Americana UK 'Scene'

[ezbass]

1 hour ago, Cat Burrito said:

I spent several years from the early noughties until about 5yrs ago playing on the UK Americana circuit. We did 4 albums, got on prime time CBS TV in the USA and did a few UK tours and festivals. There was definitely a scene but I thought it kind of fizzled out. Looking at Basschat over the last couple of days, it seems much like everything else, like it might be coming back. I enjoyed it at the time but I think having done it for so long in a really good band, it's something that I have a passing curiosity in, rather than wanting to return to it. Definitely loads of fun and I would recommend it to anyone. 

It's certainly a genre I would be very much open to playing, not least because it would be in sharp contrast to the Mod band I'm in, but it would also give the opportunity to occasionally use my EUB in a band setting (right up until the point where the other band members say, "Don't use that again," ).

[petebassist]

On 05/05/2024 at 11:46, Mykesbass said:

I have a bit of an idea for the next band I want to put together, and thought it would probably fall under the Americana label (not that I am one for labels, but they do serve a purpose when putting something together and then marketing that act).

 

Anybody here playing in such a band? Is there a 'scene' (it looks like there is a bit of one from my Facebook feed)? 

Who are some of the bands out there?

 

Thanks in advance!

I've played double-bass in what we referred to as an "Americana band", playing covers of Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits, as well a lot of UK songs done in a similar style. I really like this style of music (whatever you'd call it) and it works so well with DB  - you can really showcase the unique DB tone, especially when you don't have drums, or just have light percussion. 

St Bonnaventures in Bristol used to be the South West venue on this circuit, for roots type music, I saw Sarah Jaroz there once  - acts used to come over from US/Canada and tour round this and similar venues in the UK. Sadly St Bonns is no more....

Good luck with your project.

[Mykesbass]

1 hour ago, Cat Burrito said:

I spent several years from the early noughties until about 5yrs ago playing on the UK Americana circuit. We did 4 albums, got on prime time CBS TV in the USA and did a few UK tours and festivals. There was definitely a scene but I thought it kind of fizzled out. Looking at Basschat over the last couple of days, it seems much like everything else, like it might be coming back. I enjoyed it at the time but I think having done it for so long in a really good band, it's something that I have a passing curiosity in, rather than wanting to return to it. Definitely loads of fun and I would recommend it to anyone. 

You were ahead of your time! Oh well, Goth mandocello bands will be all the rage in 2029!

 

Still got the Case Hardin CD.

[MacDaddy]

I'd describe my band as Americana, otherwise I'd have to say 'were're kind of country, a bit bluesy, almost Gospel and folk in places, with a bit of southern rock'.

[jimmyb625]

On 05/05/2024 at 22:19, Merton said:

Yep, I play bass for Katy Hurt who originally branded herself “country” but there are so many influences in her music it’s easier to call it Americana.

 

Doing Black Deer fest this year, have done Buckle and Boots, Rock’n’Ribs, Long Road in the last and hopefully again in the future. As @jimmyb625 says the festival scene does sometimes feel like a very closed club though. Have met some lovely people through it though - Gasoline and Matches, The Jackson Line, Two Ways Home to name a few bands worth checking out.

Are you playing at Black Deer Live in Liverpool? I'm half tempted to pop along, although I really struggle with that socialising thing.

[Merton]

6 hours ago, jimmyb625 said:

Are you playing at Black Deer Live in Liverpool? I'm half tempted to pop along, although I really struggle with that socialising thing.

Certainly are - Sunday 2nd June. Will be the end of a long weekend of non stop gigging as I’m at Epsom Derby with the “rock band for kids” on friday and Saturday, got a pub gig on the Saturday night and then in the car Sunday morning to drive to Liverpool 😀

 

If you do come along, please come and say hello. I’m crap at the socialising thing too but would be ace to put a face to a name

 

[Lozz196]

Turns out our guitarist in The Spacewasters also plays guitar in an Americana band, The Dog Roses.