Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
It’s not that I’m a music snob. I actually enjoy a lot of different genres. I don’t automatically condemn a song if it’s “mainstream.” I simply enjoy a lot of music that’s not. My music preferences tend to gravitate toward more rootsy, acoustic, laidback sounds. If that’s your thing, too, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorites just for you. And even if it’s not your thing, maybe you’ll surprise yourself and discover something here you like.
1. The Milk Carton Kids
All Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan have to do is stand there with a guitar and sing, and I’m impressed. Their music is intimate yet far-reaching at the same time. In concert, their mixture of dry humor and entertaining banter are nearly as captivating as their Simon and Garfunkel-esque sound. Granted, I’ve never actually seen them in concert, but I’ve watched their live shows on YouTube and they’re definitely high on my list.
2. Rayland Baxter
I’ve only recently discovered this alternative country musician, but his laidback, reflective music instantly caught my attention. In late 2016, Rayland Baxter boarded himself up inside a rubber band factory in Franklin, Kentucky for three months. It was in that isolated place that he crafted more than 50 songs, ten of which would make it onto the album Wide Awake, released earlier this year.
3. Chris Stapleton
If you’ve paid any attention to the modern country music scene, you’ve probably heard of Chris Stapleton. Though it may seem like he has risen to almost overnight success in country music, he’s actually been at it behind-the-scenes for over 15 years. Establishing himself as a solid songwriter, he’s penned hit songs for the likes of George Strait, Darius Rucker and other artists—even Adele! Finally, he broke out as a solo artist with his 2015 album Traveller, solidifying his talent as a songwriter and unmasking immense talent as a singer with strong, gravelly vocals. To be sure, he’s a breath of fresh air in the current climate of country music.
4. Midland
I would say these guys are paving a new way in country music, but I think it’s more accurate to say they’re bringing country back to its roots. If you like traditional country, you’ve got to give this band a listen. Like Chris Stapleton, Midland is a refreshing departure from what I think is a very lazy, trite and formulaic rut that has derailed country music today.
5. Ray Lamontagne
There’s no doubt I’m saving the best for last here. I have a special place in my heart for Ray, so I’m a little biased. For years, Ray’s music has meant a lot to me. Musically, he kind of does what he wants and genuinely doesn’t care that much about mainstream success, though he’s actually done quite well for himself. He’s definitely not a predominant artist in mainstream music, but his fanbase is a decent size, albeit somewhat underground. His music is, for the most part, a mix of folk, blues, country and Americana. But he has also experimented with psychedelic sounds—just because, you know, he wanted to. If you like listening to someone who bares his heart every time he sings, you should definitely check his music out.