Americana music

Americana is American roots music based on the traditions of country. While the musical model can be traced back to the Elvis Presley marriage of hillbilly and R&B that birthed rock n roll, Americana as a radio format developed during the 1990's as a reaction to the highly polished sound that defined the mainstream music of that decade. By also including influences ranging from folk to bluegrass to blues and beyond, Americana handily bridges the gap between Triple A radio and mainstream country. Radio Research's study on Americana radio found the demographic profile of the listener to be predominantly male between the ages of 25-44, having 4+ years of college education, making over $40,000/year, and very active in purchasing cds and attending live concerts.

Much like its next of kin (alternative country-rock), Americana developed during the 1990s as a roots-oriented reaction to the slick commercial sounds that dominated mainstream country during the decade. But while alternative country-rock developed out of punk, alternative rock, and country itself, Americana sprung from less raw and edgy source material. In fact, much of what fell under the Americana umbrella was in fact a revival of dormant country styles, including Western swing and rockabilly. Though considered an alternative radio format, Americana did not break with country tradition; instead, it embraced it — something, ironically enough, that the music hitting the Nashville charts throughout the era did not do.

Alt. Country (also Americana, or American Roots) is Country music that is made and exists outside Country’s mainstream. It is not made or distributed by the Nashville industry and it does not get airplay on commercial Country radio. For the most part, Alt. Country is closer to its traditional roots than is more mainstream Country. Everything from the Indie Rock country of Palace and Wilco/Sun Volt/Uncle Tupelo to the twangy eclecticism of Lyle Lovett and K.D. Lang is classified as Alt.Country.

Now that is a more difficult question. I suspect it depends upon who you ask. I've heard it defined as

"American roots music based upon the traditions of country music."

The Americana Music Association says, "Americana music, by its nature, defies definition: lyrically-driven, blues, country, acoustic, Texas- and Latin-influenced, it's music deeply rooted in cultural traditions."

The All Music Guide says: Much like its next of kin (alternative country-rock), Americana developed during the 1990s as a roots-oriented reaction to the slick commercial sounds that dominated mainstream country during the decade. But while alternative country-rock developed out of punk, alternative rock, and country itself, Americana sprung from less raw and edgy source material. In fact, much of what fell under the Americana umbrella was in fact a revival of dormant country styles, including Western swing and rockabilly. Though considered an alternative radio format, Americana did not break with country tradition; instead, it embraced it — something, ironically enough, that the music hitting the Nashville charts throughout the era did not do.

"Americana" was established by the Gavin radio reporting organization as an alternative format for radio listeners turned off by the often pop-softened sounds of mainstream country radio. Americana married alt-country rock bands, traditional country honky-tonkers, twangin' (and frequently Texan) singer-songwriters with some edge, and a dollop of modern bluegrass.

My definition will be rather broad; some of you may feel it is too broad, but that is better than too narrow, isn't it? I don't claim to be an expert or hold some special knowledge, so if you think I've left out a band or artist who should be included, email me and tell me who, what, when, where, and why.
But since I cannot cover everything I've had to specialize, so do not look for any of these otherwise valid musical styles at this site: jazz, blues, hokum, conjunto, Tejano, Cajun, urban music, swing music, rock, jug band, international folk, or pop music.