Over the decades, Will Oldham has released a great many wonderful records under his Bonnie "Prince" Billy alter-ego, and another one is on the way. Next month, Oldham will release his new BPB album We Are Together Again, which he recorded in his Louisville hometown, with his touring backup musicians Jacob Dunkan and Thomas Deakin. We posted lead single "They Keep Trying To Find You," and today Oldham follows that one with a perfectly lovely new song.
The new Bonnie "Prince" Billy track "Hey Little" is some real dad music. It's Oldham singing gently about the way you feel about your kids, which is not something that anyone has ever sufficiently put into words. We still try! And it's beautiful to hear Oldham give it his unique shot. Catherlin Irwin's backup vocals contrast beautifully with Oldham's. Oldham and his daughters appear together in the "Hey Little Video," directed by the father/daughter team of Brent and Maya Stewart. Here's what Oldham says about it:
“Hey Little” was written years ago for someone else to sing. Now I am a father; the lyrics are realigned and rearranged. Catherine Irwin sings with great soul. I asked Ryder McNair to listen to Madonna’s “Dear Jessie” for inspiration on the string arrangements. Brent Stewart and his daughter Maya brought a creative partnership to the video-making process. The shoot was seamless and joyful. Brent spoke of wanting to incorporate double-exposure (they shot on film) and I mentioned the Burt Lancaster film The Swimmer. Both Maya and Brent jumped on that idea with gusto, and friends here in Louisville let us film in their indoor pool in the dead of winter. Notable of course is Thomas Deakin’s beautiful clarinet solo. And the real live goats.
Experience "Hey Little" for yourself below.
We Are Together Again is out 3/6 on No Quarter.
