Roseanne Reid- What is Americana?
For me, Americana is a feeling as much a sound. It is individuality, a refusal to conform to the norms and it is, on occasion, the most vulnerable kind of songwriting you’ll hear. In the UK, we are lucky enough to be able to draw from a variety of music and traditions to inform creativity. Folk, Country, Rock ‘N Roll, Bluegrass, and even Gaelic in the more Celtic corners of our community. All these voices amalgamate to form the genre I consider to be ‘Americana’. I feel a kindred spirit with my brothers and sisters on the other side of the Atlantic, but to me, UK Americana is an entity in itself.
Americana doesn’t look a particular way. While Country music might have rhinestones and cowboy hats, Americana is more subtle in appearance. I can go on stage in an (objectively fashionable) knitted jumper with an acoustic guitar in my hand and it’ll be as Americana as you can get – I love that! I don’t want you analyzing my wardrobe choices - I want to take you away from the world for an hour or so with my songs. There’s no pretence at an Americana gig – just great music and a warm audience.
Americana has been here for a long time. While we have only recently established central points like the brilliant AMAUK, the creative space that inhabits somewhere between Folk and Country is entrenched in our history. Think of Lonnie Donegan and the skiffle movement of the ’50s and ’60s. We had pioneers who paved the way for the storytellers of today.
Americana is natural. It taps into something deep in our psyche. It unites people. Although our UK community is relatively small, it boasts incredible talent, friendship and genuine passion. It’s the real deal!
Americana doesn’t look a particular way. While Country music might have rhinestones and cowboy hats, Americana is more subtle in appearance. I can go on stage in an (objectively fashionable) knitted jumper with an acoustic guitar in my hand and it’ll be as Americana as you can get – I love that! I don’t want you analyzing my wardrobe choices - I want to take you away from the world for an hour or so with my songs. There’s no pretence at an Americana gig – just great music and a warm audience.
Americana has been here for a long time. While we have only recently established central points like the brilliant AMAUK, the creative space that inhabits somewhere between Folk and Country is entrenched in our history. Think of Lonnie Donegan and the skiffle movement of the ’50s and ’60s. We had pioneers who paved the way for the storytellers of today.
Americana is natural. It taps into something deep in our psyche. It unites people. Although our UK community is relatively small, it boasts incredible talent, friendship and genuine passion. It’s the real deal!
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Roseanne Reid is a singer-songwriter that has been making a name for herself in the Americana scene. Following in her father's footsteps, The Proclaimers Craig Reid, her 2019 debut album Amy was produced by fellow musician Teddy Thompson. The album also featured Americana legend Steve Earle.
Find out more about Roseanne and her music via the following link below |