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Step 1
Tune to a terrestrial, Internet or subscription radio show that specializes in alternative country music. Americana Roots features podcasts of alternative country/roots music, name-checking artists from Porter Waggoner to the Bellamy Brothers.
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Step 2
Check out local alt-country clubs or shows. Cowboy hats are optional. These shows draw a good cross-section of music fans, as alt-country music addresses many themes, from the usual tales of heartbreak and lost love to political diatribes and tongue-in-cheek humor.
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Step 3
Listen to current artists like Kelly Willis, Rosie Flores, John Doe and Dwight Yoakam. The musical styles represented by alt-country range from the Latin-flavored take of bands like Calexico, to the raucous punk-influenced sounds of Hank Williams III, Hank William's grandson.
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Step 4
Backtrack and listen to alt-country icon Gram Parsons, the Flying Burrito Brothers and other musicians who played alt-country in the late '60s and early '70s when it was known as country rock.
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Step 5
Visit Austin, Texas, the home base for alt-country artists and music. The Austin City Limits festival takes place in September and features a variety of roots performers. Any time of year you can walk into a club on Sixth Street and listen to alternative country music performed by some of Austin's best roots musicians.
Comments
taterfay said
on 8/15/2009 I've always wanted to visit Austin. I also second sosa831's comment..16 horsepower were an amazing band.
sosa831 said
on 1/28/2009 It also helps to listen to alot of Slim Cessna's Auto Club, Jay Munly, and 16 horsepower.