Roots, Rednecks, and Radicals

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Roots, Rednecks and Radicals is a weekly Americana/Folk music show. I play old Outlaw Counrty and new Alt-Country along with a diverse mix of Roots music from various eras.

Will Houk


    • May 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 308 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Roots, Rednecks, and Radicals

    The Girlies Are Taking Over: Punk! This week we take a look at Bikini Kill, Amyl and the Sniffers, The Linda Lindas and more!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 41:41


    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! 

    Roots Rewind: A White Guy Listens to Mexican Music Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 41:01


    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 talks songwriting with Sierra Ferrell, and Molly Tuttle. Also her plethora of projects including a Grateful Dead Drag Band!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 55:32


    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! 

    Is The Patronage Model The Way Forward For Musicians?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 28:18


    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 Girlies Are Taking Over! Pop Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 49:40


    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! 

    We Need To Talk About The Kendrick Lamar Halftime Show!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 26:00


    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 on the show today talking about their new EP!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 30:29


    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! 

    Celebrating Black History Month With Gangstagrass!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 40:41


    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! 

    Celebrating Black History Month With The American Songster Dom Flemons!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 48:46


    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! 

    Cowboy Poets Andy Hedges and Brenn Hill Talk the Music and Culture of The West!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 24:35


    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! 

    A Shoutout To My Listeners!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 5:34


    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! 

    Making of a Folk Hero: Jesse James and Luigi Mangione

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 28:06


    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. 

    The Girlies Are Taking Over: Americana Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 27:39


    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! 

    The Girlies Are Taking Over: Americana Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 21:48


    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! 

    Is Bob Dylan overrated? Today we take a look at the hype around Bob Dylan and whether or not it is well deserved.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 7:13


    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! 

    Best of 2024! On today's episode I do a breakdown of the best roots music of 2024. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 33:07


    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! 

    Roots Rewind: Emmit Otter's Jugband Christmas!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 23:29


    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 Explore her family history in Smoky Mountain DNA!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 14:31


    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! 

    Tom Petty's Wildflowers Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 26:41


    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! 

    Roots Rednecks Radicals Radio Show 11-13-24

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 59:49


    An hour of classic and current roots music. Enjoy! 

    Tom Petty's Wildflowers is 30 years old! Let's take a look at this unbelievable album!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 33:48


    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! 

    Best of: Amanda Shires joins me to talk about her song "The Problem" and women's reproductive health.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 26:16


    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. 

    Miss Nevada Karrina Ferris is on the show! It's Nevada Day and to celebrate I wanted to bring this conversation I had with her to you today.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 49:41


    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! 

    Singer Songwriter Abigail Austin Lucas is on the show! I had a great conversation with her and Kim Cook from the Reno Punk Flea Market.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 61:46


    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! 

    5 Songs I'm Digging: Spooky Season Edition! On today's episode we take a look at five of my favorite songs from the Halloween season. I hope you dig it!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 23:24


    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! 

    Booker T. Jones is on the show! He's worked with legends like Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and even won a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. Hope you dig it!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 16:01


    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! 

    Tribute to Kris Kristofferson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2024 31:42


    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. 

    India Ramey on her new album "Baptized by the Blaze!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 33:06


    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!

    Fruition: The Harmony of Tradition and Innovation in Modern Americana

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 37:35


    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.

    Echoes of Americana: An in-studio performance with singer-songwriter Tom Vandenavond!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 28:25


    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.            

    Jesse Daniel talks songwriting, writing a song for Dusty Slay's Netflix special, and his new album!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 19:14


    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.

    Singer Songwriter Jamie Lin Wilson talks about her Texas roots and artists like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt in her music. Also recording with Emmylou Harris and Sunny Sweeney!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 19:39


    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! 

    Lost Dog Street Band is on the show! They have a new album out that is incredible and I had a chance to chat with their frontman Benjamin Tod.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 68:23


    Dissent is Patriotic: A Fourth of July celebration of protest music featuring music from Woody Guthrie, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lavender Country and Che Apalache.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2024 30:36


    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. 

    A reflection on Juneteenth. In 1865 the Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in the US. Today we take a look at the album by Our Native Daughters.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 33:04


    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. 

    5 Songs I'm Diggin' Ep. 7! Today we take a look at new releases from Sarah Jarosz, Charley Crockett, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Boy Named Banjo and Waxahatchee. Hope you dig it!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 19:35


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

    Hip Hop is Folk Music Pt.2 Gangstagrass is on the show! This group blends hip hop with bluegrass emphasizing the working class root of both styles. We discuss the history of these genres and much more

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 41:03


    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 is Folk Music Part 1: To celebrate Black History Month we take a look at the development of Hip Hop through the lens of Folk music.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 43:10


    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. 

    5 Songs I'm Diggin' Vol. 6 today we take a look at new music from Sierra Ferrell, Black Pumas, Brent Cobb, Sarah Jarosz, and Van Plating. Enjoy!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 30:16


    Green Day's album "Dookie" turns 30 years old! It came out in February of 1994 and on this week we take a look at this classic album.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 35:47


    Ismay is an Indie-Folk singer/songwriter with deep roots in the Folk music community. Their music is introspective and insightful, and I have Ismay on the show today!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 32:51


    Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles was a tribute album that came out 30 years ago. The album featured some outstanding artists: Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn and Travis Tritt. Here's my look at it.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 32:34


    Amy Ray of Indigo Girls is on the show! We talk about the Barbie Movie, her collaborations with Brandi Carlile, Allison Russel, Sarah Jarosz, and Sarah Watkins and her group Amy Ray Band.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 30:49


    What makes a song great? Today we take a look at three classic tunes ”Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” by Willie Nelson ”Fancy” by Bobbi Gentry and ”The Joke” by Brandi Carlile.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 40:34


    Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway's City of Gold is a banger! Here's my review of her most recent album

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024 34:03


    My Best of 2023 breakdown! I take a look at Jason Isbell, Mitski, Tyler Childers, Billy Strings/Willie Nelson and Turnpike Troubadours. Also a shoutout to a bunch of great artists.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2023 28:53


    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!

    Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is a Christmas classic everyone needs to know about! Today I do a breakdown of this wholesome movie that should be on everyone's watchlist.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2023 23:29


    The Steel Woods are a hard driving country group who are always touring and putting out great music. I had a chance to catch up with Wes their lead singer and chat about their new album. Enjoy!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 31:58


    The Blind Boys of Alabama are one of the most celebrated Gospel acts in the country. They have a new album out that was nominated for 3 Grammys and I have them on the show today!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 9:14


    Spike McGuire talks opening for Amigio the Devil, Chuck Ragan, Cory Branan, and Willi Carlie. As well as his new album that is out now, and his project Loud as Folk. Enjoy!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 31:09


    The Thanksgiving/Gratitude Episode! We'll take a look at 3 artists I'm grateful for, Jason Isbell, Nirvana and Jerry Garcia/David Grisman. Enjoy!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2023 19:45


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