Bill Callahan (born June 3, 1966) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who has also recorded and performed under the band name Smog. Callahan began working in the lo-figenre of underground rock, with home-made tape-albums recorded on four track tape recorders. Later he began releasing albums with the label Drag City, to which he remains signed today.
Career
Callahan started out as a highly experimental artist, using substandard instruments and recording equipment. His early songs often nearly lacked melodic structure and were clumsily played on poorly tuned guitars, resulting in the dissonant sounds on his self-released cassettes and debut album Sewn to the Sky. Much of his early output was instrumental, a stark contrast to the lyrical focus of his later work. Apparently, he used lo-fi techniques not primarily because of an aesthetic preference but because he didn't have any other possibility to make music. Once he signed a contract with Drag City, he started to use recording studios and a greater variety of instruments for his records.
Callahan was a four-year starter at quarterback at Illinois Benedictine College in Lisle, Illinois, where he was an NAIA honorable mention All-American in his final two seasons.
Early coaching career
The Chicago native began his coaching career in 1978 with back to back year long stints as an assistant coach at Oak Lawn Community High School and De La Salle Institute. Callahan started his college coaching career shortly after in 1980 as a graduate assistant at University of Illinois before being promoted to full-time assistant in 1981, coaching tight ends, offensive line, quarterbacks and special teams through 1986.
Callahan served a two-year stint, 1987–1988, as offensive line coach at Northern Arizona University and one year as offensive coordinator of Southern Illinois in 1989. From 1990–1994, Callahan was offensive line coach at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has been praised by former Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez as being one of the primary reasons why the Badgers were able to turn their program around and eventually win three Rose Bowls in the 1990s. Alvarez cited Callahan specifically for his strong recruiting abilities.
Callahan was an executive producer/writer on Scrubs, which entered its ninth season on December 1, 2009. He joined the show in its fourth season as co-executive producer, and was an executive producer for the sixth season, and the first six episodes of the seventh season. Scrubs is created by Bill Lawrence, who co-created Spin City, which Callahan also worked on, as co-producer/producer/supervising producer. He also was a writer on 8 Simple Rules and Psych, and a producer/writer on Oliver Beene. He is the first cousin of John C. McGinley with whom he worked on Scrubs.
http://KEXP.ORG presents Bill Callahan performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded June 23, 2019.
Songs:
Writing
Son Of The Sea
Camels
The Ballad Of The Hulk
Host: Cheryl Waters
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Jim Beckmann
http://kexp.org
https://www.dragcity.com/artists/bill-callahan
published: 21 Sep 2019
Bill Callahan "Coyotes" (Official Lyric Video)
"Coyotes" is from Bill Callahan's new double album "YTI⅃AƎЯ," out October 14, 2022 on Drag City.
Preorder it now:
http://ffm.to/realitybc
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#billcallahan #reality #YTILAER #dragcity
published: 12 Sep 2022
Riding For The Feeling | Bill Callahan | TEDxKC
One of this generation’s great singer-songwriters, Bill Callahan performs: Riding For The Feeling; Dress Sexy At My Funeral and America!
Formerly performing as Smog, Bill Callahan has perfected a lo-fi indie rock sound that pairs his distinctive vocals and exceptional lyrics.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx
published: 02 Sep 2016
Bill Callahan "Riding For The Feeling"
Music video for the song "Riding For The Feeling" from Bill Callahan's album "Apocalypse", released April 19, 2011. Video by Archie Radkins, based on artwork from Max Galyon.
iTunes: apple.co/Apocalypse-iT
Apple Music: apple.co/Apocalypse
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#BillCallahan #Apocalypse #DragCity
published: 12 May 2011
Bill Callahan: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
It's a high compliment to suggest that these three Bill Callahan songs may well implant themselves in your brain, lay eggs and sprout horrifically disturbing dreams at that point when you're banging on the snooze alarm in a state of anguished early-morning half-sleep. Hear and watch Callahan perform at the NPR Music offices. More at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106471639.
published: 20 Jul 2009
Bill Callahan Live at Confluence Park | The Lonesome Lounge Sessions
Welcome to this special episode of the Lonesome Lounge Sessions, taped live at Confluence Park in San Antonio. We're back again with the one and only, Bill Callahan. @Drag City
#billcallahan
#lonesomeloungesession
#confluencepark
Presented by Real Ale Brewing and Hill Law Firm with support from Tobin Entertainment.
Made possible by Period Modern, Do210 and The Lonesome Rose.
Directed by: Jacob Glombowski
Produced by: Roberto Adrian Martinez
Photography: Oscar Moreno
Sound: Brant Sankey and Alfie De la Garza
Cameras: Clayton Price and Jacob Glombowski
AC/PA: Noah Slavin and Tori Pool
Edited by Roberto Adrian Martinez and Jacob Glombowski
Color: Jacob Glombowski
https://www.tpr.org/music
#tpr #tprmusic #nprmusic
published: 10 May 2022
Bill Callahan "Cowboy" (Official Music Video)
"Cowboy" is from "Gold Record," released on LP/CS/CD/Digital from Drag City on September 4, 2020.
Order "Gold Record" here: http://ffm.to/goldrecord
Music Video Credits:
Directors: Anthony Gasparro, Mikey Kampmann
Executive Producer: Shane Greb
Producers: Cesar Velasco, Ivy Chiu
Prod. Coordinator: Kathryn Van Buren
Director of Photography: Corey Walter
1st Asst Camera: M.J. Marcinik
Gaffer: Mike Anderson
Prod. Designer & Stylist: Ana Davidson
Set Costumer: Melina Perez
Hair & Make Up: Tara Cooper
Editor: Matt Chessé
Asst Editor: Matt Sweat
Motion Designer: Ben Radatz
Cast:
Bill Callahan, Shane Shieh, Mike St. Clair, Jorge Longoria, Ricardo Aguayo, Christian Lopez, Josue Urrea
Special Thanks:
Barbara Greb, Katie Heim, Kyle Field, Charles Varga
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram...
published: 29 Mar 2021
Too Many Birds
Provided to YouTube by Drag City Records
Too Many Birds · Bill Callahan
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
℗ Drag City Inc.
Released on: 2009-04-14
Auto-generated by YouTube.
http://KEXP.ORG presents Bill Callahan performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded June 23, 2019.
Songs:
Writing
Son Of The Sea
Camels
The Ballad Of The Hulk
...
http://KEXP.ORG presents Bill Callahan performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded June 23, 2019.
Songs:
Writing
Son Of The Sea
Camels
The Ballad Of The Hulk
Host: Cheryl Waters
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Jim Beckmann
http://kexp.org
https://www.dragcity.com/artists/bill-callahan
http://KEXP.ORG presents Bill Callahan performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded June 23, 2019.
Songs:
Writing
Son Of The Sea
Camels
The Ballad Of The Hulk
Host: Cheryl Waters
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Jim Beckmann
http://kexp.org
https://www.dragcity.com/artists/bill-callahan
"Coyotes" is from Bill Callahan's new double album "YTI⅃AƎЯ," out October 14, 2022 on Drag City.
Preorder it now:
http://ffm.to/realitybc
Follow us on:
Instag...
"Coyotes" is from Bill Callahan's new double album "YTI⅃AƎЯ," out October 14, 2022 on Drag City.
Preorder it now:
http://ffm.to/realitybc
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#billcallahan #reality #YTILAER #dragcity
"Coyotes" is from Bill Callahan's new double album "YTI⅃AƎЯ," out October 14, 2022 on Drag City.
Preorder it now:
http://ffm.to/realitybc
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#billcallahan #reality #YTILAER #dragcity
One of this generation’s great singer-songwriters, Bill Callahan performs: Riding For The Feeling; Dress Sexy At My Funeral and America!
Formerly performing a...
One of this generation’s great singer-songwriters, Bill Callahan performs: Riding For The Feeling; Dress Sexy At My Funeral and America!
Formerly performing as Smog, Bill Callahan has perfected a lo-fi indie rock sound that pairs his distinctive vocals and exceptional lyrics.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx
One of this generation’s great singer-songwriters, Bill Callahan performs: Riding For The Feeling; Dress Sexy At My Funeral and America!
Formerly performing as Smog, Bill Callahan has perfected a lo-fi indie rock sound that pairs his distinctive vocals and exceptional lyrics.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx
Music video for the song "Riding For The Feeling" from Bill Callahan's album "Apocalypse", released April 19, 2011. Video by Archie Radkins, based on artwork fr...
Music video for the song "Riding For The Feeling" from Bill Callahan's album "Apocalypse", released April 19, 2011. Video by Archie Radkins, based on artwork from Max Galyon.
iTunes: apple.co/Apocalypse-iT
Apple Music: apple.co/Apocalypse
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#BillCallahan #Apocalypse #DragCity
Music video for the song "Riding For The Feeling" from Bill Callahan's album "Apocalypse", released April 19, 2011. Video by Archie Radkins, based on artwork from Max Galyon.
iTunes: apple.co/Apocalypse-iT
Apple Music: apple.co/Apocalypse
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#BillCallahan #Apocalypse #DragCity
It's a high compliment to suggest that these three Bill Callahan songs may well implant themselves in your brain, lay eggs and sprout horrifically disturbing dr...
It's a high compliment to suggest that these three Bill Callahan songs may well implant themselves in your brain, lay eggs and sprout horrifically disturbing dreams at that point when you're banging on the snooze alarm in a state of anguished early-morning half-sleep. Hear and watch Callahan perform at the NPR Music offices. More at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106471639.
It's a high compliment to suggest that these three Bill Callahan songs may well implant themselves in your brain, lay eggs and sprout horrifically disturbing dreams at that point when you're banging on the snooze alarm in a state of anguished early-morning half-sleep. Hear and watch Callahan perform at the NPR Music offices. More at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106471639.
Welcome to this special episode of the Lonesome Lounge Sessions, taped live at Confluence Park in San Antonio. We're back again with the one and only, Bill Call...
Welcome to this special episode of the Lonesome Lounge Sessions, taped live at Confluence Park in San Antonio. We're back again with the one and only, Bill Callahan. @Drag City
#billcallahan
#lonesomeloungesession
#confluencepark
Presented by Real Ale Brewing and Hill Law Firm with support from Tobin Entertainment.
Made possible by Period Modern, Do210 and The Lonesome Rose.
Directed by: Jacob Glombowski
Produced by: Roberto Adrian Martinez
Photography: Oscar Moreno
Sound: Brant Sankey and Alfie De la Garza
Cameras: Clayton Price and Jacob Glombowski
AC/PA: Noah Slavin and Tori Pool
Edited by Roberto Adrian Martinez and Jacob Glombowski
Color: Jacob Glombowski
https://www.tpr.org/music
#tpr #tprmusic #nprmusic
Welcome to this special episode of the Lonesome Lounge Sessions, taped live at Confluence Park in San Antonio. We're back again with the one and only, Bill Callahan. @Drag City
#billcallahan
#lonesomeloungesession
#confluencepark
Presented by Real Ale Brewing and Hill Law Firm with support from Tobin Entertainment.
Made possible by Period Modern, Do210 and The Lonesome Rose.
Directed by: Jacob Glombowski
Produced by: Roberto Adrian Martinez
Photography: Oscar Moreno
Sound: Brant Sankey and Alfie De la Garza
Cameras: Clayton Price and Jacob Glombowski
AC/PA: Noah Slavin and Tori Pool
Edited by Roberto Adrian Martinez and Jacob Glombowski
Color: Jacob Glombowski
https://www.tpr.org/music
#tpr #tprmusic #nprmusic
"Cowboy" is from "Gold Record," released on LP/CS/CD/Digital from Drag City on September 4, 2020.
Order "Gold Record" here: http://ffm.to/goldrecord
Music Vid...
"Cowboy" is from "Gold Record," released on LP/CS/CD/Digital from Drag City on September 4, 2020.
Order "Gold Record" here: http://ffm.to/goldrecord
Music Video Credits:
Directors: Anthony Gasparro, Mikey Kampmann
Executive Producer: Shane Greb
Producers: Cesar Velasco, Ivy Chiu
Prod. Coordinator: Kathryn Van Buren
Director of Photography: Corey Walter
1st Asst Camera: M.J. Marcinik
Gaffer: Mike Anderson
Prod. Designer & Stylist: Ana Davidson
Set Costumer: Melina Perez
Hair & Make Up: Tara Cooper
Editor: Matt Chessé
Asst Editor: Matt Sweat
Motion Designer: Ben Radatz
Cast:
Bill Callahan, Shane Shieh, Mike St. Clair, Jorge Longoria, Ricardo Aguayo, Christian Lopez, Josue Urrea
Special Thanks:
Barbara Greb, Katie Heim, Kyle Field, Charles Varga
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#BillCallahan #Cowboy #GoldRecord #DragCity
"Cowboy" is from "Gold Record," released on LP/CS/CD/Digital from Drag City on September 4, 2020.
Order "Gold Record" here: http://ffm.to/goldrecord
Music Video Credits:
Directors: Anthony Gasparro, Mikey Kampmann
Executive Producer: Shane Greb
Producers: Cesar Velasco, Ivy Chiu
Prod. Coordinator: Kathryn Van Buren
Director of Photography: Corey Walter
1st Asst Camera: M.J. Marcinik
Gaffer: Mike Anderson
Prod. Designer & Stylist: Ana Davidson
Set Costumer: Melina Perez
Hair & Make Up: Tara Cooper
Editor: Matt Chessé
Asst Editor: Matt Sweat
Motion Designer: Ben Radatz
Cast:
Bill Callahan, Shane Shieh, Mike St. Clair, Jorge Longoria, Ricardo Aguayo, Christian Lopez, Josue Urrea
Special Thanks:
Barbara Greb, Katie Heim, Kyle Field, Charles Varga
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#BillCallahan #Cowboy #GoldRecord #DragCity
Provided to YouTube by Drag City Records
Too Many Birds · Bill Callahan
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
℗ Drag City Inc.
Released on: 2009-04-14
Auto-gen...
Provided to YouTube by Drag City Records
Too Many Birds · Bill Callahan
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
℗ Drag City Inc.
Released on: 2009-04-14
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Drag City Records
Too Many Birds · Bill Callahan
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
℗ Drag City Inc.
Released on: 2009-04-14
Auto-generated by YouTube.
http://KEXP.ORG presents Bill Callahan performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded June 23, 2019.
Songs:
Writing
Son Of The Sea
Camels
The Ballad Of The Hulk
Host: Cheryl Waters
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Jim Beckmann
http://kexp.org
https://www.dragcity.com/artists/bill-callahan
"Coyotes" is from Bill Callahan's new double album "YTI⅃AƎЯ," out October 14, 2022 on Drag City.
Preorder it now:
http://ffm.to/realitybc
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#billcallahan #reality #YTILAER #dragcity
One of this generation’s great singer-songwriters, Bill Callahan performs: Riding For The Feeling; Dress Sexy At My Funeral and America!
Formerly performing as Smog, Bill Callahan has perfected a lo-fi indie rock sound that pairs his distinctive vocals and exceptional lyrics.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx
Music video for the song "Riding For The Feeling" from Bill Callahan's album "Apocalypse", released April 19, 2011. Video by Archie Radkins, based on artwork from Max Galyon.
iTunes: apple.co/Apocalypse-iT
Apple Music: apple.co/Apocalypse
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#BillCallahan #Apocalypse #DragCity
It's a high compliment to suggest that these three Bill Callahan songs may well implant themselves in your brain, lay eggs and sprout horrifically disturbing dreams at that point when you're banging on the snooze alarm in a state of anguished early-morning half-sleep. Hear and watch Callahan perform at the NPR Music offices. More at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106471639.
Welcome to this special episode of the Lonesome Lounge Sessions, taped live at Confluence Park in San Antonio. We're back again with the one and only, Bill Callahan. @Drag City
#billcallahan
#lonesomeloungesession
#confluencepark
Presented by Real Ale Brewing and Hill Law Firm with support from Tobin Entertainment.
Made possible by Period Modern, Do210 and The Lonesome Rose.
Directed by: Jacob Glombowski
Produced by: Roberto Adrian Martinez
Photography: Oscar Moreno
Sound: Brant Sankey and Alfie De la Garza
Cameras: Clayton Price and Jacob Glombowski
AC/PA: Noah Slavin and Tori Pool
Edited by Roberto Adrian Martinez and Jacob Glombowski
Color: Jacob Glombowski
https://www.tpr.org/music
#tpr #tprmusic #nprmusic
"Cowboy" is from "Gold Record," released on LP/CS/CD/Digital from Drag City on September 4, 2020.
Order "Gold Record" here: http://ffm.to/goldrecord
Music Video Credits:
Directors: Anthony Gasparro, Mikey Kampmann
Executive Producer: Shane Greb
Producers: Cesar Velasco, Ivy Chiu
Prod. Coordinator: Kathryn Van Buren
Director of Photography: Corey Walter
1st Asst Camera: M.J. Marcinik
Gaffer: Mike Anderson
Prod. Designer & Stylist: Ana Davidson
Set Costumer: Melina Perez
Hair & Make Up: Tara Cooper
Editor: Matt Chessé
Asst Editor: Matt Sweat
Motion Designer: Ben Radatz
Cast:
Bill Callahan, Shane Shieh, Mike St. Clair, Jorge Longoria, Ricardo Aguayo, Christian Lopez, Josue Urrea
Special Thanks:
Barbara Greb, Katie Heim, Kyle Field, Charles Varga
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragcityrecords
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragcityrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragcityrecords
#BillCallahan #Cowboy #GoldRecord #DragCity
Provided to YouTube by Drag City Records
Too Many Birds · Bill Callahan
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
℗ Drag City Inc.
Released on: 2009-04-14
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Bill Callahan (born June 3, 1966) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who has also recorded and performed under the band name Smog. Callahan began working in the lo-figenre of underground rock, with home-made tape-albums recorded on four track tape recorders. Later he began releasing albums with the label Drag City, to which he remains signed today.
Career
Callahan started out as a highly experimental artist, using substandard instruments and recording equipment. His early songs often nearly lacked melodic structure and were clumsily played on poorly tuned guitars, resulting in the dissonant sounds on his self-released cassettes and debut album Sewn to the Sky. Much of his early output was instrumental, a stark contrast to the lyrical focus of his later work. Apparently, he used lo-fi techniques not primarily because of an aesthetic preference but because he didn't have any other possibility to make music. Once he signed a contract with Drag City, he started to use recording studios and a greater variety of instruments for his records.
For BillCallahan, it's "a version of hell" to play songs the same way every time ... Bill Callahan talks songwriting duration 20′ .52″ from Music101 ... Bill Callahan talks songwriting.
This record is crying out for the calibre of musicians that helped Bowie make Blackstar, or BillCallahan’s painterly band, or a truly dial-moving producer – or perhaps some intellectual assaults on ...
REALITY by BillCallahan... In 1990American musician Bill Callahan released his first album under the name Smog, a chaotic assemblage of lo-fi noise with little interest in structure or even songcraft ... YTI⅃AƎЯ by Bill Callahan.