Bluegrass Star Billy Strings / Laufey

This edition of Fresh Air Weekend features two segments: an interview with bluegrass musician Billy Strings, focusing on his influences, musical journey, and personal struggles, interspersed with his live performances; and an interview with Laufey, a jazz and pop artist, discussing her musical background, influences, and experiences growing up in diverse cultural environments, also featuring her live performances. Both interviews explore the artists' creative processes, personal challenges, and unique approaches to their respective genres.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, Holiday Specials

Part 2: Billy Strings: Bluegrass, Influence, Technique

Part 3: Billy Strings: Trauma, Healing, Personal History

Part 4: Laufey: Musical Identity, Upbringing

Part 5: Laufey: Heritage, Songwriting, Conclusion

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Fresh Air

Part 1: Introduction, Holiday Specials

Introduction to Holiday Specials and Featured Interviews

Part 2: Billy Strings: Bluegrass, Influence, Technique

Introduction to Billy Strings and His Bluegrass Music

Billy Strings Discusses Doc Watson's Influence and Storytelling in Music

Billy Strings on Vocal Coaching, Anxiety, and Staying Grounded

The Role of Guitar Playing and a Performance of "Browns Ferry Blues"

Part 3: Billy Strings: Trauma, Healing, Personal History

Billy Strings Discusses Songwriting, Grief, and Healing Through Music

Billy Strings on His Mother's Passing and Her Love for His Shows

Billy Strings Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and His Duty to Help Others

Billy Strings on Family Life on the Road and Early Musical Influences

Billy Strings' Journey Through Heavy Metal and Return to Bluegrass

Rediscovering Bluegrass and a Lullaby for His Son

Part 4: Laufey: Musical Identity, Upbringing

Conclusion of Billy Strings Interview and Introduction to Laufey

Introduction to Laufey and Her Musical Identity

Laufey's Musical Origins and Family Influence

Growing Up Backstage and Early Musical Training

Laufey Performs "It Could Happen to You"

Part 5: Laufey: Heritage, Songwriting, Conclusion

Growing Up in Iceland and Washington, D.C.

Challenges of Growing Up Half-Chinese in Iceland and Performing "Castle in Hollywood"

The Story Behind "Castle in Hollywood" and Performing "Valentine"

Conclusion of the Episode

Bluegrass Star Billy Strings / Laufey

Fresh Air

Part 1: Introduction, Holiday Specials

00:00Introduction to Holiday Specials and Featured Interviews

Introduction to Holiday Specials and Featured Interviews

Part 2: Billy Strings: Bluegrass, Influence, Technique

01:30Introduction to Billy Strings and His Bluegrass Music

Introduction to Billy Strings and His Bluegrass Music

03:56Billy Strings Discusses Doc Watson's Influence and Storytelling in Music

Billy Strings Discusses Doc Watson's Influence and Storytelling in Music

07:07Billy Strings on Vocal Coaching, Anxiety, and Staying Grounded

Billy Strings on Vocal Coaching, Anxiety, and Staying Grounded

08:33The Role of Guitar Playing and a Performance of "Browns Ferry Blues"

The Role of Guitar Playing and a Performance of "Browns Ferry Blues"

Part 3: Billy Strings: Trauma, Healing, Personal History

12:02Billy Strings Discusses Songwriting, Grief, and Healing Through Music

Billy Strings Discusses Songwriting, Grief, and Healing Through Music

15:22Billy Strings on His Mother's Passing and Her Love for His Shows

Billy Strings on His Mother's Passing and Her Love for His Shows

18:07Billy Strings Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and His Duty to Help Others

Billy Strings Opens Up About Childhood Trauma and His Duty to Help Others

21:10Billy Strings on Family Life on the Road and Early Musical Influences

Billy Strings on Family Life on the Road and Early Musical Influences

23:41Billy Strings' Journey Through Heavy Metal and Return to Bluegrass

Billy Strings' Journey Through Heavy Metal and Return to Bluegrass

26:21Rediscovering Bluegrass and a Lullaby for His Son

Rediscovering Bluegrass and a Lullaby for His Son

Part 4: Laufey: Musical Identity, Upbringing

29:59Conclusion of Billy Strings Interview and Introduction to Laufey

Conclusion of Billy Strings Interview and Introduction to Laufey

32:38Introduction to Laufey and Her Musical Identity

Introduction to Laufey and Her Musical Identity

35:55Laufey's Musical Origins and Family Influence

Laufey's Musical Origins and Family Influence

37:17Growing Up Backstage and Early Musical Training

Growing Up Backstage and Early Musical Training

39:27Laufey Performs "It Could Happen to You"

Laufey Performs "It Could Happen to You"

Part 5: Laufey: Heritage, Songwriting, Conclusion

41:42Growing Up in Iceland and Washington, D.C.

Growing Up in Iceland and Washington, D.C.

44:34Challenges of Growing Up Half-Chinese in Iceland and Performing "Castle in Hollywood"

Challenges of Growing Up Half-Chinese in Iceland and Performing "Castle in Hollywood"

47:01The Story Behind "Castle in Hollywood" and Performing "Valentine"

The Story Behind "Castle in Hollywood" and Performing "Valentine"

49:49Conclusion of the Episode

Conclusion of the Episode