Home / Arts and Entertainment / Callahan Embraces 59: Indie Rock's Unspoken Age Rule
Callahan Embraces 59: Indie Rock's Unspoken Age Rule
27 Feb
Summary
- Bill Callahan's new album is titled 'My Days of 58,' inspired by his son.
- Callahan reflects on his transition from the lo-fi 'Smog' era to current work.
- The artist discusses fatherhood, aging, and his evolving songwriting perspective.
Bill Callahan's new album, 'My Days of 58,' delves into themes of aging and fatherhood, with the title itself a poetic suggestion from his 10-year-old son. Now 59, Callahan reflects on his musical evolution from the lo-fi cassette community of the late eighties under the moniker Smog to his current, more introspective work.
The independent rock landscape, he notes, often regards age as a taboo subject, unlike in genres like blues. Callahan's music has shifted from detached character studies to deeply autobiographical narratives, particularly since becoming a father and embracing married life.
His songwriting process has become more integrated with a well-rounded life, moving away from the idea of solitary artistic immersion. Callahan also shares his recent personal health journey, having been diagnosed with and successfully treated for Stage I colon cancer.
In addition to his personal reflections, Callahan discusses collaborations, including a duet with Noah Cyrus on her track 'XXX,' highlighting his admiration for her artistry. He also touches upon his enduring inspirations, such as Merle Haggard and Lou Reed, and his creative process, including writing songs based on dreams.
