Fresh Air Bluegrass Star Billy Strings / Laufey
4 snips
Dec 27, 2025 
Billy Strings, a Grammy-winning bluegrass artist, shares how songwriting has been his therapy after personal loss and reflects on his musical journey influenced by Doc Watson. He performs Browns Ferry Blues, revealing the emotional depth behind his music. Meanwhile, Laufey, an Icelandic singer and cellist, discusses her classical roots and rise to fame during the pandemic. She explores her bicultural experiences and the poignant themes in her album A Matter of Time, including songs about friendship and breakups, while performing live.
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Songs As Self-Healing
- Billy writes songs he thinks will help others but discovers they often heal him first.
- He sings those songs on stage and experiences catharsis, especially after personal loss.
Playing Through Grief
- Billy performed the night he learned his mother had died because she would have wanted him to continue.
- He recalls her appearing at shows unexpectedly and living a wild, present life among fans.
Childhood Trauma And Trauma's Legacy
- Billy reveals his mother died of an overdose and that his childhood included neglect and abuse.
- He links those traumas to lifelong anxiety, depression, and complex PTSD he still manages.
