Fresh Air Bluegrass Star Billy Strings
33 snips
Sep 8, 2025 Billy Strings, a Grammy-winning singer and guitarist, blends traditional bluegrass with jam music. He shares how songwriting has been his healing journey, especially after losing his mother on the day of a performance. Billy reflects on the transformative power of fatherhood in his music, explaining he now sings with 'freedom and joy.' He also recounts his evolution as a musician, the influence of his father, and how embracing bluegrass became a key part of his identity during turbulent times.
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Small Shows Offer Intimacy
- Small live recordings capture intimate details and a different energy than arena shows.
- Billy prefers tiny crowds where incidental sounds and conversation become part of the recording's character.
Listen To Avoid Guitar Clashes
- When two guitars share the same range, actively listen and shift your part to avoid clashing.
- Move high when the other plays low and use voicings to create big chordal sounds.
Let Story Drive Your Singing
- Focus on telling the story when you sing rather than obsessing over pitch or tone.
- Let the song's information guide your performance and trust pitch will follow.
