UK REACTION to BILLY STRINGS - DUST IN A BAGGIE!! | The 94 Club

[@JackCerro]

The genre is Bluegrass, which was popularized by Bill Monroe in the 40's and 50's. Bill took the Scots-Irish traditional folk ballads and gospel songs and merged them with the blues standards which he played at a breakneck pace. Billy Strings is the latest in a line of guitarists who are known for their flat-picking prowess. Flat picking is a style developed by Doc Watson where the guitarist is essentially mimicking a fiddle. It is extremely hard to do well, but its a thrill to see someone who has the chops pull it off.

[@OliWilford]

Appreciating every single one of your comments. They’re helping me a lot brother!

[@ToolforOffice]

I didn't know blue grass has roots from Scot/Irish music. I need to read into this as an American bluegrass fan with Irish heritage!

[@cavecookie1]

LOL! Breakneck speed! I've said that about Bluegrass for years. I am a little offended, however. As a banjo picker, your omission of Earl Scruggs in inexcusable!

[@austinchomolok2749]

Must react to more Billy!! TURMOIL AND TINFOIL LIVE WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

[@kestrelle5345]

This

[@alexg.9502]

The version of this where he’s sitting on the couch is the best.

[@lindamaemullins5151]

Yep 😂🥰

[@AW-mz6ml]

Fax

[@tokziikk5610]

Live is best 🤘🤘🤘

[@lcogan65]

For sure! His playing is stunning kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHeoi4KgqdeqotU

[@nicklong4281]

Absolutely

[@will8939able]

Summertime with Marcus King

[@DaisyMae0929]

Amazing isn't it? They should put out a whole album of their collaborations.

[@dorkii17]

This is bluegrass but he swings through genres, just two days ago he covered post Malone. Most generally I think people would say he’s jamgrass, but he is also metalgrass and psychedelic grass, he’s incredible! 🐐🔥

[@OliWilford]

Loving the different sub-sub genres!!! I need to learn more!

[@oldandintheway1162]

Bluegrass is more akin to Jazz than Country, at least in terms of musical complexity, and Billy and the band cover all the angles better than most

[@lindamaemullins5151]

Yep ❤️

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Its kinda hard to peg the kind of music he plays. Its quite unique to the area were from. Scots-irish tunes of our ancestors mixed w/ some blues & soul & a few other things. We call it Mountain fire where I'm from. Lol

[@kennedeywendt5730]

Turmoil and tinfoil by billy is even better!

[@DelEast740]

Deep Appalachian rooted picking bluegrass right there... My great grandma was first cousins with Maybell Addington Carter. From the same Holler.. Nickelsville..

[@fancychopper]

I ain’t never seen a reaction video to Billy Strings get played the whole way through, billy bluegrass strings is amazing

[@DaisyMae0929]

Billy Strings plays mostly bluegrass like this tune but he can play lots of other styles of music if he wants to. He is just a remarkably talented musician. Here is an example of him playing with Marcus King on an old Merle Haggard song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5qThYF3pdRjotE. Both Billy and Marcus have a stellar future ahead of them!

[@momadaddy123]

Billy always has fun preferences

[@jimboheadspace1788]

Billy Strings is top of the heap right now. Bluegrass style music is traditionally all acoustic, no drums. My favorite guitar flat picker is Doc Watson. Bluegrass is another rabbit hole into which you may fall.

[@lindamaemullins5151]

Yep Doc Watson I reckon I hesitated to mention him cause I’m old and didn’t know if it’s cool to bring up the old times 🤔😉❤️❤️❤️

[@Tonysmithmusic]

i hadn’t heard him before till this year when i watched him on his couch at a party, incredible, once in a lifetime artist discovery, he must have written this when his was 16 or 17.

[@billparrish4385]

I saw him in an interview talking about the back story, where a friend of his had been stopped by law enforcement, they found a baggie in his car with some crystal meth dust/residue (another friend, a passenger, had left it there by accident), the driver knew nothing about it, but got a stiff jail sentence for distribution. The song doesn't parallel the friend's predicament in every particular, however. "My only phone call" refers to the phone call one gets after the arrest, whether to a lawyer or to a family member to secure one (it's unknown who the friend actually called). Also referenced is sucking on a pop until his mind was spun, referring to lollipops, usually ring pops, as a delivery mechanism for molly, the crystal or powder form of ecstasy. Now he's where they call him by a number, not a name, referring to the prisoner number on his clothing. From the beginning verse, you know from the lyrics this is not your grandfather's bluegrass: _I ain't slept in seven days, haven't ate in three_ _Methamphetamine has got a damn good hold of me_ _My tweaker friends have got me to the point of no return_ _I just took the lighter to the bulb and watched it burn_ In no way does he condone or promote drugs, calling it a life of sin, 'my life is a disaster', and detailing the dire results of the lifestyle, including a 20 year prison sentence. But like most bluegrass songs that describe some tragedy, the music is high energy, catchy, and upbeat, a counterpoint to the bleak story being told. Billy was heavily influenced by the legendary Doc Watson, plus a brief flirtation with heavy metal, from which he brought over the Phrygian mode in his song 'Turmoil and Tinfoil', another song about drugs and a man's journey through and then out (the Music City Roots performance is excellent, where the thumbnail has Billy in pink glasses). There are no better flat pickers out there today, and his band are unmatched in their precision and musical ability. They're the total package!

[@ethanchezem6485]

I really like the video of him playing this song with just him and a guitar hanging out in what looks like a basement with his buddies.

[@michelero8794]

On other places on utube the commits said that Billy's grandma called him Billy Strings and it stuck. Yes he plays bluegrass music, but apparently as a teenager and young man he really was into heavy metal. And is somehow able to do a blend of the 2.

[@drasticbread249]

Traditional bluegrass music is like this a lot, upbeat songs with major chords but with lyrics guys in prison for killing their girlfriends and things like that.

[@chilidog3518]

he plays bluegrass/metal if u actually listen to the chords and their progressions but idk why everyone always requests this one he has so many songs better than this one

[@HazeGreyAndUnderway]

Lol there's PLENTY of bluegrass that doesn't involve drinking, murder and prison.

[@OliWilford]

Let me know some! I’ll check it out!

[@chilidog3518]

@@OliWilford meet me at the creek by billy strings is a good one

[@drasticbread249]

@@OliWilford Watch It Fall, Taking Water, Away From The Mire, Enough To Leave, Turmoil & Tinfoil, those are all really good.

[@musiclover9361]

Welcome to the world of Bluegrass!

[@biggun33tn]

This genre is Bluegrass my friend! You earned a sub from me today. Keep em coming!

[@dilligaf700]

You should hear all of Billy strings songs he is pure gold and a treat for the ears for sure.

[@TheAhirishman]

The tradition of American Bluegrass is singing religious but also sad,woeful songs with a very upbeat tempo music. Its a strange mix but thats just how it is. Its an off shoot of the music the Scots and Irish brought to America when they immigrated to the American Appalachian mountains in the late 1700 early 1800's

[@alfulks]

You should check out "roll the bones" by Shakey Graves

[@musiclover9361]

Check out Molly Tuttle. She was the first woman to be named the IBMA Guitarist of The Year. She won it again, the following year. She's had Billy Strings play live with her at one of her gigs.

[@will8939able]

Bluegrass. In general instruments are primarily string instruments, no electric, like steel guitars. Usually see banjo, mandolin, guitar, to name a few.

[@cbaker8628]

Much love from the US 🇺🇸❤️ 🇬🇧

[@JohnSheehan72]

Definitely check more of his stuff out. Like others have said, the main style is bluegrass, and he's using a technique called flat picking. But a lot his stuff is influenced by Jimi Hendrix and Black Sabbath believe it or not. He played in some heavy metal bands and there are a few videos kicking around of him playing electric. As others said, check out Turmoil and Tinfoil, and another (and very relevant song today) I recommend is Taking Water. Live performances will always have more energy and spontaneity, so go that route with Billy's stuff.

[@OliWilford]

All over that! I’ll review turmoil and tinfoil next week I reckon. But those influences are super interesting!

[@jackstraw8145]

Bluegrass is great my friend. If you want to go down that rabbit hole; Old and the Way or some Earl Scruggs would be a good place to start. Good job mate!

[@OliWilford]

Thank you brother! I'm getting deeper into the rabbit hole very soon. I may do a whole week on bluegrass soon!

[@Teresa7087]

Billy himself calls it psychedelic bluegrass. He used to be in a metal band but returned to bluegrass, which his dad taught him as a boy. He wrote this song when he was 17.

[@VangelVe]

You have to be really good to play in Bluegrass because it is hard to hide in distortion and production tricks.

[@curtissmith5875]

They are all burning up them Strings, upbeat, kept me on the hook the whole song. Great Bluegrass.

[@lucretiadewberry9378]

Billy Strings is a true genius, one of the best float pickers in this generation. Try Enough to Leave, Meet me at the Creek and of course Turmoil and Tinfoil.

[@kimberlygrimm7007]

Billy and this band is one of the most awesome group of fresh talented musicians I have seen in awhile! Please react to some female country artists! If you want to stay on the "Classic Country" Streak, I highly recommend Loretta Lynn "Coal Miner's Daughter"

[@tommycuster7438]

Idk if anyone has answered your questions yet, but the genre is bluegrass. Which you described exactly when you said he is singing about sensitive things in a lighthearted and upbeat way. Also, according to billy strings, the song is about "a dear friend of his"

[@ceeph36]

Guitar Banjo mandolin fiddle stand up bass = Good old Kentucky Bluegrass music and the style of guitar he is playing is called flatpicking. Very hard to do at the speed he is playing.

[@OliWilford]

Appreciate that!! I mean... it doesn’t look easy at all. So for them to look like they’re having fun while playing, its brilliant

[@lindamaemullins5151]

❤️

[@norki.e]

Away from the mire - billy strings

[@chorleycc]

Absolute tune. Turmoil and Tinfoil also class. Cheers brother.

[@chrisray7849]

Love that you're highlighting these artists! I highly recommend checking out Sierra Ferrel. She has an AMAZING voice and can pick a guitar.

[@chrisray7849]

Her songs Jeremiah or In Dreams are legit.

[@akarminius]

Hank 3 - country heroes

[@theohiooutdoors2444]

I didn't look through all the comments, but BIlly wrote this song about a friend of his growing up that got caught up in the meth madness in the Detroit area!!

[@randyhunsucker6937]

Dude, see comment below... Watch the video where he's sitting on a couch. Sometimes artists capture a moment that's really special. This live version would be great if I was there, but I'd never tell my friends "Watch this video!!". Please find/watch the one where he's on the couch (with his buddy in the background with a green shirt, but can't keep a beat). That's where he captures a moment. That video is why I'll watch other videos by him.

[@keithkire4244]

Do anything off of Honkytonk Special's new album Home To Texas

[@josephg6536]

bluegrass, billy strings is bluegrass for sure. hes an acquired taste, but great none the less

[@mikerowe-roberts9336]

Virtuoso!

[@civlwrbuf]

Merle Haggard is probably the only artist who could relate to this song. When I heard this song, it gave me serious Mama Tried vibes. Thats coming from a serious bluegrass fan.

[@randomated4110]

this man knows his strings! he is amazing request Caamp - vagabond

[@urkountryboy1468]

welcome to bluegrass

[@akarminius]

Steve earle - mercenary song

[@jeffburchett2352]

Figured it was just a matter of time before u got to this. Billy strings and Marcus king, two of the best guitarist on the planet right now and neither is 30 years old yet

[@yourlocalfarmer8997]

Bluegrass

[@mbsnyderc]

Bluegrass that what it is.he not going to get bailed out the song is about a friend he knew that went to prison.bluegrass is often played fast so people think is sounds happy but the words are like other form of country music there true to life,heartbreak,down on your luck going to prison this just a modern take on that, and even murder ballads some that have there roots in English folk songs.they are usually about real people.Strugill Simpson has a bluegrass background that's why your hear a connection i what he does.

[@OliWilford]

Ayy that makes a lot of sense! Appreciate the message. Every days a school day for me right now!

[@wynnwynnter8798]

You can always count on a Train song (song about a train) and a murder ballad in BLUEGRASS.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

We call this music Mountain 🔥 here in the southern hills. Kinda evolved from the music our Scots-irish ancestors brought w/ them. Just a lil piece of home.

[@patcoyle7590]

Everything’s the same by billy is a great tune

[@stevedowney4056]

I don’t know what it is about that song it seems like I can never play it enough

[@patcoyle7590]

Steve Downey I feel the same way

[@renenadeau323]

His real name is William Apostol but he can call himself what ever he wants. He is damned good.

[@richardmann4006]

This is one of his more upbeat songs. Looks at Taking Water by Billy. It’s one of my favorites. Billy comes from a metal background so his bluegrass picking has a metal feel. Gotta do some Marcus King! Dyin is really good.

[@vinbear2916]

Thanks for the recommendation I loved it...I love his version of Tennessee Stud and cocaine blues!!!

[@humboldtharry4248]

Check out Billy playing electric, it’s sweet

[@apachemountain]

This is bluegrass not country. Bluegrass musicians are the best out there...nowhere to hide for them. Billy is the best

[@markwest2930]

Please react to Mandolin Orange-Golden Embers

[@stacyvanvranken5934]

If you liked this song by billy string you should check out "Taking water" or "enough to leave" both songs have unbelievable meaning and Billy has the most amazing way of writing very deep lyrics but not making them so tight that the listener can't relate so a song heard by one person may get a totally different meaning behind the song. I would be very interested on what your take for a song called "While I am waiting here" also by Billy Strings.

[@georgereynolds2276]

He's talkin about how ridiculous it is to get 20 years for some dust in a baggie.

[@chrisbailey3795]

Bro. Check out trampled by turtles "codeine" it'll blow your lid off

[@fatdanjuggalo]

Me and Big Dave ,Colter Wall

[@McDanielFarms]

Check out “Let the Rain Come Down” by Brent Cobb

[@tommycuster7438]

Also, turmoil and tinfoil is great

[@joannes8232]

He's saying it's a bad idea to even try meth in the first place. Don't do it, not even once!

[@kevinfuller7650]

Don’t meth up your life

[@23kipting25]

Give Sammy Brie a listen. Gravity or I know

[@clarkholton461]

Ya need to do at least 4 each day if your setting reminders.

[@OliWilford]

Ah, I know a few do that brother! I wish I had the time to get through that many. I'm tryna use it like a 'trailer' feature, so people can see what's coming up the day after. Do you think it's best leaving it as a surprise?

[@biggun33tn]

Great review. I saw Billy come out on stage with Tyler Childers at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville earlier this year. It was awesome! Heres a link to a video someone took at that show! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp3ZhaatarGNatk

[@OliWilford]

Real Jealous of that! I’m getting to more bluegrass next week for sure!

[@docdarlin5491]

Billy Strings Fans for more Billy Failing Songs™

[@zachmoore6591]

Colter Wall- The Devil Wears A Suit And Tie

[@OliWilford]

I have done that one brother - it may been hidden amongst the library of vids that are stacking up. I'll try and find a better way to organise my home page!

[@zachmoore6591]

The 94 Club My bad! Maybe this one would be up your alley. One of my all time favorites kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5jOfXmtptifppo

[@jonwilson3801]

If u wanna hear this song at it's full potential u gotta hear the house party video. 100% better bro

[@OliWilford]

You got a link to that brother?? Keen to give that a listen!

[@tedczarnecki7351]

@@OliWilford kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHeoi4KgqdeqotU

[@misscocolove14]

I feel like he would def need to be on cocaine to play like that. 😂 Kidding of course. Mind blowing playing there! This is very gospel sounding!

[@dustinwilliams8389]

Pretty sure his choice of drug was meth.

[@joeseay2883]

I don't think you're gonna be to enthused with Bluegrass dude.! It's in my blood.! My mom's family all played it. She passed the gene on to me here in East Tennessee.! Lots of pickers in this area. Ky,NC,Tn, Va.

[@gsp67]

It’s Blue Grass

[@musiclover9361]

This genre is Bluegrass.

[@carterbryant6275]

Bluegrass do be the best

[@bcornett501]

Marcus king the well

[@bcornett501]

Or Marcus king good bye Carolina

[@3flying986]

The original utube video in the basement when he was like 16 is better ....it is him raw n untouched by big tech record labels just him and his guitar

[@hightopninja8753]

Stopped right before Jared's soli

[@brians2869]

Bluegrass... kinda punk bluegrass

[@jonwilson3801]

The house video is 10x better

[@kpasa111]

Dude, you are overthinking the lyrics. Yes of course drugs are horrible and they are addictive and they will get you into prison but....Listen to another couple of his tunes. They are not all about drugs or any other heavy subject.

[@hunterboazman816]

Ian Munsick horses are faster