Alternative folk lives in artists Drive-By Truckers, Willie Nelson
What is it?
Americana has been a part of the music scene since the days of Elvis Presley. However, it did not become a true genre until the 1990s when the new radio format burst across the airwaves.
Although it has been said to have deep-seated roots in country, Americana samples several different genres of music like bluegrass, folk and rock. These elements blend together to create a distinct sound that varies as much as the artists themselves. The Americana sound can be drippingly slow and mellow, such as some of the tracks from Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ Grammy-winning album “Raising Sand.” Other tracks, however, can be foot-stomping romps through the country backside a la Johnny Cash and Fleet Foxes.
What makes it awesome?
Americana outfits a song or band for basically every mood, whether you’re more in the laze-around-on-the-front-porch mindset, or you really want to rock out country style. Americana has also seen massive exposure on the mainstream circuit lately through hits from artists like the Avett Brothers, Deer Tick and Blitzen Trapper. Americana music experiments with various combinations of blues and rock while maintaining strong ties to a backwoods songwriting sound. Its artists also make for incredible live shows full of energy and movement, and several artists have been featured at big-ticket music festivals like Sasquatch! and Bonnaroo. Fast-paced or lulling, Americana is a world all its own, and a track by any of its artists will have you lost in the music and toe-tapping to the beat before too long.
The Best in the Biz:
Drive-By Truckers: Well-known on the local and national music scene, Drive-By Truckers are deep Southerners who came together in the late ’90s to deliver a message of rootsy rock through a blend of guitars and bass. The Truckers originally got their start in Athens, Ga., before signing to a major record label. Their sound holds qualities of multiple genres that identify strongly with both Southern rock and Americana. Their self-released double album “Southern Rock Opera,” dropped in 2001 to high praise from fans and critics alike, touting their Lynyrd Skynyrd-esque brand of rock as the next big thing in music. Since then, the band has seen numerous lineup changes but has still enjoyed success on the tour circuit as well as through other various album releases.
Willie Nelson: Almost everyone is familiar with this long-haired country boy from Texas, and he’s been an icon on the music scene since the late 1950s. Nelson has amassed fans across the globe, drawing in crowds from both the rock and country families to his homespun, easygoing sound. Nelson has even developed his own distinct brand of country music, labeled “outlaw country,” and has worked with other Americana greats like Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Nelson is known best for his jam-packed live shows that feature everything from his old-school classics to newer material. Nelson plays at various music festivals throughout the year and has performed and created a music video with rap icon Snoop Dogg.
Where to get it:
Americana albums are available in almost every record store and can usually be found in their own section. However, rarities and odd cuts are more often found online with a little digging.