Daring to be different
There will always be artists that don't confirm to the norm. Such is the case with artists considered to be alt country or alternative country. They aren't contemporary, but more traditional, for the most part. Some even have a variety of influences. We'll break it down into sub-categories.
No Depression
This sub-category was based on country rock, and is filled with an edgier sound of electric guitars. Most bands release their music on small independent labels.
No Depression Music Suggestions:
The Jayhawks:
Wilco:
Call it Retro
Retro Country has lots of twang, and hails back to the pre-Nashville Sound days.
Retro Country Music Suggestions:
Junior Brown:
Big Sandy and his Fly Rite Boys
They sing, and they write
These singer/songwriters are very traditional sounding. They have a more acousticsound.
Singer/Songwriter Music Suggestions:
Lyle Lovett:
Steve Earle:
Bruce Robison:
Charlie Robison:
Kevin Welch:
Add a dose of culture
Some of the smaller sub-genres include Cajun, Conjunto, Tejano, and Zydeco music. Cajun music is the high-spirited, syncopated music of French-speaking Acadian people from the bayou region of southwest Louisiana. Conjunto originated in the Rio Grande Valley during the late 1800s, and blends Mexican folk music with polka and waltz rhythms. Tejano is based on traditional Mexican music. Zydeco is a hard-driving electric music that is part of both Cajun and Creole cultures. It is sung in French, and has a mixture of blues and African influences.
Cajun Music Suggestions:
Jimmy C. Newman:
Doug Kershaw:
Eddy Raven:
Conjunto Music Suggestions:
Flaco Jimenez:
Texas Tornadoes:
Tejano Music Suggestions:
Emilio:
Los Super Seven:
Zydeco Music Suggestions:
C.J. Chenier:
Buckwheat Zydeco:
