WTF with Marc Maron – Episode 1623: A Deep Dive with Will Oldham

In Episode 1623 of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast, host Marc Maron engages in a profound and revealing conversation with the enigmatic musician and actor, Will Oldham, widely recognized by his stage name, Bonnie Prince Billy. Released on March 6, 2025, this episode delves into Oldham's extensive career, creative processes, personal relationships, and philosophical musings on art and authenticity.

1. Introduction to Will Oldham

Marc Maron opens the episode by expressing his long-standing admiration for Will Oldham, highlighting Oldham's prolific output as Bonnie Prince Billy with over two dozen studio albums, including his latest release, Purple Bird. Maron also touches upon Oldham's acting career, recalling his haunting portrayal of the child preacher in John Sayles' film Mate Juan.

Marc Maron [00:10]: "Bonnie Prince Billy is one of those guys, not unlike some of the other Drag City artists, who just are very prolific, put out a lot of work and a lot of it is great."

2. Navigating the Artist’s Dual Path: Music and Acting

Oldham shares insights into balancing his dual careers in music and acting. He reflects on how his early acting roles influenced his musical journey, emphasizing the importance of expressing truth through both mediums.

Will Oldham [26:27]: "I have no idea what anybody notices or thinks... It's really exciting."

3. Collaborative Creativity and Recording in Nashville

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Oldham's collaborative spirit, particularly his work with Matt Sweeney on the Superwolf project. Oldham discusses the dynamic of working within the Nashville music system, praising the efficiency and professionalism of its session musicians.

Will Oldham [22:18]: "It's so amazing. It was just so amazing. First time experience I had done a thing."

Oldham elaborates on the structured yet spontaneous environment of Nashville recordings, where albums can be produced swiftly without sacrificing artistic integrity.

Will Oldham [23:01]: "People thought it was pop country, you know, back then. But to Ferg's ears, and probably to mine, we did not make a country record."

4. Personal Anecdotes and Artistic Influences

The dialogue transitions into personal stories, including Oldham’s relationship with his mother, an artist who profoundly influenced his creative path. He recounts how his mother's intense and private artistry inspired him to channel his emotions and experiences into his music.

Will Oldham [31:41]: "That's the last thing she was able to. That's the last piece of art she made. It's the front cover of that record."

Maron reminisces about his interactions with Oldham, particularly a poignant moment when Oldham shared his life story during a late-night dinner in Nashville, revealing the personal struggles that shaped his artistry.

Marc Maron [56:32]: "He fucking tells me his life story... It was heartbreaking because it was all about this mythic battle with his father."

5. The Creative Process: From Songwriting to Recording

Oldham delves into his songwriting process, emphasizing the disciplined approach he adopts during writing and revision phases. He discusses the organic nature of his music creation, where spontaneous ideas are continuously refined and reimagined.

Will Oldham [19:07]: "There's like, periods that are writing periods and then periods that are revision periods... And the revision periods are longer than the writing period."

The conversation highlights Oldham's dedication to authentic expression, where every line and melody is meticulously crafted to convey genuine emotion and storytelling.

Will Oldham [25:10]: "I sit in the corner, play the song on a guitar for the keyboard player, Mike Rojas. He writes down the progression."

6. Reflections on Art, Authenticity, and Community

Both Maron and Oldham explore the philosophical aspects of creating art, discussing the need for truth and authenticity in their work. They touch upon the role of community and collaboration in sustaining creativity and maintaining a sense of humanity within their artistic endeavors.

Will Oldham [25:43]: "Everything about it is super raw... I think it's a really good record that we've made."

Maron shares his newfound understanding of acting as an artistic pursuit of truth, inspired by conversations with legendary actors like Al Pacino, drawing parallels between acting and music in their shared quest for genuine expression.

Marc Maron [38:15]: "The idea of acting was really, for him, it was an artistic pursuit of truth... [I] think that was the trickiest part."

7. Legacy and Influence: Shaping Future Generations

Throughout the episode, Oldham reflects on his influence within the music and acting communities. He speaks passionately about mentoring younger artists and fostering meaningful collaborations that push the boundaries of conventional artistry.

Will Oldham [61:35]: "Every time... And have community, too. Urgent community. Urgent collaboration."

Maron echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded creatives who inspire growth and evolution in their craft.

Marc Maron [61:34]: "You get something new out of yourself when you're in relation with other people. Every time."

8. Conclusion: Celebrating Purple Bird and Future Endeavors

As the conversation wraps up, Maron lauds Oldham's latest album, Purple Bird, appreciating its emotional depth and intricate production. Oldham expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his journey and creative processes with Maron, leaving listeners with a sense of admiration for his enduring artistry.

Will Oldham [77:33]: "I think it's actually getting a place for my songs. Brain. No, my brain, My consciousness. To go instead."

Marc Maron [78:18]: "We did all right. We did good."

Maron concludes by promoting Oldham's new album, encouraging listeners to explore his expansive body of work.

Notable Quotes

• Marc Maron [00:10]: "Bonnie Prince Billy is one of those guys, not unlike some of the other Drag City artists, who just are very prolific, put out a lot of work and a lot of it is great."

• Will Oldham [22:18]: "It's so amazing. It was just so amazing. First time experience I had done a thing."

• Marc Maron [38:15]: "The idea of acting was really, for him, it was an artistic pursuit of truth... [I] think that was the trickiest part."

• Will Oldham [61:35]: "Every time... And have community, too. Urgent community. Urgent collaboration."

• Marc Maron [78:18]: "We did all right. We did good."

Final Thoughts

This episode stands out as a testament to Will Oldham's unwavering commitment to his art and his ability to navigate the complexities of creative expression. Through candid discussions and heartfelt reflections, Maron and Oldham offer listeners an intimate glimpse into the life of a multifaceted artist dedicated to authenticity and collaborative creativity.

For those unfamiliar with Oldham's work, this conversation serves as an enriching introduction, highlighting the depth and breadth of his artistic endeavors. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, Episode 1623 provides valuable insights into the mind of Bonnie Prince Billy and the enduring power of genuine self-expression in art.