Billy Bob Thornton 'Blow Up' on Q TV

Summary

In this interview, Billy Bob Thornton and his band, The Boxmasters, discuss their unique musical style blending British Invasion pop with American hillbilly influences. Despite Billy Bob's fame as an actor and director, he emphasizes that music has always been a major passion, and the band has released multiple albums in a short period. The group shares their experiences touring with Willie Nelson and the challenges of connecting with diverse audiences. They also explain their decision to include covers alongside original songs on their latest album, 'Mod Billy,' and highlight their eclectic influences from both sides of the Atlantic.

Takeaways

• 😀 Billy Bob Thornton's band, the Boxmasters, blends pop music with hillbilly sensibility, influenced by bands like The Byrds and The Monkees.
• 😀 The Boxmasters' latest album, *Mod Billy*, is their third release in just one year, showcasing their ambition and productivity.
• 😀 Billy Bob Thornton is not only a musician but also an Oscar-winning actor, screenwriter, and director, though he prefers to focus on his music career now.
• 😀 The band formed about two years ago and has already released five albums, with more planned for the future.
• 😀 The Boxmasters' albums feature a mix of original songs and covers, with the aim of paying tribute to influential music from the past.
• 😀 The band has a diverse musical style, combining elements of the British Invasion and Southern American twang, a fusion that felt natural to them.
• 😀 The Boxmasters are currently on tour with Willie Nelson, playing to an eclectic range of audiences, including both older and younger fans.
• 😀 Despite Billy Bob Thornton's fame as an actor, the band prefers to be recognized for their music rather than his past Hollywood career.
• 😀 The band enjoys the mix of fans on their tour with Willie Nelson, where audiences include everyone from bikers to older generations.
• 😀 Billy Bob Thornton’s passion for music comes from a long-standing love for various genres, influenced by his childhood interests, such as monster model-building and classic pop music.
• 😀 The band’s approach to covers is to reintroduce classic songs to a new generation, with the hope that listeners will explore the original artists behind them.

Q & A

What is 'Mod Billy' and how does it relate to the Boxmasters?

'Mod Billy' is the name of the Boxmasters' third album. It blends pop music inspired by bands like The Byrds and The Monkees with American hillbilly sensibilities, creating a unique fusion of genres.

What makes the Boxmasters stand out in the music world?

The Boxmasters are distinctive due to their blend of British Invasion-style pop with Southern American influences. They also have an ambitious approach to music, releasing multiple albums in a short period, including a combination of original songs and covers.

How does Billy Bob Thornton balance his career as an actor and musician?

Billy Bob Thornton is an Oscar-winning actor, screenwriter, and director, but he has always intended to pursue music. Music has become a major priority for him now, despite his well-known cinematic career.

What was the band's approach to creating 'Mod Billy'?

The band wanted to pay tribute to the music that inspired them, blending influences from British Invasion bands and traditional American hillbilly music. They sought to reintroduce classic music history to modern audiences, encouraging them to explore the original versions of songs they cover.

Why did the Boxmasters decide to include covers on their album?

The decision to include covers was driven by a desire to honor the music that shaped their sound. The band wanted to reintroduce these classic songs to modern listeners and share their love for the music they grew up with.

What were some of the band's musical influences growing up?

The Boxmasters were influenced by a mix of British Invasion bands like The Monkees, The Byrds, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, combined with the American country and hillbilly sounds of artists like Buck Owens and Del Reeves.

How did the band's sound evolve in the studio?

When the band first got into the studio, they recorded a few songs, and their sound naturally emerged as a fusion of British Invasion pop and American country. This unplanned mix was a result of their shared musical influences.

How does the Boxmasters' audience vary by location?

While the Boxmasters enjoy a diverse audience, their fanbase can differ depending on the region. For example, Willie Nelson's eclectic audience, which spans a wide age range, connects well with the band. However, they’ve found that Canadian audiences are generally more reserved compared to the lively audiences in Europe and the U.S.

What challenges does the Boxmasters face while performing live?

The Boxmasters perform in varied venues, from stadiums to smaller theaters, and have to adjust their performances accordingly. In certain places, they’ve experienced a more subdued crowd, unlike the more enthusiastic crowds in other parts of the world.

What is the band's stance on discussing Billy Bob Thornton's acting career?

Billy Bob Thornton and the band prefer not to focus on his acting career during interviews. They want to be recognized for their music first, and they prefer that discussions remain centered on their musical journey rather than his past cinematic achievements.