Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's Homecoming Streak Finds New Richness

Will Oldham's Louisville-recorded album 'We Are Together Again' showcases the singer-songwriter's evolution

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:37am

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Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's latest album 'We Are Together Again' marks a homecoming for singer-songwriter Will Oldham, who has recorded a string of albums in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky over the past seven years. The new record finds Oldham's songwriting and vocal delivery settling into a more natural, disarmed state, while still retaining the oneiric and mysterious qualities that have long drawn listeners to his music.

Why it matters

Oldham's return to Louisville has coincided with a creative renaissance, as he has reconnected with the community of musicians and artists he was involved with early in his career. The new album features collaborations with Oldham's brother Ned as well as other Louisville-based artists, reflecting the ways in which Oldham's world has expanded across the decades of his artmaking.

The details

On 'We Are Together Again', Oldham's voice feels more unforced and settled, nestling comfortably within the folds of the songs he has written and arranged. The album features intimate, earthy moments like the sweet duet '(Everybody's Got A) Friend Named Joe' and the brass-tinged 'Vietnam Sunshine', which gestures towards renewal and possibility. Oldham also pays homage to his musical influences, with the song 'Life Is Scary Horses' reworking a track by his longtime totemic band, the Mekons.

  • Oldham has recorded a string of albums in Louisville over the past seven years.
  • The new album 'We Are Together Again' was released on April 1, 2026.

The players

Will Oldham

Also known as Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Oldham is a singer-songwriter who has been a central figure in the Louisville, Kentucky music scene for decades.

Ned Oldham

Oldham's brother, who has collaborated with him on the new album and was previously a member of the Louisville post-punk band The Anomaonon.

Catherine Irwin

A founding member of the American country outfit Freakwater, who appears on several songs on 'We Are Together Again'.

Sally Timms

A long-time member of the influential post-punk band The Mekons, who also contributes vocals to the album.

Ryder McNair

Oldham's cousin, who served as the album's arranger and drew inspiration from Madonna's 'Dear Jessie' for the track 'Hey Little'.

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What they’re saying

“I was surprised, during the mixing process with Jim [Marlowe], how fun the record is to listen to.”

— Will Oldham

“This is my life's work. This is what I am trying to know, with everything I do.”

— Will Oldham

The takeaway

Oldham's return to his Louisville roots has resulted in a creative renaissance, as he reconnects with the community of musicians and artists that have long been central to his work. The new album 'We Are Together Again' showcases Oldham's songwriting and vocal delivery settling into a more natural, disarmed state, while still retaining the mysterious qualities that have defined his singular artistic vision.