When two legends sit down together, you know the stories will bring you places you never expect! Billy Ray Cyrus sat down with Matt Pinfield for this latest installment of Pinfield Sessions.
This wasn’t just about a new record—it was about reinvention, family, and finding his voice again—literally.
A Full-Circle Moment with Noah and Braison Cyrus
Fresh off a powerful performance at Stagecoach, Billy Ray described sharing the stage with his daughter Noah Cyrus and son Braison Cyrus as one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.
“As their dad and as a professional… it was one of the most full-circle moments of my entire life.”
That same energy carries into his new album The Hill, where Braison takes on a major creative role as producer—assembling a band, shaping the sound, and ultimately helping define a new era of Billy Ray Cyrus.
Even more notably, Billy Ray made a conscious decision to step back creatively and trust his son’s vision.
“He said, ‘Dad… let me make the album I’ve always dreamed you would do.’”
Rediscovering His Voice After Losing It Completely
One of the most striking revelations from the interview is Billy Ray’s battle with a paralyzed vocal cord, which left him unable to speak or sing for nearly two years.
“I had no voice… I couldn’t even talk.”
For an artist whose entire life has revolved around music, the experience was both devastating and transformative. When his voice began to return, it came back different—deeper, more weathered, and more emotionally resonant.
His children were the first to recognize it.
They compared his new tone to legends like Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen—an observation that would ultimately shape the direction of The Hill.
“It’s the first time in my career that I ever liked my voice.”
A Sound Rooted in Legacy, Reimagined for Now
The album blends country, rock, and a darker, more atmospheric tone—what even Forbes described as “gothic melodic rock.”
It’s a sound that reflects both Billy Ray’s roots and the influence of a new generation—driven by Noah’s emotional vocal presence and Braison’s expansive musical vision.
Together, they’ve created something that feels both timeless and completely modern.
From “Old Town Road” to The Hill
The conversation also touches on Billy Ray’s role in Old Town Road, one of the most culturally defining songs of the past decade.
His decision to collaborate came down to a simple guiding principle:
“What would Johnny do?”
That instinct—to support a young artist and push boundaries—led to a record-breaking run at No. 1 and introduced Billy Ray to an entirely new global audience that ultimately won Cyrus multiple Grammy wins.
Music as a Lifelong Thread
Throughout the interview, one theme remains constant: music as connection.
Whether it’s playing live with his children, rediscovering his voice, or reflecting on decades in the industry, Billy Ray continues to view music as a unifying force.
“The purpose of a song is to stir the soul… to bring people together.”
Watch the full conversation with Billy Ray Cyrus and Matt Pinfield above, and experience the story behind The Hill—an album shaped by family, resilience, and a lifetime in music.
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- · Host: Matt Pinfield
- · Filmed & Edited & Photographed by Matt Blake
- · Audio by Tristan Dolce
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