Billy Strings | Austin City Limits Interview

Billy Strings talks with ACL executive producer Terry Lickona about his latest project and creative process.
Sarah Jarosz / Billy Strings premieres October 23, 2021 on PBS. Watch live on your local station or stream later at pbs.org/austincitylimits
About the Episode
Savor the boundary-pushing roots music of Grammy winners Sarah Jarosz and Billy Strings. Texas native Jarosz plays songs from her heralded LP World On the Ground. Midwesterner Strings performs tunes from his album Renewal.
About Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits (ACL) offers viewers unparalleled access to featured acts in an intimate setting that provides a platform for artists to deliver inspired, memorable, full-length performances. Now in its 47th Season, the program is taped live before a concert audience from The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. Austin City Limits is the longest-running music series in television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. Since its inception, the groundbreaking music series has become an institution that’s helped secure Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement in 2012.
Austin City Limits is produced by Austin PBS, KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by Dell Technologies, Workrise, the Austin Convention Center Department and Cirrus Logic. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.

[@sheckyfeinstein]

What a great kid. He’s so good musically, I figured that for a little balance he’d have to be a turd. But no, he’s been blessed with a fine soul on top of it. A long satisfying life to the kid.

[@kerriejordan285]

He had a rough life. Makes ya humble. Truly grateful for this kid. He overcame a lot and is turning on a new generation to great music

[@liza4202]

“I wouldn’t trade a mile” He is such a beautiful person 🥲

[@a.wilcox5690]

Glad he is recognizing how important self-care and self-acceptance are. He deserves all the success he has had. What a sweet guy! Very honest and down to earth. Great interview!

[@abrahambaker5085]

You guys killed it. Away from the mire will be played until society falls. Unreal performance

[@billkenny5938]

that is the song from him i can slam the repeat. the meaning in each verse is so pristine.

[@ReillyR99]

I’m so happy this interview exists. Thank you Billy for opening up and sharing so much about your life ❤

[@adamkoepke1366]

It's always comforting to see someone you look up to going through similar issues with anxiety. Not that I would wish that on anyone, but I think we get into the mindset that these people have zero flaws and don't experience the same emotions as us because of their fame and admiration. It's awesome to see Billy speak out and acknowledge that anxiety is something that you can have and still be able to do what you want. It doesn't have to cripple you. Thank you Billy

[@alexwyman8380]

It was so wholesome to see him talk about it on stage when he played in buene Vista. He talked about how nervous he was to play for 5000 people at a festival

[@adamkoepke1366]

@@alexwyman8380 love to see people talking about it. It always gives me so much motivation to get up and do something about my anxiety

[@jonathanchiarella4240]

I agree. His humbleness is very refreshing...I've been playing locally for 13 years and I always have had stage fright to conquer at the beginning of every show...it's the ultimate test....there's something about doing something you don't know you can do.

[@adamkoepke1366]

@Jonathan Chiarella I hope you’re able to easily conquer it before your shows! I was actually in a band as well and had to step back because the anxiety became to much. Luckily I’m still able to play and learn at home so I can keep music in my life

[@Stephen_in_Korea]

He had me at "wrenching on my old Chevelles". Quality cat right here.

[@CrystalTwinStar]

God Bless him and his band

[@pwear2528]

A beautiful old soul in a young body. An extremely talented musician doing some amazing picking and singing and grinning. Love him.

[@barbarawilliams57]

old soul, yes he was there in the 70's with us. the smile warms my heart

[@Kenttx100]

His Dad is his anchor

[@tracygoddard8444]

He just makes me smile...what an amazing and genuine human! BMFS!!!

[@MP-sc8cd]

Thank you Billy and the band for giving us so much joy! Looking forward to the Asheville NC shows and Atlanta shows! Be safe and healthy.

[@col7649]

What an incredible talented and intelligent young man. So humble and respectful and open and honest. An absolutely incredible player who is doing so much for bluegrass. He sure got me hooked. But he can play any style. He's amazing. Hope he comes to Australia some time, because I sure as hell am gonna go see him.

[@Lodifootball]

I've watched this young man's career blossomed from when he first came out so happy for him he's finally getting recognized for his phenomenal picking an awesome lyrics kudos for taking Bluegrass into the new millennium huge Billy strings fan here in Lodi California great-grandson a Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys next time your NorCal we will come and see Billy strings live👍🤠

[@davewylie654]

Iam from Traverse City Mi and watched him play open mics all over town. He made no money but played with all the same passion. We knew he was special and i love watching him be recognized for his abilities. You are spot on BBQ.

[@als1023]

I grew up on Lake Superior a few hundred miles from Traverse City, never have seen Billy play live, but loved Bluegrass since I was 10. When we were in N. California made the point of visiting Lodi, have a wonderful photo of my 13 year old son on the train platform there. Wonderful town to visit and had a great meal for lunch. Billy points the way for many modern musicians, thank you for posting !!

[@davewylie654]

@@als1023 The live shows are amazing. This is a band that is 100% a live music band. So good. Hope you get the chance

[@Lodifootball]

@@als1023 lovable livable Lodi anytime you're in NorCal come by BBQ on us😎🤙🇺🇸

[@Orfix33]

Wait your great grandpa is the king?!

[@conniejohnson9511]

You are one of the most phenomenal players I have ever seen!!! On top of it, you have a million dollar personality. A super nice guy. Never change!!!!

[@joeseay2883]

What a nice guy he is.! He's something another else.!

[@evanbragin9620]

Billy is the future of bluegrass and thank God for ACL!!!

[@zyonsdream]

I got married at the end of September and my wife walked down the isle to “In the Morning Light.” We get to see him perform live next month for the first time. I for one cannot wait!

[@bryanlafferty4631]

Wow what a catch that woman must be. Congrats man

[@orangesoda8635]

Stealing this 😂

[@PipJim80]

Nice, my favourite song off the new album

[@jonathanketchum4128]

That's my favorite song in the world right now

[@hananshells8055]

Billy Strings a great and down to earth person. ❤️

[@BlueGnome42]

I f'n love this dude so much. The world needs him in so many ways.

[@debbiemcwilliams2789]

I'm so glad he is here and doing the traditional songs and keeping this music alive

[@AintItGreat]

This dude is so fucking real, talking about working on his cars and bass fishing. He could easily pay someone to fix his cars and go eat Mahi Mahi in Hawaii but hes out here doing it him damn self

[@simonvanderheijden432]

I don't think he's making "real rockstar" money..

[@TheFIREFLAME53]

@@simonvanderheijden432 I mean he sells out shows constantly and has a cult following that buy posters, vinyls, and all sorts of merch every show. All on top of online revenue. So ya never know

[@simonvanderheijden432]

@@TheFIREFLAME53 I don't think you're grasping the concept of "real rockstar" money here, Luke. A couple of posters and T-shirts ain't gonna cut it..

[@colecalhoun733]

@@simonvanderheijden432 he’s probably making a lot more money than you think there Simon.

[@simonvanderheijden432]

@@colecalhoun733 that's not the point. The point is what is real rockstar money..

[@rygi23]

Walking out of the venue in Richmond after he was done I felt privileged to have attended his show. Even at his young age, I knew that I had just seen one of the best ever and the connection and joy that every fan had was something you just don’t see or feel anymore. Looking forward to Red Rocks.

[@jeeps_]

I just discovered Billy Strings a few months ago and I love this guy…love his humility and oh my gosh what a freaking talent. Being from Doc and Merle Watson country…Billy does them proud…jeez!

[@davidallison5529]

I was a big Doc Watson fan 40+ years ago. I would say that Billie is the best flat-picker around now. He is an exceptional player and a great young man as well. It's rare to be that great and be so modest.

[@gratefuldeadmarsh9934]

Great interview and an incredible talent !!!

[@franhazlewood5287]

Mesmerized .No words . Billy Strings you will playing in my home every day until i die . Thank U for being U! U touch my soul .

[@ericgendell8874]

Seeing these great young musicians is a fresh breath of life. Billy is a great musician who carrys on a great tradition

[@SuperHicks27]

Going to Chicago to see him for the 3rd time November 6th i can't wait they put on an amazing live show.

[@Willyk200921]

The best. And you don’t even need acid like most of the festivals he plays at

[@SuperHicks27]

@@Willyk200921 the acid and mushrooms make traveling to the center of the universe even better though

[@Willyk200921]

@@SuperHicks27 yep, the trip is taking them at your favorite music show, and it’s so good, you spend your life trying to recreate those feelings. Over and over, and you end up missing out on what the trips were trying to show you.. that it’s all about love and just really being in your natural frame of mind with insight on life’s real purpose. Idk, that’s my experience after taking them, coming off, and having friends still in the circuit working crap jobs and living to see phish shows and what not. In that aspect, I hate psychedelics. But if you’re responsible and come off of them and apply them soberly to life, I think they’re great

[@jrc7660]

Have an amazing time tonight goat person

[@dsblair1167]

I love him. I need another son in my life! LOL. What an open book he is. Such an honest and heartfelt interview he gives.

[@mjz242]

This young man is magical in so so many ways. Looking forward to Cary NC my 1st BMFS show🌈🌈

[@daveylee4677]

Billy has what musicians call "it". He can instantly turn spontaneous abstract thought and feeling into notes on an instrument. A gift and a curse as well because to other people there are times when you are in another world but that's because there's music in your head 24/7. Playing your instrument helps but at the same time it's fuel for the fire. Billy's talent is heaven sent and when shared with the world it's as good as acure for cancer. Peace.

[@Willyk200921]

Also leads to a lot of death and addiction. Luckily society gets the fruits of their Burdens usually first.

[@TMoody]

So glad my son and I got to hang out with this young man late night after a show in Raleigh, NC.

[@calebgregory9818]

Billy is so stoned. Rock on brother i am too now 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@Cory123431]

you don' know that.

[@spoookytooth]

Cory Bedell Look at the eyes. Also his pupils look like he did some coke as well.

[@Willyk200921]

@@spoookytooth yeah the festival scene he plays, he’s 100% in the lsd drug environment. Look at his random tattoos and things. That’s rock and roll, period. Idk how many drugs he’s doing, I hope not too many. But look at his gauged ears.. dudes done some drugs and still probably does. It’s hard to not in the position he’s in. Plus he’s more talented than everyone and people like that seem to have the most problems

[@andishawjfac]

@@Willyk200921 He does weed and LSD. Gauged ears have nothing to do with drug use lol, lots of straigh edge people have them.

[@Willyk200921]

@@andishawjfac yeah, I know they do. Especially if they were in the heavy metal scene.it’s not so much The gauged Ears, but the addiction of random tattoos all down the arms, he has a spaced look in his eye and he’s not very smart, which is pretty incredible considering what he does on the guitar. Almost thoughtless brilliance. He’s an amazing artist.. music is all about pleasuring ones self. He might not use drugs right now- like white powders and things, he talks about having friends who have died doing it and lost their life. Plus I think he’s like 31.. but I know ALL about the festival scene he plays in. If you don’t have a sack of blow, you’re an anomaly. Everyone around him and everyone he plays for are doing whippets, pot, lsd, dmt, ketamine, coke, that’s just th scene. People wouldn’t travel and spend all of their money going to shows if they weren’t doing these drugs. It’s all part of the experience. I just don’t deny the fact that billy is a generational talent. I’ll give you an opportunity to name one generational talented rockstar that didn’t die from drugs, or have to rehabilitate from a terrible addiction? Name one. I’ll wait. Rockstar that is. It doesn’t exist, and it doesn’t matter who you are. When your life is about playing music and bringing pleasure to people, eventually you’ll try drugs and your music I’ll feel better to you, atleast it appears that way. I hope billy doesn’t ever do the hard stuff, but he’s in a very compromising situation considering the acid festivals he’s made his name in. I’ve had friends that wouldn’t smoke bud, then through college and festival life they’re casually trying coke and lsd, then they never stop. They hopefully know better than to do it so many times a year, but really they know they’ll never stop. They plan their entire lives around working long enough to afford a festival run just to do drugs and see their favorite artists. Which is fine, to each their own, but most people have to make a living and support a family, or atleast they want to. A lot of people give everything away and just become a wook only living to go to shows. Billy’s job is pleasuring people and drugs are just a part of that, and he’s good at what he does. Arguably one of the best or the best. He also talks about having bad stage anxiety and I can’t tell you how many artists use drugs simply so they can perform without thinking so much, literally, all of the greats. They’re amazing at music and really gifted, but they usually have crippling character flaws to follow that lead to a life of torment/ death unless they keep themselves in a 24/7 AA program with a sponsor. There’s just no other way

[@jcreations9353]

Great interview. What an amazing, talented and humble man.

[@christianharper9007]

Genuine talent, genuine person. Way to go, Billy!

[@MR.HandyANDY]

Its nice to see a down to earth guy hit it big. Billy is an amazing performer, probably because of his confessed insecurities he works hard to excel and not just sit there basqueing in an artificial glory. Anyways, right now I'd say he's one of the best, if not the best bluegrass bands out there.

[@majorgaming2126]

Billy’s so humble and talented

[@alexwyman8380]

Words cannot describe how much I love you and the band. Buena Vista was more than incredible and I hope you come back next year ❤❤❤

[@billypautz4559]

Saw him last night in St. Paul... blew the roof off of that theatre! Can't wait until he returns.

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

Humble -real and Gifted are rare combinations these Days. Rock on Billy! I Enjoy your music

[@jrc7660]

“shredded heavy” he said, FREAKIN Love this kid BMFS⚡️

[@jimrebr]

Billy, listening to you talk about great Austin City Limits, is great. When my oldest son was a teenager, we watched an old ACL w/Tom Waits my son was amazed. All my sons love music, Tris especially. His friend from band class was in a bluegrass band in Bellingham,Washington, named Polecat, we saw them a lot. Keep on keeping on…❤⚡️🎸✨🌟👏

[@faithoverfear70]

this was an amazing show, i love how Billy says could you imagine hearing them guys back in the day - ( Terry was there back in the day.lol)

[@alchemist1111]

Terry was just being born back then.

[@michaellunburg8567]

Billy is a phenomenal picker, and a phenomenal human being.

[@vwald]

TERRY!! :) He is an amazing player!!!

[@djfrank68]

I discovered Billy at Delfest in 2017 and looked fwd every other year after that to seeing him there and sitting in with so many other acts. Until the shutdowns. I was disappointed when he wasn't on the bill in 2021 but it ended up being canceled again anyway. Hopefully he will be back on the bill if they have Delfest in 2022.

[@theresageorge5796]

Never stop picking, Son. I could listen to you and your buddies FOREVER.

[@billbozly763]

Dude you are incredible! Saw you in Spokane last August and you blew my mind! I am a full time musician in N Idaho and you've totally changed the way I look at music. If you ever get a day off in the area I'd love to take you fishing and jam. Keep rockin!

[@MearaKat96]

I do the exact same thing with songwriting. I totally get that. Like I don’t feel right if I’m not writing and then right when I get depressed again they all come back out. It’s kind of a blessing and a curse. I totally get that. I’m glad to see how open and honest you are. I love your music and I’m really excited to see where you’re going ❤️

[@rnr5682]

Ditto

[@sunshineharris1142]

Your awesome never stop playing an making music an always smiling 😃

[@sharonmickey4566]

Great show! I found you through Sarah Jarosz and Im With Her so the 2 of you together.. yay!!

[@tiffanymitchellsetliff5915]

Found I'm with Her because of Billy!!!

[@scottbegonias313]

Great interview.. poor interviewer.. to bad he kept cutting Billy off every time he started getting deep.

[@danielriley5083]

That's what leftist do!

[@toddmichael311]

@@danielriley5083 wow you are so smart.

[@BoleynJr]

“I’m not sure if it’s bass season or not” 😂

[@Tony_Leonardi.]

Agreed

[@lindaknox5047]

Diggin you’re music and what a fantastic young man 🤗

[@robertkeller9828]

Both he and Sarah deserved a full hour to themselves. This was quality stuff compared to alot of the gosh-awful CRAP we've endured for the past few years on ACL.

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

Agreed. It was bad enough they had to cut it down from the original hour and 20 or 30 minutes, but billy and the fellas only got 25 minutes, and maybe 4 songs in.... not sure how long Sarah's full show was, but she definitely deserved the full hour too...

[@themoreyouknow5784]

Sarah who?

[@davidweitzel7729]

Sarah Jarosz

[@mikejahnke2834]

Agreed Robert! It has been a wasteland for a while. I was surprised at the quality tonight.

[@bigredguitar5601]

ACL has changed from the early years for sure, but so has Austin in general. Not the same city, not even close to the old days. I remember when I could walk into Ray Henning's and chat with Jimmy, Derek O, so many down to earth players. Freaking unreal.

[@curtismcmillen3507]

Not an insincere comment from this man in any of his interviews. He puts his soul on view.

[@zanec1780]

I can't wait for December 3rd!!!!!

[@BitchinQueen]

He's just too adorable

[@BlindTom61]

Seeing this gives me a complete 180 about this kid. He's a good dude.

[@davisbrothersband9990]

Whatever gave you a bad impression of billy

[@billyhillk5726]

I think all musicians have that little bit of stage nerves, but I would just like to say that this young man had a great Dad, and a great Mom. That's where he gets his grounded outlook. Just an opinion 🙏 Thanks for sharing. Go Billy 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸💪

[@stephenhenion8304]

Bluegrass is such a great place to learn about music. Understand all the building blocks and really get a feel for the energy. Then you can play Anything!!!! That's what I did. Go Brother, do it while u can. Musicians are the Fruit on the Musical Vine.. Shine On..🎶🎵🎶

[@WoodenMinds]

Michigan's music alliance loves you William! We all do. Dig in and Diggin on.

[@austenrobinson2747]

This guy gets it not so much the music which is extraordinary but life in general. Seems to be a very down to earth guy very respectful and an overall great human being. Nice to see he figured it out and is grounded in the roots of bluegrass. Start on the path BMFS.

[@andrewammons6766]

That big deep breath that feeling that happiness that is the holy Ghost

[@bryanpreston3694]

LOVE me some 'BILLY" !!!

[@billkenny5938]

i wished i could just meet billy. theres no one around that started how i did. i cant help but live in your speech here, through my own feelings. Let go of the pain and hold onto the rhythm It's consciously held back in you You're drowning a sorrow that's long been at rest The past is a hell, it can creep up inside you So let me remind you of this It's the reason your troubles exist Spring lied to us again this year And still I can't stand to face the fear Will you always laugh about those things? It's enough to make a man stay humble Every day is just a new chance to stumble Just to end up gone like everything else

[@bryanlafferty4631]

This was a great interview. I️ love when the interviewer and the interviewee can have a great convo

[@garyhighley9022]

Billy is the real deal man...kick back and smoke a joint, cruise to the open mic in an old Chevelle with some Sabbath blasting from the stereo ...hell yeah man

[@HappySlappii]

I saw him at the Nor'Easter Music Festival in oscoda Michigan. 100 people in the audience.

[@scottcarney7266]

Wonderful

[@joevan9973]

billy, i hope u see this. but after seeing this interview you went up like ten knotches on my cool meter. because i too lived through some battles n hard times. n the best part about you is seeing your a regular shmoe. im much older then you so take this to the bank. you are bad ass. good luck catchin them bass. i live in wis. so im into some good fishin too.

[@jjbigbell7176]

I foking love this guy!! ❤️‍🔥🤘

[@neonbridgestudioandrecordi2912]

Billy is awesome

[@Dunecoones]

😀 always great.

[@markmcarthy596]

His earlobes are awesome

[@SWIFTY5150]

Good job, kid! Good job!👍

[@JuliusFawcett]

what a groovy guy

[@gsmeeuwsen]

This guy is SOOOOO cool and such a great picker, but he's soooo humble!!!!

[@narrativematrix9971]

Billy Strings is the truth

[@justd268]

How the hell can we get this great young man, to Norway!?

[@brucecook9463]

Billy has a fever, a fever for More Triangle.

[@halberry3813]

thx.

[@merickel1]

Man, it's good to hear that even Billy Strings get the nerves before gigs. Me too. Although, the dives I play at aren't jack shit compared to ACL.

[@nowaythatnamewastakn]

Does anybody know if he was in a band called "One Away From Breathing"?

[@cadeknowles3028]

Damm right its a TUFF NAME

[@garyatkins7142]

APT WHIQ ACL 😀😀😀 more Billy Strings

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

BMFS!!!!!

[@annmills3163]

☮️💜

[@VitalityMassage]

I hope Billy stays away from the drugs and alcohol. It's not easy with fame.

[@Evan-yw2qj]

Don’t worry man he’s been sober off alcohol for a long while. Billy’s just a stoner who loves playing music🤟🏻

[@robertkeller9828]

@@Evan-yw2qj He got a little excessive with the pot and 'shrooms in late 2019 thru 2020 and he caught some major flack over it, Also, he turned off alot of folks with his frequent F-Bombs. It's like night and day from interviews he did in 2019 and this one. He's back to being "The Billy" we first heard back before he was a "name" @ small festivals in the Southeast. He stays straight like this and all those that turned away will be back.

[@curtis5664]

@@robertkeller9828 where did you see him catching flak? I haven’t seen anything about that stuff

[@henryybenryy6575]

He smokes weed but I think that’s the extent to it

[@Evan-yw2qj]

@@robertkeller9828 excessive with the pot??? You mean jus being a stoner. You could say that about Willie Nelson ain’t gonna change his legend status

[@Ivearted]

I’d like to see billy cover Wesley Willis’ song: Vampire bat..

[@nixus69]

whats the 33 meaning on his arm wrist tatooed?

[@alro11]

his dad was in prison and built it ` his birth dad died of a heroin overdose and he grew up in a meth house in MI~ it's amazing he made it out alive! his guitar was his best friend! kudos to the tenacity of this young man. SO GLAD he's alive!

[@scurvy3113]

Billy said he skated . I’d love to have a sesh with strings Sesh with strings…

[@joshmajor8662]

Finally!!! Your not selling out to Kimmel this round lol

[@mwdollar]

BMFS. Is there anyone more genuine and talented out right now??....no there isn't.

[@2010bigfathen]

Damn i thought Strings was his last name …… great

[@coolnout3765]

William Apostol became Billy Strings and I am Elvis Presley.

[@Oliver0200]

Billy is stoned! Lol

[@kellym.puckett6209]

Obviously the interviewer doesn’t like Billy “The King” Strings. Awesome to hear from Billy though. Love this guy.

[@ericbalthazor4044]

Man I am not religious, but I do pray this kid does not find the hard drugs appealing and I hope he dont like alchohol because hes so good and man look at all the other greats lost way way too soon!

[@kylepruim5798]

He doesn't do hard drugs or drink alcohol anymore

[@scurvy3113]

If you listen to the interview he’s seen it….

[@wvpatriot1301]

He looking a lil strung out

[@natedawg88]

This old dude said bass season.... Wtf!?

[@jmc855]

High as Fuck!