Bullseye with Jesse Thorn Will Oldham, aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy, on the song that changed his life
Nov 10, 2023
Will Oldham, aka Bonnie Prince Billy, discusses the song 'Horses' by Sally Timbs that changed his life. Reflects on the transformative power of music, his deep connection with horses, and influences on his three-decade music career.
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Will Oldham's Mekons Influence
- Will Oldham was deeply influenced by the band The Mekons and Sally Timms' solo work early in his music career.
- He spent hours making cassette tapes to absorb their music and ultimately covered their song "Horses" as a form of devotion.
Cover Songs to Understand Them
- Cover songs you wish you'd written to get closer to understanding their essence.
- Learn and play such songs repeatedly to unlock their deeper meaning.
Music Forges Unexpected Friendships
- Covering "Horses" sparked a real friendship between Will Oldham and Mekons member John Langford.
- The song serves as a bridge, connecting them despite their different musical origins.