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Americana music

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Americana
Stylistic origins
Cultural originsMid 19th century – early 20th century,Southern United States
Derivative forms
Local scenes
United States

Americana(also known asAmerican roots music)[1]is an amalgam ofAmerican musicformed by the confluence of the shared and varied traditions that make up the musicalethosof the United States of America, with particular emphasis on music historically developed in theAmerican South.

Definition

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The term "Americana music" was defined by theAmericana Music Association(AMA) in 2020 as "…the rich threads ofcountry,folk,blues,soul,bluegrass,gospel,androckin our tapestry. "[2]A previous 2016 AMA definition of the genre includedrhythm and blues,with additional comments that Americana music results "in a distinctive roots-oriented sound that lives in a world apart from the pure forms of the genres upon which it may draw. While acoustic instruments are often present and vital, Americana also often uses a full electric band."[3]

History

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Prehistory: Roots music

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The origins of Americana music can be traced back to the early 20th century, when rural American musicians began incorporating elements of folk, blues, and country music into their songs.[4]Americana musicians often played acoustic instruments such as theguitar,banjo,fiddle,andupright bass,and their songs typically told stories about the struggles and hardships of everyday life.[5]

Folk music revival

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Pete Seegerin 1955

The American folk music revival began during the 1940s and peaked in popularity in the mid-1960s. The folk revival in New York City was rooted in the resurgent interest insquare dancingand folk dancing there in the 1940s as espoused by instructors such asMargot Mayo,which gave musicians such asPete Seegerpopular exposure.[6][7][8]The folk revival more generally as a popular and commercial phenomenon begins with the career ofThe Weavers,formed in November 1948 byPete Seeger,Lee Hays,Fred Hellerman,andRonnie GilbertofPeople's Songs,of which Seeger had been president and Hays executive secretary.

The Kingston Trio,a group originating on the West Coast, were directly inspired by the Weavers in their style and presentation and covered some of the Weavers' material, which was predominantly traditional. The Kingston Trio's popularity would be followed by that ofJoan Baez,whose debut albumJoan Baezreached the top ten in late 1960 and remained on the Billboard charts for over two years. It was not long before the folk-music category came to include less traditional material and more personal and poetic creations by individual performers, who called themselves "singer-songwriters". As a result of the financial success of high-profile commercial folk artists, record companies began to produce and distribute records by a new generation of folk revival and singer-songwritersPhil Ochs,Tom Paxton,Eric von Schmidt,Buffy Sainte-Marie,Dave Van Ronk,Judy Collins,Tom Rush,Fred Neil,Gordon Lightfoot,Billy Ed Wheeler,John Denver,John Stewart,Arlo Guthrie,Harry Chapin,andJohn Hartford,among others.

Some of this wave had emerged from family singing and playing traditions, and some had not. These singers frequently prided themselves on performing traditional material in imitations of the style of the source singers whom they had discovered, frequently by listening toHarry Smith's celebrated LP compilation of forgotten or obscure commercial 78rpm "race" and "hillbilly" recordings of the 1920s and 30s, the FolkwaysAnthology of American Folk Music(1951). A number of the artists who had made these old recordings were still very much alive and had been "rediscovered" and brought to the 1963 and 64Newport Folk Festivals.For example, traditionalistClarence Ashleyintroduced folk revivalists to the music of friends of his who still actively played the older music, such asDoc WatsonandThe Stanley Brothers.

Emergence of folk rock

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In the 1950s and 1960s, folk revival music began to evolve and incorporate elements of rock and roll and other popular music styles. Artists such asBob Dylanandthe Byrdsbegan blending traditional folk and country music with electric guitars and drums, creating a new sound that came to be known asfolk rock.[4]

Joan BaezandBob Dylanin 1963

On January 20, 1965, the Byrds enteredColumbia StudiosinHollywoodto record Bob Dylan's acoustic tune "Mr. Tambourine Man" for release as their debut single on Columbia. The full, electric rock band treatment that the Byrds and producerTerry Melcherhad given the song effectively created the template for the musical subgenre offolk rock.[9][10]McGuinn's melodic, jangling 12-string Rickenbacker guitar playing—which was heavilycompressedto produce an extremely bright andsustainedtone—was immediately influential and has remained so to the present day. The single also featured another major characteristic of the band's sound: their clearharmony singing,which usually featured McGuinn and Clark inunison,with Crosby providing the high harmony.[11]Additionally, Richie Unterberger has stated that the song's abstract lyrics took rock and pop songwriting to new heights; never before had such intellectual and literary wordplay been combined with rock instrumentation by a popular music group.[12]

Within three months "Mr. Tambourine Man"had become the first folk rock smashhit,[13]reaching number one on both the U.S.BillboardHot 100chart and theUK Singles Chart.[14][15]The single's success initiated the folk rock boom of 1965 and 1966, during which a number of Byrds-influenced acts had hits on the American and British charts.[12]The term "folk rock" was itself coined by the American music press to describe the band's sound in June 1965, at roughly the same time as "Mr. Tambourine Man" peaked at number 1 in the U.S.[16][17]

The commercial success of the Byrds'cover versionof Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" and their debutalbumof the same name,along with Dylan's own recordings with rock instrumentation—on the albumsBringing It All Back Home(1965),Highway 61 Revisited(1965), andBlonde on Blonde(1966)—encouraged other folk acts, such asSimon & Garfunkel,to use electric backing on their records and new groups, such asBuffalo Springfield,to form. Dylan's controversial appearance at theNewport Folk Festivalon July 25, 1965, where he wasbacked by an electric band,was also a pivotal moment in the development of the genre.

Emergence of alternative country

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Exene CervenkaandJohn Doeduring anXconcert in 1983

In the 1990s the term alternative country, paralleling alternative rock, began to be used to describe a diverse group of musicians and singers operating outside the traditions and industry of mainstream country music. Many eschewed the increasingly polished production values and pop sensibilities of theNashville-dominated industry for a morelo-fisound, frequently infused with a strong punk androck and rollaesthetic. Alternative country drew on traditional American country music, the music of working people, preserved and celebrated by practitioners such asWoody Guthrie,Hank Williams,andThe Carter Family,often cited as major influences.[18]Another major influence wascountry rock,the result of fusing country music with a rock & roll sound. The artist most commonly thought to have originated country rock isGram Parsons(who referred to his sound as "Cosmic American Music" ), althoughMichael Nesmith,Steve Earle[19]andGene Clarkare frequently identified as important innovators.[20]The third factor waspunk rock,which supplied an energy andDIY attitude.[19]

Attempts to combine punk and country had been pioneered byNashville'sJason and the Scorchers,and in the 1980s Southern Californiancowpunkscene with bands likethe Long Ryders[21]andX,[22]and the Minneapolis-based bandthe Jayhawks.X signed with major labelElektrain 1982 and releasedUnder the Big Black Sun,which marked a departure from their trademark sound. While still fast and loud, with raw punk guitars, the album displayed evolving country leanings. The Scorchers released their debut,D.I.Y.EP,Reckless Country Soul,in 1982 on the independent Praxis label. But these styles merged fully inUncle Tupelo's 1990 LPNo Depression,which is widely credited as being the first "alt-country" album, and gave its name to the online notice board and eventuallymagazinethat underpinned the movement.

Formation of Americana Music Association

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In the 1990s and 2000s, Americana music underwent a resurgence in popularity, as a new generation of artists began incorporating elements of traditional American music into their songs. Artists such asWilco,Lucinda Williams,andGillian Welchhelped to popularise a new style of Americana music that blended elements of rock, folk, country, and blues.[23][24]

Rolling Stonenotes that

"Americana" first came to fashion as a descriptive musical phrase in the mid-Nineties, when a group of radio promoters and industry outsiders dispersed throughout Nashville, California and Texas sought to carve out a distinct marketplace for a wave of traditionally minded songwriters like Guy Clark, Darrell Scott and Jim Lauderdale, artists whose work was no longer being served by a country music industry riding high on Garth Brooks and Shania Twain.[25]

This new style of music reflected a renewed interest in traditional American music forms, and it helped to establish Americana music as a distinct and important genre in its own right.

The Americana Music Association, a not-for-profit trade organization advocating forAmerican Roots Musicaround the world, was formed in 1999.[26]It is a network for Americana artists, radio stations, record labels, publishers, and others with the goal of developing an infrastructure that will boost visibility and economic viability.

The Lumineersperforming in 2023

The 2010s saw several musical groups connected with Americana music finding their way on to the Billboard charts. Bands likeMumford and Sons,The LumineersandThe Avett Brothershelped bring contemporary Americana to more people than ever before. Their popularity as artists took the genre (which was somewhat of a niche, in the shadow of country and rock) and made it mainstream.[27]

In 2011, the genre was officially inducted into theMerriam-Websterdictionary.[28]

Expansion of definition

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In modern times, Americana music continues to evolve and expand, as new generations of artists continue to draw inspiration from the rich history and cultural traditions of the United States. The instrumentation of Americana music continues to be characterized by acoustic guitars, fiddles, banjos, mandolins, and harmonicas, as well as electric guitars and drums. The genre remains deeply rooted in the cultural and social landscape of the United States, and it continues to reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people.

In recent years, the genre has incorporated more influences from blues, R&B, and soul, in addition to the country and folk elements that have always been prominent. In 2017Rolling Stonepublished an article claiming that Americana was having an "identity crisis," which focused on changing definitions and efforts to promote ethnic diversity in the genre.

In 2014, traditional country musician Dale Watson formed the Ameripolitan Music Awards, focused on the genres ofhonky tonk,outlaw,Western swing,androckabilly,on the premise that these genres can no longer be properly categorized as country or Americana, thus necessitating the creation of a new term, "Ameripolitan".

Radio format

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The radio station laying the best claim to the Americana radio format origins is KFAT in Gilroy, California, active from mid-1975 to January 1983, as described in the bookFat Chance,[29]authored by Gilbert Klein in 2016 and published by MainFramePress.com. KFAT was succeeded by KHIP in Hollister CA, KPIG in Freedom CA, and Fat 99 KPHT-LP in Laytonville CA. Though some[who?]say Americana as aradioformat had its origins in 1984 onKCSN( "college radio" ) in Northridge, California, but that did not happen until after KFAT, Gilroy went off the air when it was sold and the format changed.

Mark Humphrey, a contributor to country/folkFretsmagazine, hosted a weekly radio show called "Honky Tonk Amnesia" which played "country, folk, honky tonk, cajun, dawg, blues, and old-time music", a combination that the country music station KCSN advertised as "Americana".[30]The format came into its own in the mid-1990s as a descriptive phrase used by radio promoters and music industry figures for traditionally-oriented songwriters and performers.

Americana type radio shows can be heard on a variety of non commercial radio stations.

Instrumentation

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The acoustic guitar is perhaps the most essential instrument in Americana music. It is often used to provide the rhythmic foundation of a song, as well as to accompany vocals and other instruments.[31]In Americana music, the acoustic guitar is often playedfingerstyle,which produces a warm and organic sound that is perfect for the genre's earthy, rootsy feel.[32]

The banjo is a distinctive and essential instrument in Americana music.[33]Its bright, twangy sound is instantly recognizable and often associated withAppalachianandbluegrass musicalso. Banjos are often played using a technique calledclawhammer,which involves striking the strings with the back of the fingernail.[34]The banjo adds a unique texture to Americana music, and its intricate, fast-paced playing can create a driving rhythm that propels a song forward.

The mandolin is a small, stringed instrument that is commonly used infolkand bluegrass music. Its bright, high-pitched sound adds a distinctive flavor to Americana music, and its fast, intricate playing can create a lively and upbeat feel. Mandolins are often played using a technique calledtremolo,which involves rapidly picking the strings to create a sustained, shimmering sound.[35]

The fiddle is a traditional stringed instrument that is often used in Americana music.[36]Its versatile sound can create both slow, mournful melodies and fast, lively rhythms. Fiddles are often played using a technique called "sawing," which involves rapidly moving the bow back and forth across the strings to create a driving rhythm.[37]Fiddles can add a haunting quality to Americana music and can create a sense of nostalgia and longing.

Use in Canada

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Despite the genre's most common name, it is not practiced solely by artists from the United States, as numerous artists from Canada are also prominent in the genre.[38]Canadian bands in the genre will sometimes be referred to asCanadianarather than Americana in Canadian media,[39]although this is not a widely recognized synonym elsewhere. A Norwegian scene is often referred to asNordicana.[40]

See also

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References

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  1. ^Widner, Ellis (July 16, 2017)."Bramletts gave root to Americana".Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.Archivedfrom the original on January 25, 2021.RetrievedJuly 17,2019.
  2. ^Americana Music Association:Foundation.Archivedfrom the original on June 8, 2020.
  3. ^"What Is Americana".Americana Music Association. March 21, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on December 3, 2021.RetrievedDecember 3,2021.
  4. ^abChilton, Martin (May 4, 2022)."Americana: How Country And Roots Music Found A" Brand New Dance "".uDiscoverMusic.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  5. ^"Americana Music Guide: A Brief History of Americana".Masterclass.June 8, 2021.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  6. ^Szwed, John,Alan Lomax: The Man who Recorded Music,Penguin, 2010. Cf.p.144:"Margot Mayo was a Texan who pioneered folk music in New York and spearheaded the revival of folk dancing and square dancing there in the 1940s"
  7. ^Cf. Cantwell, Robert,When We Were Good(1996),pp. 110, 253.
  8. ^ "To Hear Your Banjo Play",film short, 1947 with Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Sonny Terry, Margot Mayo's American Square Dance Group and others. Written by Alan Lomax and narrated by Pete Seeger.
  9. ^Hoffmann, Frank. (2004).Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound(2nd ed.). Routledge. p. 148.ISBN0-415-93835-X.
  10. ^Unterberger, Richie."Folk Rock: An Overview".Richieunterberger.com.Archivedfrom the original on November 9, 2013.RetrievedMarch 15,2010.
  11. ^Connors, Tim."Mr. Tambourine Man".ByrdWatcher: A Field Guide to the Byrds of Los Angeles. Archived fromthe originalon January 11, 2010.RetrievedMay 31,2010.
  12. ^abUnterberger, Richie. (2002).Turn! Turn! Turn!: The '60s Folk-Rock Revolution.Backbeat Books. p.107.ISBN0-87930-703-X.
  13. ^Dean, Maury. (2003).Rock 'n' Roll Gold Rush: A Singles Un-Cyclopedia.Algora Publishing. p. 200.ISBN0-87586-207-1.
  14. ^Whitburn, Joel.(2008).Top Pop Singles 1955–2006.Record Research Inc. p. 130.ISBN978-0-89820-172-7.
  15. ^Brown, Tony. (2000).The Complete Book of the British Charts.Omnibus Press. p. 130.ISBN0-7119-7670-8.
  16. ^Unterberger, Richie. (2002).Turn! Turn! Turn!: The '60s Folk-Rock Revolution.Backbeat Books. p.133.ISBN0-87930-703-X.
  17. ^Rogan, Johnny. (1998).The Byrds: Timeless Flight Revisited(2nd ed.). Rogan House. pp. 83–87.ISBN0-9529540-1-X.
  18. ^G Smith,Singing Australian: a History of Folk and Country Music(Melbourne: Pluto Press Australia, 2005),ISBN1-86403-241-3,p. 134.
  19. ^abK. Wolff and O. Duane, eds,Country Music: the Rough Guide(London: Rough Guides, 2000),ISBN1-85828-534-8,p. 396.
  20. ^M. Demming,"Gene Clark: biography",Allmusic,May 3, 2014.
  21. ^W. C. Malone,Country Music, U.S.A.(Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, 2nd edn., 2002),ISBN0-292-75262-8,p. 451.
  22. ^Fechik, Mariel (May 7, 2020)."Interview: X's Exene Cervenka on LA Punk Legends' Return & New AlbumALPHABETLAND".Atwood Magazine.RetrievedMay 8,2020.
  23. ^Johnson, Martin (October 11, 2022)."AUK's Top 10 Americana Albums of the 21st Century: Number 9 – Gillian Welch" Time (The Revelator) "(2001)".Americana UK.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  24. ^DeVille, Bill (May 1, 2022)."All '90s Americana".The Current.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  25. ^"Inside the Americana Genre's Identity Crisis".Rolling Stone.September 13, 2017.
  26. ^"Americana Board of Directors Revise Mission Statement, Appoint Executive Committee And Set Goals For Future Growth".Archived fromthe originalon August 9, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 16,2013.
  27. ^Bernstein, Jonathan (December 20, 2019)."How Americana Went Mainstream in the 2010s".Rolling Stone.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  28. ^Andrews, Amanda (August 25, 2011)."Now That's Americana: Merriam Webster adds Americana to Dictionary".Nashville Music Guide.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  29. ^Klein, Gilbert (November 2016).Fat Chance.Main Frame Press.ISBN978-0-9856790-0-2.
  30. ^"Honky Tonk Amnesia".Frets.Vol. 6. 1984. p. 50.
  31. ^"The Acoustic Guitar In Country Music".Fuelrocks.com.September 26, 2022.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  32. ^"History Of American Fingerstyle Guitar and Great Musicians Who Made It Happen".UltimateGuitar.com.2017.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  33. ^Sabatella, Matthew."Banjo: A Brief History".Ballad of America.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  34. ^Witt, Lawrence (June 29, 2017)."What is Clawhammer Banjo?".Deering.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  35. ^"mandolin – musical instrument".Britannica.Archivedfrom the original on March 6, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  36. ^"fiddle – lute".Britannica.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  37. ^"Fiddling Techniques – Bowing Down Home".Bowingdownhome.ca.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2023.RetrievedMarch 4,2023.
  38. ^Annie Zaleski,"25 Country and Americana artists you might not know are Canadian"ArchivedMarch 3, 2020, at theWayback Machine.The Boot,September 5, 2018.
  39. ^Lee Zimmerman,Americana Music: Voices, Visionaries, and Pioneers of an Honest Sound,Texas A&M University Press,2019.ISBN9781623497019.Chapter 48, "The Sadies Look South".
  40. ^Martin, Taylor."Nordicana: The Genre You Wish You Knew".areweeurope.com.Archivedfrom the original on May 15, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 1,2021.
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