The Incredible Kaia Kater talks new album, representation in Americana music

Believe it or not, Rhiannon Giddens isn’t the only black banjo player turning heads in Americana Music. Kaia Kater’s first album in six years is out and the likes of Rolling Stone, No Depression and more are giving it glowing marks.  She’s not just turning out a unique sound and a very different take on how the banjo plays into new music, but Kater is also chiming in on representation of people of color in bluegrass, country and Americana music. This week on Roots Music Rambler, hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) dig in with her to talk about that, her background growing up in Canada, the culture shock of going to college in West Virginia and collaborating with the likes of Allison Russell, Aoiefe O’Donovan and Taj Mahal on her new record and a lot more.  Falls also shares his experience at Railbird Festival in Lexington, Ky., in June, which included a new worship-like status of Marcus King. They also discuss the list of top 12 all-time grossing live music acts and the lack of intimacy in stadium shows.  Plus, as always, Frank and Falls share their Pickin’ the Grinnin’ recommendations for music  you should check out. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.  Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Railbird Festival Marcus King on Spotify Dwight Yoakum incident at Railbird Aerial shot of The Red Clay Strays at Railbird 12 highest grossing live music acts of all-time Kaia Kater online Kaia Kater on Spotify Kaia Kater’s new album “Strange Medicine” The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok  Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Katie Pruitt on Spotify Fiona Apple on Spotify Lilith Fair Ladies of the 90s playlist on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices