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Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Author: Will Houk
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Roots, Rednecks, and Radicals is a podcast covering the world of alternative and independent music. Whether it's alt-country, indie rock, or something in between I bring you the best in what's happening and what's been. Featuring interviews with artists, in-depth music reviews and analysis, I keep you current on what's happening in music.
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I've got 5 more songs for you that I'm diggin' this month! Lucinda Williams, Mitski, Ecca Vandal, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth) all have new music out and I wanted to bring these songs to you. They cover a range of styles from alt-country to indie rock and they are all great. I hope you dig it!
This is the first episode in a series I plan on doing on protest music. Decades ago Woody Guthrie wrote a song that told the story of Tom Joad from Grapes of Wrath. After that Bruce Springsteen wrote an interpolation of Guthrie's song, and not long after that Rage Against The Machine covered Bruce's song in their own style. The story of Tom Joad still resonates today, and I wanted to share the history of this American classic. I hope you dig it!
Lots of good music to go over with you this month. As always I try and keep you up to date on what's happening in the world of Indie/Alternative music. And I have some fun ones for you today. From jangly indie, to honky-tonking country this is what is tickling my fancy currently. As always, I hope you dig it!
Justin Townes Earle passed away nearly six years ago. His death came as a shock to the roots music community. The son of Steve Earle was a bright shining star in the world of songwriters. Sammy Brue was a huge fan, and he's written a touching and heartfelt album dedicated to Justin's memory. He joins me on the show today to discuss this album.
These two folk artists have made an incredible piece of art. It came out at the end of last year, and it's been on repeat in my headphones for awhile now. I've always loved to socially conscious lyrics of Woody Guthrie and this album feels like the best parts of what he was doing decades ago. I hope you dig it!
MJ Lenderman and Waxahatchie (Katie Crutchfiled) have both had an amazing last few years. They've worked with each other, and played in either Wednesday or Snocaps, both bands that have been garnering a ton of attention lately. I wanted to share some of their tunes with you, I hope you dig it!
I feel like this year gave us some incredible music from a variety of artists. I wanted to share with you some of the bands and songwriters that were on repeat for me this year. We'll be talking about Tyler Childers, Margo Price, Nathan Evans Fox, Wednesday, Turnstile, Scowl, Lucy Dacus and Jay Som. I hope you dig it!
I have loved this movie since I was a little kid. It's campy, and honestly kinda bad but in the best way possible. The songs are fun, the puppets are bad, but the nostalgia lives on. I hope I can inspire you to make this classic a part of your Christmas tradition!
Rob Reiner was an incredible director and genuinely hilarious. He passed away this week under really tragic circumstances. But the art he left us with will live on. This Is Spinal Tap is one of the funniest movies ever made in my opinion. So I wanted to share some of its best moments with you. RIP Rob Reiner. You were a genius.
I have been a fan of Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell for over a decade now. Like many others I was surprised to hear about their divorce. And it's never easy to deal with something like that in the public eye. This album, produced by Shooter Jennings, takes a look into her heartbreak, and what it's like to rebuild after a difficult breakup.
I've been a big fan of Billy Strings for quite a while now. I've also always loved NPR's Tiny Desk Concert, and I was stoked to see that Billy was on the show. Join me for a quick breakdown of his Tiny Desk conert!
Silvana Estrada is a Mexican folk musician with an incredible voice. I saw a video of her playing NPR's Tiny Desk Concert and it blew me away. This album is full of intimate and paired down songs that get to the core of her emotional delivery. I hope you dig it!
Brandi Carlile has been one of my favorite singers for some time now. Her voice is genuine and honest. I was a bit disappointed in her last couple of releases, and I was excited to see she has a new album out. The first in four years. And this album does not disappoint! This week we take a look at this album produced by herself along with Aaron Desner, Aaron Wait, and Justing Vernon (Bon Iver).
I have another playlist for you! This one focuses on modern alt-country that has been making waves. In this episode we listen to Tyler Childers, Margo Price, Brandi Carlile, Jeff Tweedy, and Brennan Leigh. All incredible artists with really fun music out in the world. I hope you dig it!
Todd Snider was an open and free artist. He lived his life as a troubadour, a vagabond, and a real creative soul. It's impossible list all of the people he influenced with his songs, but rest assured the number is incredibly high. In 2020 right before the COVID shutdown I interviewed him for a show he was supposed to play in Tahoe. That never happened, but I held on to the files and published it later.
I wanted to put this out in the world again in honor of Todd and his incredible life. RIP Todd. And shine on you crazy diamond!
I thought it would be fun to make a few playlists and share them with y'all! You can find it on Spotify, and it has a ton of new great music that I'm sure you're gonna dig. Today we take a look at new music from Lucy Dacus, Bahamas, Tropa Magica, Neko Case, and Jay Som. All great stuff I know you'll like.
I met Max Gomez at a show he played in my hometown. It was a solo acoustic show, and I was really blown away by his songs. They have a casual, and intimate feel. I knew I wanted to have him on my show and we finally worked out a time in his busy touring schedule. His songwriting incorporates some of the best elements of folk and country music. He weaves tales, explores heartbreak, and leaves you with a keen sense of the subjects in his songs. We had a great chat about his news album which is out now. You should go listen to it. After you enjoy this podcast. I hope you dig it!
The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass Moca) is starting a record label aimed at developing artists, focusing on creativity, and giving exposure to musicians who are creating under-appreciated art. The first record on this new label came out last Friday. The Kasawambwe Brothers of Malawi recorded this album with help from Mass Moca. I spoke to Harlan Steinberger who runs a studio in Los Angeles called Hen House Studio. He's worked with artists like Willie Nelson and Sunny War, and has been recording music for decades. I had the chance to speak with him about this exciting new project, and what's in store for the future of Mass Moca Records. I hope you dig it!
Man, I just love the Fall. The weather is changing. It's getting chilly outside. And best of all Halloween is on the way! I put together a playlist of music I think you'll dig if you're into this time of year as much as I am. Join me as we listen to some of the best music for the best time of year!



