who enjoy playing music together, merging their vocational commitments with their passion for music. The band plays both classic folk tunes and original compositions, offering a mix of complicated harmonies and an Appalachian feel, often with religious themes interwoven. The name draws inspiration from Flannery O'Connor's description of herself as a 'hillbilly Thomist,' reflecting the group's roots and theological background.
Upcoming Album and Tour Details
The band is set to release their fourth album titled 'Marigold' in late July, which features 13 tracks, primarily original songs. The album's title has a connection to the birth of Mary and showcases a variety of musical styles and themes, exemplified by the title track composed by Justin Bolger. Alongside the album release, the band will embark on a tour covering various locations including the Pacific Northwest and the National Eucharistic Congress. With the first single already available on streaming platforms, excitement builds for the band's upcoming performances and new music.
Musical Complexity and New Instruments
Every new album from the Hillbilly Thomists introduces innovative musical elements, with the latest focusing on more complex vocal and instrumental arrangements. The group has embraced the dobro, a slide guitar played on the lap, adding depth to their sound and continuing their tradition of discovering new instruments to enhance their music. The band members engage in contrasting methodologies, with some preferring quick recording sessions while others advocate for extensive takes to achieve musical perfection. This dynamic creates a fusion of spontaneity and discipline, resulting in musically rich and layered songs.
Evangelical Intentions Behind the Music
While the Hillbilly Thomists revel in creating music for enjoyment, they also recognize its potential to connect with audiences beyond traditional church settings. The band's music serves as a bridge to evangelization, appealing to those who might not typically attend Mass but relate to the joyful and creative expression of their faith. Through their performances, they aim to share the beauty of God’s creation and their fraternity, fostering connections with listeners of all backgrounds. Ultimately, their philosophy underscores that music can be both a personal outlet and a vehicle for sharing deeper theological truths.
On this episode of Guestsplaining, Fr. Jacob-Bertrand welcomes two of the Hillbilly Thomists, Fr. Jonah Teller and Fr. Thomas Joseph White to the show! The three go way back, and discuss bringing the Lord to others through music, the reason for their band, where they take inspiration from with their lyrics, their past and upcoming albums, and so much more.
Their newest album, "Marigold," is out now! Listen NOW wherever you listen to music.
Interested in attending the upcoming Godsplaining Day of Recollection in New York this October? Check out our upcoming events webpage here: https://godsplaining.org/events-2/