ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Billy Strings

Dating back to the early 20th century, bluegrass music is a genre that finds itself rooted in Appalachian string music, Scots-Irish fiddle tunes, blues, and gospel. The folk-infused genre was further established by Bill Monroe in the mid-1940s, along with others such as The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, and Flatt & Scruggs. 80-some years later, the tradition of the Kentucky-born music is carried on by none other than Billy Strings.

William Lee Apostol, bestowed the name Billy Strings by his aunt, was born in Ionia, Michigan, in 1992. Growing up in the American Midwest in the ‘90s, which at the time was starting to see effects of rising opioid and methamphetamine addictions, Strings was no stranger to this epidemic. Both his stepfather and mother struggled with substance abuse problems, and Strings grew up in a community that often saw fatalities and lives ruined by such abuse. Although his stepfather, Terry Barber, fought addiction from time to time, and often struggled to keep the lights on in the Apostol household, he also introduced Strings to bluegrass music, putting an acoustic guitar in his hands by the age of 4. Amid a chaotic and traumatic upbringing, Strings found himself turning to music as an emotional outlet and escape. Today, his music is rooted in his traumas, writing songs about addiction, family, grief, and healing. Strings himself has openly discussed his own abuse in his early years, now “California Sober” as he would say, abstaining from hard drugs and alcohol.

In the early-2010s, Strings teamed up with mandolinist Don Julin, with whom he played until his hit single “Dust in a Baggie” became a catalyst for the career he has today. Since then, he has released 5 full-length albums and claimed Grammys for his albums Renewal and Live Vol. 1. Not only has Strings kept the bluegrass tradition alive, he has transformed the genre into something more than what Bill Monore laid the groundwork for in 1945. Featuring psychedelic jams, Pearl Jam covers, WWE and Lord of the Rings-themed Halloween shows, and inducing funk, classic rock, and modern pop into his repertoire and style, Strings is more than just a bluegrass picker. With his incredible 5-piece band and instantly recognizable virtuosity as a guitar player, Strings has taken the non-mainstream bluegrass genre on the road and into arenas and amphitheaters.

Most importantly, Strings has become a voice for the next generation of artists, even outside of music. Most anyone, a fan of his music or not, can recognize the pure passion and expression he pours into each and every one of his performances. He is a transparent, honest, and evocative artist, exploring the topics of addiction, loss, and recovery in ways that are relatable, emotionally stirring, and non-traditionally straight forward. Strings is paving the way for all creatives down the line to truly express themselves in a world that continues to stray from letting artists be free, but rather push them into commercialism. Billy Strings is proof that neither commercial success nor artistic freedom are exclusive but can be achieved hand in hand.

Looking to get into Billy and his titular band? Here are some great places to start with each album!

Billy Strings EP (2016)

For starters, check out Strings’s solo EP, which features the songs that started it all, “Dust in a Baggie” and his stellar cover of the traditional “Slow Train”. Here is the now-legendary video of “Dust in a Baggie” performed in a basement at a 2012 house party, later seen in studio form on the EP.

Turmoil and Tinfoil (2017)

Check out Strings’s first full-length album, with “On the Line” and “While I’m Waiting Here” for some traditional taste, as well as the eponymous “Tinfoil and Turmoil” for what is to come in his musical evolution. See below Billy’s electric, live performance of “Tinfoil and Turmoil” at High Sierra Music Festival in 2017.

Home (2019)

Seen as Billy and his band’s breakout album, this collection features the fan-favorites “Away from the Mire” and “Must Be Seven”. For a wild ride, throw on the psychedelic-infused “Highway Hypnosis”. This “Away From the Mire” perfornance is from his 2021 appearance on the famous "Austin City Limits" TV show.

Renewal (2021)

Strings’s long-awaited, Grammy-winning album dropped two years after Home, featuring some of his best work in “Love and Regret”. Picking songs off this album is like picking your favorite children, so give it a listen all the way through. Also off Renewal, Billy and his band performed “Know It All” for their appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert".

Me / And / Dad (2022)

A triumphant collection of traditional bluegrass songs, Billy is joined by his stepfather, Terry Barber, in this album that features covers like “John Deere Tractor” and “Long Journey Home”. It’s a beautiful album, graced by two musicians who share an incredible history and relationship. See them play together in the official “Long Journey Home” video from the album's release.

Highway Prayers (2024)

Similar to Renewal, listeners are hard-pressed to pick favorites off this album, as it is a top-to-bottom modern masterpiece. “Gild the Lily” most likely leads the way here for first-timers, but check out “Richard Petty”, “Catch and Release”, and “Stratosphere Blues / I Believe in You” for a taste of where Billy and his band are heading next. In this clip, Billy and the boys gather around the can in Atlanta to perform a moving rendition of “Richard Petty”.

Live Vol. 1 (2024)

All in all, Billy Strings is an act meant to be seen live. Not only will his insane picking skills blow your mind in person, but his endless, positive energy, equally talented band members, and rowdy crowds are truly a unique experience in today’s world. Throw on this collection of live songs to fully understand the prowess of Billy Strings. For an epic, mind-blowing conclusion, watch this 38-minute, non-stop snippet of the band playing in Winston-Salem, making their way through “Meet Me At The Creek/Pyramid Country/Must Be Seven/Meet Me At The Creek”, that is featured on Live Vol. 1.