Roots, Rednecks, and Radicals

Hey all! This is the latest episode in my series on how the Girlies are taking over different genres. We started with Americana, the Pop, and now Punk! I've been super impressed with how many women led punk bands have been killing it. This week we take a look at Bikini Kill, Amyl and the Sniffers, The Linda Lindas, BABYMETAL, Hanabie, Destroy Boys, Scowl, Mannequin Pussy, and a local favorite of mine Worm Shot. I hope you dig it and go check these bands out! They're so good! 

Hey all! Today is Cinco de Mayo and I wanted to republish this episode I did a number of years back. Hope you dig it!    This is the first installment in a new series I'll be doing on the show. I've been intrigued with the history of Mexican music for a number of years now. I decided to take a deep dive into the fascinating history of the music, the instruments, and the people who make this incredible music. Along the way I discovered all sorts of fascinating things like the influence of European styles of music, the working class and folk music roots of the styles, as well as a ton of great tunes. I hope you enjoy this series and learn something new. There is a plethora of music to explore, so join me on this journey into the history of Mexican Music!    If you are interested in learning more here are a few resources I found to be helpful.    The Texas-Mexican Conjunto: History of a Working-class Music by Manuel Pena https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Mexican-Conjunto-Working-class-American-Monographs/dp/029278080X  Smithsonian Folkways Que Viva la Musica Latina! https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Mexican-Conjunto-Working-class-American-Monographs/dp/029278080X   NY Times "Where Mexican Folk Ballads Meet Trap Music."  https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/16/style/trapcorridos-chicano-los-angeles.html

Melody Walker has been making a name for herself in Nashville over the last few years as a go-to songwriter. She first came on to my radar with her work with Molly Tuttle on her album "Crooked Tree." And just recently she was honored with a Grammy for co-writing the song "American Dreaming" with Sierra Ferrell. That song was one of my favorites last year. I wanted to chat with her about the craft, and what it's like being a woman in the music industry. We had a great long conversation about her journey and all of her projects going on. Including BERTHA a Grateful Dead Drag Band. I hope you dig it! 

Over the last decade or so there has been a hollowing out of money for musicians in the music industry. Streaming services like Spotify have siphoned off record sales, and touring is no longer viable for many musicians. What are they left to do? Ford Goodman thinks he has one solution that may be helpful. He started an organization that brings artists to areas that they often wouldn't come to, and makes sure they are well taken care of financially. We had a great conversation about what he's doing in Northern Nevada, and why it might work throughout the country.  Check out his organization For The Song here: https://www.forthesong.com/  

The last few years have been pretty wild when it comes to the influence of women in music. In the world of Pop, Taylor Swift led the way with her Eras Tour. But there were so many others out there making incredible music and changing the face of pop. Sabrina Carpetner has developed her own sense of who she is. And Chappell Roan is bringing Drag to the masses with her makeup and stage performances. It's really a cool time for pop music, and in this episode we take a look at these three artists and their art! 

Kendrick Lamar put on one of the greatest halftime performances I've ever seen. And as we wrap up Black History Month, I take a look at the symbolism and meaning in this incredible show! 

TopHouse is a folk/roots music band from the great state of Montana! Well, they live in Nashville now but their roots in the beautiful state are very evident on this new record. The band blends folk, bluegrass, Americana, and Western motifs into their sound and create style all their own. Their new EP is a follow up to a release from last year finishing up a look into the idea of Theory vs Practice. The record sounds great and I'm excited to bring you this conversation. Hope you dig it! 

It's Black History Month and I wanted to bring you some of the best shows I've done about contributions to roots music from Black musicians. I did this interview last year with Gangstagrass, an incredible band that blends elements of roots music with hip hop. We had a great conversation, these guys were a blast to talk to. So brilliant. Here you go, I hope you dig it! 

It's Black History Month and this month we'll be taking a look at contributions to roots music by Black musicians. I spoke with Dom Flemons a few years ago at the Father's Day Bluegrass Festival. He sat down with me and chatted about roots music, the banjo, Mexican music and all sorts of fun things. Dom has an incredible catalog of music that includes his album Black Cowboys that takes a look at the contributions of Black musicians to Western Culture. I loved chatting with him, hope you dig it! 

The history and culture of the West is alive and well. There has been a resurgence over the last few decades of artists throughout the West celebrating Cowboy Culture. It is much more diverse and fascinating than many people think. Poetry, music, storytelling, saddle making, it's incredible what there is to see. The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is a place where artists of the West gather each year to share this diverse culture, and that's where I became familiar with Andy and Brenn. I got to sit down with them before a show in Reno last year to chat with them about this topic and I bring it to you this week! 

I had an idea last week that I'd really like to use this podcast to connect with people on a human level. So I made a video and put it on my social media. I told all the people who interacted with that would get mentioned in a special "shoutout" episode of my podcast. So here it is! Thanks to everyone who listens, and follows along with me on this journey. I genuinely appreciate it. I plan on doing this again, I thought it was fun. Hope you dig it! 

What goes into the making of a folk hero? There has been a lot of discussion about the killing of a United Healthcare CEO and Luigi Mangione. There is a history of making figures like this into folk heroes through music. Jesse James is a great example. Woody Guthrie and other sang about him. And now the same thing is happening with Luigi. Today we take a look at this phenomenon and what goes into the making of a folk hero. 

Last week we took a look at modern Americana/Roots artists who are changing the game. The list was too long to fit them into one episode! So this week we're taking a look at another group of insanely talented women. This week all the artists were featured in a group called Our Native Daughters which is made up of black women banjo players. Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Allison Russell, and Leyla McCalla. Join me as we take a look at this incredible players who are changing the game! 

I've been noticing a trend over the last few years, women in music are absolutely killing it! I wanted to do a breakdown of the women I see making incredible music and changing the game in their own ways. This is the first part of two episodes I'll be doing on the world of Americana and Folk music. Today we take a look at Sierra Ferrell, Amanda Shires, Molly Tuttle, and Margo Price. I hope you dig it! 

The new biopic of Bob Dylan is out and people are once again talking about him. However I wonder, does he get more credit than he really deserves? With so many other incredible folk artists, why is he the only one we talk about? Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Ramblin' Jack, there are so many. So why does he get all the credit? And why is he venerated like a saint? Join me as I take a look at this question! 

There has been so much good music this year. Beyonce, Waxahatchee, Sierra Ferrell. So many great artists put out records. So join me for a breakdown of the best music of this last year. Happy New Year y'all! 

Emmitt Otter's Jugband Christmas is a certified banger of a Christmas movie. I've been watching this since I was a kid, it's one of my favorite movies to watch in the Christmas season. Enjoy my breakdown of this holiday favorite that has all the feels. 

Dolly Parton has had a one-of-a-kind career. She recently put out a record that explores her families vast musical legacy on this release. It's an incredible look into her family history. Any fan of Dolly is going to love this record. I take a deep dive on this episode and explore Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain DNA! 

This is part two of my series on Tom Petty's Wildflowers. The album turns 30 this year and it is every bit as relevant today as when it came out. Just a absolute classic record. On this episode I take a look at the second half of the album and explore it's incredible tunes. Enjoy! 

An hour of classic and current roots music. Enjoy! 

30 years ago I fell in love with the album Wildflowers by Tom Petty. It is an album with so many layers. It hits on a ton of different styles and genres, has great lyricism, and has stood the test of time as a classic album. Since it turns 30 this month I wanted to take a look at this absolute banger of an album. Part two will be out next week! 

This is a rebroadcast of an interview I did with Amanda Shires about her song "The Problem." I spoke with her about it when the song came out, and as we approach the 2024 presidential election it just felt pertinent again. I wanted to put this out there so people can hear what Amanda has to say on this topic. I find her perspective to be illuminating. She has a gentle heart, and she's a very empathetic person. And I just love how she deals with this polarizing topic in this song. It's humanizing, and is a much needed perspective on this issue. So please enjoy this great conversation on a very difficult topic. 

Karrina Ferris is the current Miss Nevada and she'll be competing in the Miss USA competition at the beginning of next year. She was student of mine a few years ago, and I had her in the studio to chat about what she's doing and her future plans. We also listened to some music. Nora Jones, Tyler Childers, and Taylor Swift. It was a great conversation, I hope yo enjoy it! 

Abigail Austin Lucas is a songwriter who has been in the game for over twenty years now. She's toured with acts like Chuck Ragan, Ben Nichols (Lucero) and Cory Branan. She has a great knack at lyricism, and writing evocative songs. I teamed up with Kim Cook from the Reno Punk Flea Market and the Worst Little Podcast to speak with this incredible musician. I hope you dig it! 

Fall is in the air, it's my favorite time of the year! I love Halloween and all the music that comes with it. In this episode we take a look at five of my favorite Halloween songs. I hope you dig it! 

What can you see about this legendary artist that hasn't already been said? Booker T and the MGs recorded Green Onions in the early 1960s, and his career after that is absolutely astounding. We talked about working with Willie Nelson, his classic organ tones, and of course his incredible music catalog. Enjoy! 

The legendary artists Kris Kristofferson passed away last weekend. He was an incredible songwriter, a dear friend of Johnny Cash, and member of the Highwaymen. He wrote so many incredible songs, and was always a voice for the voiceless. He will be dearly missed, I hope you enjoy this tribute to his legacy. 

Welcome to Roots Rednecks and Radicals, where we dive deep into the stories behind the music you love. I'm your host, Will Houk, and today we have an incredibly special guest who has been captivating audiences with her raw, emotive sound and storytelling prowess. She's a singer-songwriter whose unique blend of Americana, folk, and country has garnered rave reviews and a devoted fan base. Her latest album is a testament to her heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals, earning her a place as one of the most compelling voices in modern music. Please join me in welcoming the one and only India Ramey!

In this episode of Roots, Rednecks, and Radicals, we're diving into the captivating world of Fruition, a band that masterfully blends folk, Americana, and bluegrass into a unique soundscape. Known for their stunning three-part harmonies and infectious energy, Fruition brings a fresh twist to traditional music while staying true to its roots. Join us as we explore how their intricate harmonies and dynamic performances set them apart in the contemporary Americana scene, making them a standout act for fans of harmony-driven, genre-defying music.

In this episode of Roots Rednecks and Radicals we sit down with the evocative and soulful artist Tom Vandenavond, whose music captures the heart and spirit of classic Americana. With a rich blend of storytelling and melodies that pay homage to traditional roots while embracing contemporary influences like Rambling Jack Elliot, and John Prine,  Vandenavond has carved out a unique space in the genre. Join us as we delve into his creative process, explore the stories behind his most beloved tracks, and uncover the inspirations that drive his art. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this conversation promises a deeper appreciation of the artistry that defines Tom Vandenavond.            

Welcome to today's episode of Roots Rednecks and Radicals, where we dive deep into the heart of honky tonk with none other than country singer-songwriter Jesse Daniel. In this special interview, Jesse shares the stories and experiences that fuel his music, offering an inside look at his journey through the world of classic country and modern honky tonk. From his unique songwriting process to the road experiences that shape his sound, Jesse's genuine passion and down-to-earth charm are on full display. He also talks about writing a song for comedian Dusty Slay's Netflix special. Buckle up as we explore the soul behind the songs and discover what makes Jesse Daniel a standout star in today's country scene.

Jamie Lin Wilson is a songwriter who has deep roots in the songwriting tradition of Texas. So many incredible songwriters have roots there and her music reflects the best of those artists. Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, and so many other have had an influence on her songs. She also features the legendary Emmylou Harris on one of her songs. We talk all about that in today's episode. Hope you dig it! 

America is one of the greatest ideas the world has ever had. Founded on incredible values. However, our history is much more complicated than many people would like to admit. In this episode I take a look at the idea that dissent really is patriotic. And we should all be working towards a more perfect union where every person is respected and treated with dignity. 

In 2019 Rhiannon Giddens put together a group of all women Black banjo players and made an amazing album. The group was called Our Native Daughters and the album reflects on the history of the influence of Black musicians on American folk/roots music. 

All 5 of these artists have recent releases that are really incredible. Enjoy! 

Celebrating Black History month again with this weeks episode. Gangstagrass is a totally original group blending Hip Hop and Bluegrass in a way that stops you in your tracks. They have graced the stages of America's Got Talent, the Glastonbury Festival (right after Paul McCartney) and many other roots/rap festivals. We had a genuinely fun conversation about the roots of both of these styles of music, segregation in the music industry and much more. Enjoy! 

Hip Hop rarely gets described as Folk music, but the history of this musical genre is the story of working class people making music with the tools they have. They turned things like turntables, drum machines, and samplers into musical instruments that defined musical and cultural style. Folk music is music of the people, and Hip Hop/Rap are just that. Music by the working class, for the working class. Join me in a look at the development of the music, the instruments, and key figures who changed the world of music. 

I wanted to make sure and give some attention to some other artists who made incredibly music this year! Brent Cobb, Zach Bryan, Nick Shoulders, Hiss Golden Messenger, Molly Tuttle, Margo Price, Van Plating, Lukas Nelson, Colter Wall, Marty Stuart, Joy Olodakun, Cinder Wells, Dom Flemons, Blind Boys, Matt Andersen, and the Shootouts!