I think this is an astute point! Every form of music is always experiencing that push and pull between 'authenticity' and appeal, and it's curious to witness in real time.
My reaction to "stomp and holler" (or "pirate folk" as I called it) wasn't quite as dramatic as you and your sister's, but I generally agree with your sentiment. In the Greater Vancouver Area, overplay definitely played a role. I will say, though, that I think The Head and the Heart managed to float their way out of the genre's muck and past their initial association with the rest of them that came as a result of "Rivers and Roads." Songs like "Another Story" and "Let's Be Still" from their second album are legitimately good.
I wonder if pirate folk would augment its appeal for me, and I can definitely envision Vancouver having a similar vibe at the time. I'll definitely tune into those The Head and the Heart tracks!
Do you have any recommendations in particular? It was definitely a great exercise in reevaluating sounds I passively bristled at, with evolved and intentional ears, which I think everyone can use!
My favorite type of music would be classified, by the Grammys at least, as Americana music, which this Stomp and Holler is maybe a subcategory. I really enjoy all the bands you listed in the post. My favorite Americana artists are Sarah Jarosz and Brandi Carlile. The Avett Brothers are excellent too. I would imagine almost all Americana artists have at least one Stomp and Holler song in their catalog, although not all include the banjo. I’ve been told the music is very bland but I really like the jangling guitar and banjos. It’s soothing to my ears.
If you squint, the future of stomp and holler looks like it will be folded into a more "rootsy and authentic" iteration of nashville pop country.
I think this is an astute point! Every form of music is always experiencing that push and pull between 'authenticity' and appeal, and it's curious to witness in real time.
My reaction to "stomp and holler" (or "pirate folk" as I called it) wasn't quite as dramatic as you and your sister's, but I generally agree with your sentiment. In the Greater Vancouver Area, overplay definitely played a role. I will say, though, that I think The Head and the Heart managed to float their way out of the genre's muck and past their initial association with the rest of them that came as a result of "Rivers and Roads." Songs like "Another Story" and "Let's Be Still" from their second album are legitimately good.
I wonder if pirate folk would augment its appeal for me, and I can definitely envision Vancouver having a similar vibe at the time. I'll definitely tune into those The Head and the Heart tracks!
For some reason I’ve always liked this type of music. Thanks for giving it a fair review, even though it’s not your thing.
Do you have any recommendations in particular? It was definitely a great exercise in reevaluating sounds I passively bristled at, with evolved and intentional ears, which I think everyone can use!
My favorite type of music would be classified, by the Grammys at least, as Americana music, which this Stomp and Holler is maybe a subcategory. I really enjoy all the bands you listed in the post. My favorite Americana artists are Sarah Jarosz and Brandi Carlile. The Avett Brothers are excellent too. I would imagine almost all Americana artists have at least one Stomp and Holler song in their catalog, although not all include the banjo. I’ve been told the music is very bland but I really like the jangling guitar and banjos. It’s soothing to my ears.
I applaud your democratic approach and ability to set aside personal taste for the sake of your article. Respect! 👏😄
I appreciate that! :)