Shows / Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Explore the rebellious counterculture, hidden histories, and unexpected connections bridging the worlds of alt-country, indie rock, and punk music. Hosted by Will Houk, Roots, Rednecks, and Radicals is a music history podcast dedicated to the artists who subvert traditional genres and challenge the status quo.
From deep dives into the working-class protest music of Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash to the modern, trailblazing sounds of Orville Peck, Brandi Carlile, Charley Crockett, and Billy…
Episodes
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
5 Song I'm Digging for September 2025! Featuring Jeff Tweedy, Neko Case, Lucy Dacus, Will Hoge, and Hayes Carll.
Lots of great music out there and I'm here to bring you the best of it. This week we take a look at five songs that have come out recently that you should be…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Rancid's break out album ...And Out Come The Wolves turns 30 this year. And it's still a banger!
Rancid released their album ...And Out Come The Wolves 30 years ago this year. It's the record that introduced me to the band and inspired the name of this…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger Turns 50 This Year! Let's Take A Look At This Classic Album.
Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger came out in 1975. It was a watershed album for him. He also made a movie by the same name and the set for that movie hosts…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
AI Generated Music Sucks! Let's Take A Look At Some Awful Songs I "Wrote" Whatever That Means.
AI seems to be the thing of the moment. Generative models are creating everything from pictures and movies to full songs. But is it any good? Turns out, not…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
5 Songs I'm Digging Ep. 8 featuring Margo Price/Jesse Welles, Tyler Childers, Charley Crockett, Wednesday, and SG Goodman!
It's been a while since I've done one of these episodes and in my opinion it's been far too long! There is always a ton of great music out there and sometimes…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Kai Crowe-Getty discusses his new album "The Wreckage."
Kai Crowe-Getty is a songwriter from rural Virginia. The themes he weaves into his music explore the geography and culture of the rural south. It's mindful and…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Tyler Childers Visionary New Album "Snipe Hunter" Is A Banger!
I've been following Tyler Childers for quite a while now. He's always been an impressive songwriter to me, telling stories of his native Appalachia with his…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Nathan Evans Fox on his news song Hillbilly Hymn and why the Old Testament idea of "Jubilee" is relevant today. But probably not in the way you think.
I first came across Nathan Evans Fox on his TikTok account. He's from rural North Carolina and he has a fresh perspective on what it means to be from the…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Tami Neilson's new album "Neon Cowgirl" is a powerhouse of an album. She joins me today to talk about the record, recording with Willie Nelson, and what a whirlwind the last few years have been!
Tami Neilson has a new record out called "Neon Cowgirl" and it is a powerhouse of a record. The songwriting is great. It sounds incredible. And she…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Tribute to the music of Ozzy Osbourne!
Ozzy passed away last week. He was a massively influential artists who is credited with laying the foundations of what became the genre of metal. I wanted to…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Amanda Shires reflects on her divorce with Jason Isbell in her new track "A Way It Goes."
Amanda Shires has been pretty quiet over the last year or so after her divorce with Jason Isbell. She has a new album coming out soon and this is the first…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Margo Price Comes Out Swinging With Her New Single "Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down"
I have been a fan of Margo Price for years now. Her first album "Midwest Farmer's Daughter" was an incredible country album. On top of being a noteworthy…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Reno based alt-rock band Worm Shot is on the show performing live and talking about why we need more women in rock music!
Over the last couple of years Worm Shot has been consistently gathering a fan base in Northern Nevada. They are a part of a growing scene largely based out of…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Laufey has a new song out called Tough Luck and it is a masterpiece!
Laufey is a relatively new artist who is making really cool music. She has two new tracks out and this one really caught my attention. It has lots of different…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Turnstile has a new album out and it’s experimental, hardcore, and incredible! We take a look at it on today's episode!
Turnstile is a Baltimore based hardcore punk band that has been around for over a decade. Their new album takes an experimental look at new styles for the…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
The Girlies Are Taking Over Indie Rock! Today we take a look at Mitski, St. Vincent, The Marias, Japanese Breakfast, Lucy Dacus, and Laufey.
This is the last of my series "The Girlies Are Taking Over!" and I wanted to share some new artists with you I haven't talked about on the show. There are so…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Drunken Prayer (Morgan Geer) talks about his new album out on Dial Back Sound headed up by Drive By Truckers/Laura Jane Grace bassist Matt Patton.
Morgan Geer who goes by the name Drunken Prayer has a new album out on Dial Back Sound. The album sounds fantastic and explores some fascinating themes. Matt…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Cowboy poet and singer/songwriter Mike Beck talks about working with Ian Tyson, Colter Wall, and why Nevada is King!
Mike Beck is a singer/songwriter and cowboy poet who has been making music for decades. He was a working cowboy for years in Nevada, and now spends his time…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
The Girlies Are Taking Over: Punk! This week we take a look at Bikini Kill, Amyl and the Sniffers, The Linda Lindas and more!
Hey all! This is the latest episode in my series on how the Girlies are taking over different genres. We started with Americana, the Pop, and now Punk! I've…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Roots Rewind: A White Guy Listens to Mexican Music Pt. 1
Hey all! Today is Cinco de Mayo and I wanted to republish this episode I did a number of years back. Hope you dig it! This is the first installment in a new…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Melody Walker talks songwriting with Sierra Ferrell, and Molly Tuttle. Also her plethora of projects including a Grateful Dead Drag Band!
Melody Walker has been making a name for herself in Nashville over the last few years as a go-to songwriter. She first came on to my radar with her work with…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Is The Patronage Model The Way Forward For Musicians?
Over the last decade or so there has been a hollowing out of money for musicians in the music industry. Streaming services like Spotify have siphoned off…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
The Girlies Are Taking Over! Pop Music
The last few years have been pretty wild when it comes to the influence of women in music. In the world of Pop, Taylor Swift led the way with her Eras Tour…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
We Need To Talk About The Kendrick Lamar Halftime Show!
Kendrick Lamar put on one of the greatest halftime performances I've ever seen. And as we wrap up Black History Month, I take a look at the symbolism and…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
TopHouse is on the show today talking about their new EP!
TopHouse is a folk/roots music band from the great state of Montana! Well, they live in Nashville now but their roots in the beautiful state are very evident…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Celebrating Black History Month With Gangstagrass!
It's Black History Month and I wanted to bring you some of the best shows I've done about contributions to roots music from Black musicians. I did this…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Celebrating Black History Month With The American Songster Dom Flemons!
It's Black History Month and this month we'll be taking a look at contributions to roots music by Black musicians. I spoke with Dom Flemons a few years ago at…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Cowboy Poets Andy Hedges and Brenn Hill Talk the Music and Culture of The West!
The history and culture of the West is alive and well. There has been a resurgence over the last few decades of artists throughout the West celebrating Cowboy…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
A Shoutout To My Listeners!
I had an idea last week that I'd really like to use this podcast to connect with people on a human level. So I made a video and put it on my social media. I…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Making of a Folk Hero: Jesse James and Luigi Mangione
What goes into the making of a folk hero? There has been a lot of discussion about the killing of a United Healthcare CEO and Luigi Mangione. There is a…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
The Girlies Are Taking Over: Americana Pt. 2
Last week we took a look at modern Americana/Roots artists who are changing the game. The list was too long to fit them into one episode! So this week we're…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
The Girlies Are Taking Over: Americana Pt. 1
I've been noticing a trend over the last few years, women in music are absolutely killing it! I wanted to do a breakdown of the women I see making incredible…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Is Bob Dylan overrated? Today we take a look at the hype around Bob Dylan and whether or not it is well deserved.
The new biopic of Bob Dylan is out and people are once again talking about him. However I wonder, does he get more credit than he really deserves? With so many…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Best of 2024! On today's episode I do a breakdown of the best roots music of 2024. Enjoy and Happy New Year!
There has been so much good music this year. Beyonce, Waxahatchee, Sierra Ferrell. So many great artists put out records. So join me for a breakdown of the…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Roots Rewind: Emmit Otter's Jugband Christmas!
Emmitt Otter's Jugband Christmas is a certified banger of a Christmas movie. I've been watching this since I was a kid, it's one of my favorite movies to watch…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Dolly Parton Explores her family history in Smoky Mountain DNA!
Dolly Parton has had a one-of-a-kind career. She recently put out a record that explores her families vast musical legacy on this release. It's an incredible…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Tom Petty's Wildflowers Pt. 2
This is part two of my series on Tom Petty's Wildflowers. The album turns 30 this year and it is every bit as relevant today as when it came out. Just a…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Tom Petty's Wildflowers is 30 years old! Let's take a look at this unbelievable album!
30 years ago I fell in love with the album Wildflowers by Tom Petty. It is an album with so many layers. It hits on a ton of different styles and genres, has…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Best of: Amanda Shires joins me to talk about her song "The Problem" and women's reproductive health.
This is a rebroadcast of an interview I did with Amanda Shires about her song "The Problem." I spoke with her about it when the song came out, and as we…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Miss Nevada Karrina Ferris is on the show! It's Nevada Day and to celebrate I wanted to bring this conversation I had with her to you today.
Karrina Ferris is the current Miss Nevada and she'll be competing in the Miss USA competition at the beginning of next year. She was student of mine a few…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Singer Songwriter Abigail Austin Lucas is on the show! I had a great conversation with her and Kim Cook from the Reno Punk Flea Market.
Abigail Austin Lucas is a songwriter who has been in the game for over twenty years now. She's toured with acts like Chuck Ragan, Ben Nichols (Lucero) and Cory…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
5 Songs I'm Digging: Spooky Season Edition! On today's episode we take a look at five of my favorite songs from the Halloween season. I hope you dig it!
Fall is in the air, it's my favorite time of the year! I love Halloween and all the music that comes with it. In this episode we take a look at five of my…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Booker T. Jones is on the show! He's worked with legends like Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and even won a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. Hope you dig it!
What can you see about this legendary artist that hasn't already been said? Booker T and the MGs recorded Green Onions in the early 1960s, and his career after…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Tribute to Kris Kristofferson. Kris Kristofferson passed away this week. He was an iconic songwriter. I pay tribute to him in this episode.
The legendary artists Kris Kristofferson passed away last weekend. He was an incredible songwriter, a dear friend of Johnny Cash, and member of the Highwaymen…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
India Ramey on her new album "Baptized by the Blaze!"
Welcome to Roots Rednecks and Radicals, where we dive deep into the stories behind the music you love. I'm your host, Will Houk, and today we have an…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Fruition: The Harmony of Tradition and Innovation in Modern Americana
In this episode of Roots, Rednecks, and Radicals, we're diving into the captivating world of Fruition, a band that masterfully blends folk, Americana, and…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Echoes of Americana: An in-studio performance with singer-songwriter Tom Vandenavond!
In this episode of Roots Rednecks and Radicals we sit down with the evocative and soulful artist Tom Vandenavond, whose music captures the heart and spirit of…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Jesse Daniel talks songwriting, writing a song for Dusty Slay's Netflix special, and his new album!
Welcome to today’s episode of Roots Rednecks and Radicals, where we dive deep into the heart of honky tonk with none other than country singer-songwriter Jesse…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Singer Songwriter Jamie Lin Wilson talks about her Texas roots and artists like Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt in her music. Also recording with Emmylou Harris and Sunny Sweeney!
Jamie Lin Wilson is a songwriter who has deep roots in the songwriting tradition of Texas. So many incredible songwriters have roots there and her music…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Lost Dog Street Band is on the show! They have a new album out that is incredible and I had a chance to chat with their frontman Benjamin Tod.
Join us for an exclusive interview with the Lost Dog Street Band, where we delve into the heart and soul of their music journey. Discover the stories behind…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Dissent is Patriotic: A Fourth of July celebration of protest music featuring music from Woody Guthrie, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lavender Country and Che Apalache.
America is one of the greatest ideas the world has ever had. Founded on incredible values. However, our history is much more complicated than many people would…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
A reflection on Juneteenth. In 1865 the Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in the US. Today we take a look at the album by Our Native Daughters.
In 2019 Rhiannon Giddens put together a group of all women Black banjo players and made an amazing album. The group was called Our Native Daughters and the…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
5 Songs I'm Diggin' Ep. 7! Today we take a look at new releases from Sarah Jarosz, Charley Crockett, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Boy Named Banjo and Waxahatchee. Hope you dig it!
All 5 of these artists have recent releases that are really incredible. Enjoy!
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Hip Hop is Folk Music Pt.2 Gangstagrass is on the show! This group blends hip hop with bluegrass emphasizing the working class root of both styles. We discuss the history of these genres and much more
Celebrating Black History month again with this weeks episode. Gangstagrass is a totally original group blending Hip Hop and Bluegrass in a way that stops you…
- Roots Rednecks and Radicals
Hip Hop is Folk Music Part 1: To celebrate Black History Month we take a look at the development of Hip Hop through the lens of Folk music.
Hip Hop rarely gets described as Folk music, but the history of this musical genre is the story of working class people making music with the tools they have…