Bonnie “Prince” Billy

 

The human who sings and composes under the name Bonnie “Prince” Billy and acts under the name Will Oldham has, over the past three-plus decades, made an idiosyncratic journey through, and an indelible mark on, the worlds of independent music and cinema. With his highly individualistic approach to music making and the music industry, one that cherishes intimacy, community, mystery, and spontaneity; his brilliance has captivated fans and made Bonny one of our most influential and beloved songsmiths.

Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s latest offerings include 2023’s Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You and 2024’s Hear the Children Sing the Evidence (with Nathan Salsburg and Tyler Trotter).  He had a cameo role in Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders.  BPB’s newest record is The Purple Bird (produced by David Ferguson), and features such giants of American music as John Anderson and Tim O’Brien.

 

Matt Kivel is a songwriter based in Austin, Texas. He has released 7 full length albums. His music has received acclaim from “critics” and audiences all over the world. Not that long ago he played a sold out concert in Tokyo and couldn’t believe that people showed up. It was incredible. His music plays with form and the songs take on many different shapes. Sometimes they are loud and distorted, echoing into a mesmerizing drone; other times they are extremely quiet—like the deathbed confession of an old tycoon who’s got one last secret to share before the buzzards pick his bones clean. And other times, they are fun, warm, and warped: insular transmissions that bring to mind the tunes of slick songwriters like Ric Ocasek and Jackson Brown. Regardless, you’ll get the hang of it once you hear it. Trust me.