5 Punk Rock Country Indie Music Bands You Need to Know
Contents
If you’re a fan of country music with a punk rock edge, then you’ll want to check out these five bands. From traditional country to outlaw country, these bands are making their mark on the music scene.
The Sadies
The Sadies are a great punk rock country indie music band that you need to know about. They have a unique sound that is a mix of country and punk rock. The Sadies have been around since 1994 and have released eight studio albums. They are a great band to listen to if you are a fan of punk rock or country music.
Band Members
The Sadies are a Canadian country-punk rock band, formed in 1994 in Toronto. The band is composed of brothers Dallas Good on guitar and vocals, Travis Good on guitar and keyboards, Sean Dean on bass, and Mike Belitsky on drums.
The Sadies have released twelve studio albums, the most recent being Northern Passages in 2017. They have also released two live albums, Favourite Colours in 2004 and Darker Circles in 2010. Their ninth studio album Internal Sounds was nominated for a Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year – Group in 2013.
The band has collaborated with numerous artists over the years including Neko Case, Kurt Vile, and Meat Puppets. They have also released an album of duets with Canadian singer-songwriter Isabel Campbell called Take Care Take Care Take Care which was nominated for a Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year in 2012.
Music Style
The Sadies – (5 Punk Rock Country Indie Music Bands You Need to Know)
The term “punk rock country” gets thrown around a lot these days, but what does it actually mean? In its simplest form, punk rock country is a fusion of two musical genres that, on the surface, couldn’t be more different. But when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that the two styles actually have a lot in common.
Both punk rock and country music are built on a DIY ethic. They’re both about rebellion against the establishment and standing up for the little guy. And they’re both genres that have been historically overshadowed by more popular music styles.
So if you’re a fan of either punk rock or country music, or if you’re just looking for something different, here are five punk rock country bands that you need to know.
1. The Sadies
The Sadies are a Canadian band that’s been making punk rock country music for over 20 years. They’ve released 12 albums, and their latest, Northern Passages, was nominated for a Grammy Award. The Sadies are known for their high energy live shows, and they’ve toured with everyone from Neil Young to Pulp.
2. The Reverend Horton Heat
The Reverend Horton Heat is an American band led by singer and guitarist Jim Heath. Their sound combines elements of punk rock, country, and psychobilly, and their songs often deal with topics like sex, drugs, and death. The Reverend Horton Heat has been around since 1985 and they’ve released 11 studio albums. They’re currently touring across America with Social Distortion.
3. Whitey Morgan and the 78’s
Whitey Morgan is an American singer-songwriter from Flint, Michigan. His band the 78’s play a brand of country music that’s influenced by both punk rock and classic country artists like Hank Williams Sr. Whitey Morgan has released four albums, and his latest record was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Rick Rubin.
4. Lucero
Lucero is an American band from Memphis, Tennessee that formed in 1998. Their sound blends elements of country, folk, rockabilly, soul, and punk rock. Lucero has released nine albums, including their most recent record All A Man Should Do in 2015. The band is currently touring across America with Social Distortion
5 Beach Slang
Beach Slang is an American punk rock band from Philadelphia formed in 2013 They’re known for their catchy melodies and emotional lyrics which often deal with topics like love loss addiction and recovery Their debut album Who Would Ever Want Anything So Broken was released in 2014 to critical acclaim Beach Slang is currently touring America with Squirrel Nut Zippers
Notable Songs
The Sadies have released several songs since their debut album in 1994. Some of their most notable songs include “The Good Years,” ” Another Year Again,” and “It’s Easy (To Cry at the Movies).” The Sadies are a punk rock country band from Toronto, Canada. They have released ten studio albums and have toured extensively throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Whitehorse
Band Members
The members of Whitehorse are Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland. Doucet is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Halifax, Nova Scotia. McClelland is a singer-songwriter from Toronto, Ontario. The duo met in 2010 and began making music together soon afterwards. They released their debut album, “Whitehorse,” in 2011.
The band’s sound has been described as “punk rock country.” Their music is influenced by a variety of genres, including rock, country, folk, and blues. Whitehorse has been praised for their catchy melodies, clever lyrics, and tight musicianship. They have toured extensively throughout Canada and the United States.
Music Style
Punk rock country is a subgenre of punk rock that developed in the late 1990s as a reaction to the mainstream country music of the time. Punk rock bands like Social Distortion and The Offspring began to experiment with country-influenced sounds, particularly in their songwriting, and the genre was born.
In the early 2000s, a new wave of punk rock country bands emerged, including Whitehorse, Lucero, and Hank III. These bands blended punk rock’s energy and DIY ethic with country’s twang and storytelling traditions. The result was a gritty, authentic sound that was both challenging and catchy.
If you’re looking for something new in country music, check out these five punk rock country bands you need to know.
Notable Songs
The 5 punk rock country indie music bands below have been making waves in the music industry and are definitely worth checking out. From their catchy melodies to their relatable lyrics, these bands are sure to get your feet tapping and your heart racing.
1. Whitehorse – “Bad News”
2. The Wind and The Wave – “From the Ground Up”
3. Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors – “Family”
4. Duncan Sheik – “Barely Breathing”
5. Carbon telescopic – “The Weight”
The Weather Station
The Weather Station is a Toronto-based band led by singer-songwriter Tamara Lindeman. Their sound has been described as “a rootsy, country-tinged brand of indie folk rock.” The band’s debut album, Lioness, was released in 2011 to critical acclaim.
Band Members
The Weather Station is a five-piece band from Toronto, Canada. The band consists of Tamara Lindeman (vocals, guitar), Chris Thrower (drums), David Celia (bass), Josh Finlayson (guitar) and Ian Kehoe (keyboards). The band’s sound has been described as “a mix of country, folk and punk rock.”
Music Style
Punk rock began in the mid-1970s as a reaction against the overblown, anthemic rock popular at the time. Early punk was raw and fast, with simple, often confrontational lyrics. It was also deliberately provocative, shocking and offensive to mainstream sensibilities. The punk subculture includes a do-it-yourself ethic, fashion sense and musical approach that promotes independence and individuality.
Punk rock country is a subgenre of punk rock that developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Punk rock country is informed by the DIY ethic of punk rock but infuses it with a distinctly country flavor. As with most subgenres of punk rock, punk rock country is primarily an underground phenomenon.
Here are five punk rock country bands you need to know:
1. Uncle Tupelo: Uncle Tupelo was an American alternative country band formed in Belleville, Illinois in 1987. The group oven their career playing hardcore punk but quickly began to incorporate elements of country and folk into their music. Uncle Tupelo released four studio albums before breaking up in 1994.
2. Wilco: Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alt-country group Uncle Tupelo after that band’s dissolution. Wilco’s sound has been described as a blend of alternative rock and Americana/roots music.
3. The Meat Puppets: The Meat Puppets are an American alternative rock band formed in Tempe, Arizona in 1980. The group’s original lineup included brothers Curt and Cris Kirkwood on guitars and vocals, respectively, along with bassist Derrick Bostrom and drummer Dale Crover (who would later be replaced by Ted Marcus). The Meat Puppets’ sound has been described as a blend of surf rock, psychedelia, garage rock and country music.
4..Redd Kross: Redd Kross is an American alternative metal band from Hawthorne, California formed in 1978 by brothers Jeff and Steve McDonald when they were just 12 and 14 years old, respectively. The band has gone through numerous lineup changes over the years but has always maintained its core sound of hard-edged pop hooks infused with heavy metal attitude.
5..Drive-By Truckers: Drive-By Truckers are an American Southern Rock/alternative country band from Athens, Georgia formed in 1996 by singer/songwriter Mike Cooley and singer/guitarist Rob Malone (who would later be replaced by Jason Isbell). The band is known for its progressive view on social issues as well as its dark humor which often results in songs about drug addiction, alcoholism, murder and other grim topics set against a backdrop of beautiful melodies and three-part harmonies
Notable Songs
1) “Thunderstorm Warning”
2) “All That I Need”
3) “Satellite”
4) “Why Oh Why”
5) “In the Pines”
The Wooden Sky
As the genre of punk rock country continues to grow in popularity, more and more bands are springing up that are worth your attention. One such band is The Wooden Sky. Hailing from Canada, this band has been making a name for themselves with their unique blend of punk rock and country. If you’re a fan of either genre, or just looking for something new to listen to, be sure to give The Wooden Sky a listen.
Band Members
The Wooden Sky is a 5-piece band from Toronto, Canada. The band members are:
-Gavin Gardiner (vocals, guitar)
-Andrew Kekewich (guitar, keys)
-Simon Ward (drums)
-Shawn Milkowski (bass)
-Darrin James (pedal steel, banjo, mandolin)
Music Style
Punk Rock Country is a subgenre of country music and punk rock that formed in the 1990s. Punk rock bands such as The Ramones, The Clash, and The Sex Pistols influenced a new generation of country musicians who injected punk’s energy and DIY attitude into their music.
The result was a hybrid form of country music that was stripped down and raw, with a sound that was both defiant and celebratory. Punk rock country bands are often lauded for their originality, creativity, and ability to fuse two seemingly disparate genres into something new and exciting.
Some of the best punk rock country bands out there today include:
1. Drag the River
2. Lucero
3. Whitey Morgan and the 78’s
4. The Sadies
5. Old 97’s
Notable Songs
Wooden Sky is a Canadian indie rock band from Toronto, Ontario. The band’s sound has been described as a cross between Neil Young and the Pixies.
Notable songs by Wooden Sky include “Frankie’s Gun”, “We Are All Young Together”, and “Lost in the California Desert”.
Kathleen Edwards
Hailing from Ottawa, Kathleen Edwards is a singer-songwriter whose music has been described as “punk rock country.” Edwards has released four studio albums, the most recent of which, Voyageur, was nominated for a Grammy Award. If you’re a fan of country music with a punk rock edge, then you need to give Kathleen Edwards a listen.
Band Members
Name: Kathleen Edwards
Age: 41
Hometown: Ottawa, Canada
Kathleen Edwards is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician. She has released five studio albums, the most recent being Asking for Flowers in 2008.
Edwards began playing music in 1998, when she was in high school. She released her first album, Failer, in 2003. The album was a critical and commercial success, and included the singles “Sixteen Candles” and “Hockey Skates”.
Edwards’ second album, Back to Me, was released in 2005. The album’s lead single, “In State”, was a top 40 hit in Canada.
Edwards’ third album, Asking for Flowers, was released in 2008. The album’s lead single, “I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory”, was a top 10 hit in Canada.
Edwards’ fourth album, Voyageur, was released in 2011. The album’s lead single, “A Soft Place to Land”, was a top 40 hit in Canada.
Edwards’ fifth and most recent album, State of Grace, was released in 2017.
Music Style
Kathleen Edwards is a Juno Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter. Edwards began her musical career in 1998 with the release of her first EP, Building 55. She has since released five full-length albums, including 2008’s Asking for Flowers, which peaked at #4 on the Canadian Albums Chart and earned Edwards two Juno Award nominations. Her most recent album, Voyageur, was released in January 2012.
Edwards’ music has been described as “punk rock country” and “indie rock”, with influences including Neil Young and Bob Dylan. In an interview with CBC Radio 3’s Grant Lawrence, Edwards stated that she was “not really a country artist”, but that she enjoys playing music that is “a little more countrified”.
1) Kathleen Edwards – “I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory”
2) Hey Rosetta! – “Red Heart”
3) Joel Plaskett Emergency – “You’re Mine”
4) The Sadies – “The Good Years”
5) Whitehorse – “Downtown”
Notable Songs
“Back to Me”
“In State”
“Hockey Skates”
“Asking for Flowers”
“I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory”
“Good Things (Don’t Always Come Easy)”
“house full of empty rooms”
“A Soft Place to Land”
