Americana Spotlight

Of all the genres, the majority of submissions are of the acoustic-folk-Americana variety. This is likely because, at times, all that is required is a guitar, a microphone, and vocal melody. But there’s a great deal to be said for the artist who leaves no room in their recordings for any mistakes to be covered up with flashy production tricks and, instead, opts for the raw, emotional, song-on-their-sleeve manner of doing things. Rather than let the emails continue to stack up, we’ve decided to give you a selection to browse.

First up is Brady Wrede, a 4th generation singer-songwriter from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Wrede submitted “Canyons” last month and we are long overdue to share it on the blog. While he describes the track as an indie rock/folk song, it definitely leans to the latter side, shining its sonic spotlight on both an acoustic guitar and a ghostly lap steel, with Wrede’s soft vocals frequently accompanied by a female harmony. If you ask us, it has all the right ingredients that have long been staples in Americana.

If you prefer the raw, all-in-one-take kind of vibe, then “Light Sorcerer” from Pranatricks may be more your speed. With this track, you at first get a lone acoustic guitar, gently strummed while the Vancouver Islander vulnerably delivers “the deeper meanings of what it means to navigate our experience with grace and ease.” At the two minute mark, Pranatricks adds some bass and drum pads, but the intimacy does not waver, and his harmonies are, at times, reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel.

Finally, Leeds-based Dez Rocksteady has just released “Summertime (Clouds Are Gone),” an acoustic number that sounds as though it is being performed from across the room. There is absolutely no production wizardry happening here and all you will hear is an honest and exposed musician sharing his free-spirited lyrics through a bouncy melody. We suggest taking advantage of this track while you can still drive with the windows down.

Thank you for checking out the first of (hopefully) many Americana Spotlights!

-ST

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Mike McKenzie - ‘The Art of Change

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Ne’er-do-well - “Compromise”