Loading...

PODCAST

Roots Rednecks and Radicals

Will Houk- Alt Country, Indie, Folk

Explore the rebellious counterculture, hidden histories, and unexpected connections bridging the worlds of alt-country, indie rock, and punk music. Hosted by Will Houk, Roots, Rednecks, and Radicals is a music history podcast dedicated to the artists who subvert traditional genres and challenge the status quo. From deep dives into the working-class protest music of Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash to the modern, trailblazing sounds of Orville Peck, Brandi Carlile, Charley Crockett, and Billy Strings,

music music interviews

All Episodes

17:25

5 Songs I'm Digging Ep. 8 featuring Margo Price/Jesse...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/08/25

It's been a while since I've done one of these episodes and in my opinion it's been far too long! There is always a ton of great music out there and sometimes it's hard to keep up with what's going on. This week we take a look at new music from Margo Price/Jesse Welles, Tyler Childers, Charley Crockett, Wednesday, and SG Goodman. I love all of these songs and we take a look at what makes them great. I hope you dig it!

en

16:01

Kai Crowe-Getty discusses his new album "The Wreckage."

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/08/18

Kai Crowe-Getty is a songwriter from rural Virginia. The themes he weaves into his music explore the geography and culture of the rural south. It's mindful and introspective. Today we talk about his new album, and his work with artists like American Aquarium, and Chuck Ragan. I hope you dig it!

en

42:29

Tyler Childers Visionary New Album "Snipe Hunter" Is...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/08/13

I've been following Tyler Childers for quite a while now. He's always been an impressive songwriter to me, telling stories of his native Appalachia with his own twists and turns. His new album Snipe Hunter just takes things to the next level. He writes about deer hunting, foraging mushrooms, exploring Hinduism and Australia. The album is all over the place, but in a really fascinating way. As a guy who grew up in a hunting family, exploring nature this album makes me feel seen. I just don't have

en

36:21

Nathan Evans Fox on his news song Hillbilly Hymn and...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/08/11

I first came across Nathan Evans Fox on his TikTok account. He's from rural North Carolina and he has a fresh perspective on what it means to be from the south, and rural America. The common discourse on these issues is old and tired, and we need to be having these discussion about rural life and country music. He has a song out called Hillbilly Hymn that reflects on the idea of "Jubilee" from the Old Testament. The resetting of debt, and reordering of society. It's really fascinating and I wanted

en

40:48

Tami Neilson's new album "Neon Cowgirl" is a...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/08/04

Tami Neilson has a new record out called "Neon Cowgirl" and it is a powerhouse of a record. The songwriting is great. It sounds incredible. And she collaborates with incredible artists like Neil Finn (Crowded House) Ashley McBride, Grace Bowers, and many other. We also talk about her connection with Willie Nelson, and how big of an influence Roy Orbison has on her sound. Check out the new album, it's a banger. Hope you dig it!

en

17:22

Tribute to the music of Ozzy Osbourne!

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/07/30

Ozzy passed away last week. He was a massively influential artists who is credited with laying the foundations of what became the genre of metal. I wanted to do an episode taking a look at the first three albums from Black Sabbath. Today we'll be listening to tracks from the albums "Black Sabbath/Paranoid/Master of Reality." These three albums are quintessential to the metal genre, and the just rock! Great riffs, arrangements, and lyrics. I hope you dig it!

en

15:23

Amanda Shires reflects on her divorce with Jason...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/07/28

Amanda Shires has been pretty quiet over the last year or so after her divorce with Jason Isbell. She has a new album coming out soon and this is the first track off that new record. It is mindful, and sad, and beautiful. It explores real human emotions about love and loss, and new directions. Today we take a look at the track and what makes it a wonderful poetic expression of a person going through some really difficult times. I hope you dig it!

en

14:21

Margo Price Comes Out Swinging With Her New Single...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/07/23

I have been a fan of Margo Price for years now. Her first album "Midwest Farmer's Daughter" was an incredible country album. On top of being a noteworthy songwriter, she lends her voice to causes she supports without flinching. Over the years she's toured with and become friends with legendary artists like Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson and she is making music in the spirit of those two artists. Today we take a look at her new single "Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down." I hope you dig

en

41:52

Reno based alt-rock band Worm Shot is on the show...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/07/14

Over the last couple of years Worm Shot has been consistently gathering a fan base in Northern Nevada. They are a part of a growing scene largely based out of Reno that includes a variety of styles, and influences. I've gotten to see them live a couple of times now and I've just been really impressed with their sense of self. They are developing a sound that is really all their own, and the response from the Reno scene is palpable. I was happy to have them come in to our radio station KNVC 95.1 FM

en

09:48

Laufey has a new song out called Tough Luck and it is...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/07/07

Laufey is a relatively new artist who is making really cool music. She has two new tracks out and this one really caught my attention. It has lots of different elements that I love, and I wanted to do a breakdown of what is so cool about this song. They lyrics, melodies and harmonies are all stellar, and they song is such a brain-worm. I hope you dig it!

en

43:20

Turnstile has a new album out and it’s experimental,...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/06/30

Turnstile is a Baltimore based hardcore punk band that has been around for over a decade. Their new album takes an experimental look at new styles for the band, incorporating synths, flutes, drum sample, and an entirely new direction. I really love this album and I wanted to share my breakdown of what the band is up to on this episode. I hope you dig it!

en

41:29

The Girlies Are Taking Over Indie Rock! Today we take...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/06/23

This is the last of my series "The Girlies Are Taking Over!" and I wanted to share some new artists with you I haven't talked about on the show. There are so many great female artists out there in the world of Indie/Alternative music. This episode we take a look at Mitski, St. Vincent, The Marias, Japanese Breakfast, Lucy Dacus, and Laufey. I hope you dig it!

en

33:24

Drunken Prayer (Morgan Geer) talks about his new...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/06/17

Morgan Geer who goes by the name Drunken Prayer has a new album out on Dial Back Sound. The album sounds fantastic and explores some fascinating themes. Matt Patton who plays bass for Drive By Truckers and Laura Jane Grace is releasing the album on his label Dial Back Sound and he joined us for the conversation as well! I hope you dig it!

en

01:10:53

Cowboy poet and singer/songwriter Mike Beck talks...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/06/13

Mike Beck is a singer/songwriter and cowboy poet who has been making music for decades. He was a working cowboy for years in Nevada, and now spends his time sharing his stories and songs around the world. He recently played a show in my hometown, and he graciously sat down for an interview with me at KNVC. We had a great time chatting as he told me about life on the range, and working with incredible artists like Ian Tyson and Colter Wall. I hope you dig it!

en

41:41

The Girlies Are Taking Over: Punk! This week we take...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/05/12

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!

en

41:01

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

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/05/05

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

en

55:32

Melody Walker talks songwriting with Sierra Ferrell,...

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/04/04

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

en

28:18

Is The Patronage Model The Way Forward For Musicians?

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/03/17

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

en

49:40

The Girlies Are Taking Over! Pop Music

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/03/03

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

en

26:00

We Need To Talk About The Kendrick Lamar Halftime Show!

Roots Rednecks and Radicals ·

2025/02/24

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!

en

209 results

Similar Podcasts

Super Progressive

Super Progressive

2 Beers With The Band

2 Beers With The Band

UberRockCast

david

Fairground Sounds

Mechanical Music Radio

Music of America Podcast

Tom Pollard