PODCAST · music
Roots Rednecks and Radicals
by Will Houk- Alt Country, Indie, Folk
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 Strings, this show traces the thin line between outlaw country grit and independent DIY punk ethics. Whether analyzing classic americana, underground folk, bluegrass, or riot grrrl anthems, we uncover the radical roots behind the music you love.New episodes drop regularly featuring exclusive artist interviews, music journalism, and curated track roundups. Hit follow to join the rebellion and discover how ”redneck” and ”radical” belong together.
Episodes
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COLBY T. HELMS Has Made ONE FOR THE LOSERS
Colby T. Helms is a folk/bluegrass musician from Virginia. He's made a name for himself playing his songs on TikTok and Instagram and developed a following. He's a young guy, but his sound is rooted in the deep music culture of his region. I had him on the show to talk about his new album One For...
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RATBOYS TWIN TEMPLE and JAKE BLOUNT Are In The Rotation!
I have three incredible artists lined up for you this week. Ratboys have a new indie folk album out. Twin Temple brings us the sounds of Satanic Doo-Wop. And Jake Blount has a stringband album that is stellar. I hope you dig it!
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CHARLIE PARR On His New Record ROOMING HOUSE
Charlie Parr is an American folk/blues musician that has been making socially conscious music for decades. Known for his cutting lyricism, he embodies a style of folk that is not seen very often anymore. His style is rooted in the blues, but he's developed a sound all his own. His new album…
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SHONEN KINFE Brings Their Style Of Japanese Punk To Reno.
I was asked recently to do a concert review for the Japanese Punk Band Shonen Knife. They got their start back in 1981 and have been playing their Ramones infused punk rock for decades. In the early 1990s Kurt Cobain and Nirvana asked them to tour with the band, and that gave them some great...
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BILLY STRINGS, RHIANNON GIDDENS, and WILLI CARLISLE are in The Rotation!
Billy Strings, Rhiannon Giddens, and Willi Carlisle all have new music out. Willi's new album was produced by Tyler Childers and I feel like you can really hear the influence on this track. Billy Strings continues to kill it with his blend of bluegrass and psychedelic rock. Rhiannon Giddens just...
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KACEY MUSGRAVES & INTOCABLE Just Made Texas Music History!
Kacey Musgraves has released her first all Spanish song. She teamed up with the ultra-famous Mexican Tejano group Intocable for a new take on her song Uncertain TX. She recently had them on stage to perform the song live. It's a great blend of Country music and Mexican culture and I am here for it!
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Philly Punk Band ERASER Is On The Show Talking About Their New Album OPERATOR!
Eraser is a punk band out of Philly. They just released a new album called Operator and I had a chance to chat with them about it at a show they played in Reno. They were at the Holland Project and we got a chance to talk before the show. Shout out to the openers that night, Rotten Heights, and...
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Did TOM MORELLO Really Tell People To Not Vote?
Recently Tom Morello did an interview where he revealed he did not vote for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. This has sparked some controversy online about voting and what we should be doing in the age of Trump. I think his views are much more nuanced than people are giving him credit for and…
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BECK'S New Album RIDE LONESOME Is An Introspective Journey.
Beck is know for his hits like Loser and Devi'ls Haricut but many people don't realize he's always made folksy, singer-songwriter music. This new album has him exploring those roots on a deep and introspective journey. It's equal parts folk, and country. I really love this album. I hope you dig it!
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Alex Orbison: Finishing a Lost Johnny Cash Song, Drumming for The Allman Betts Band, and His New Solo Album
What happens when you discover a hidden 1960s love poem written by Johnny Cash? You put it to music. In this episode, we sit down with veteran drummer and songwriter Alex Orbison to discuss the release of his incredible debut solo album, Love And Loss. Alex takes us behind the scenes of his...
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ORVILLE PECK'S New Album Mule Is Some Of His Best Work.
Orville Peck has a new album out called Mule and it's really great. The sounds are sparse and contemplative. The songwriting ventures into territory he rarely explores. It has a collaboration with Emmylou Harris, Noah Cyrus, and Allison Russell. Let's take a look at this record!
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PHOEBE BRIDGERS May Have Written The Album Of The Year LOST WEEKEND.
I really love this album. The songwriting is amazing. The production is out of control. It's just an amazing record. This week we take a look at Lost Weekend by Phoebe Bridgers.
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AARON LEE TASJAN'S New Album GET OVER IT UNDERDOG.
Aaron Lee Tasjan is an artist I have a great deal of respect for. His songwriting is inspired by artists like his mentor Todd Snider. It's a great blend of folk, country and rock that explores areas often looked over. His new album is out and has some fantastic songs on it. I hope you dig it...
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Nathan Evans Fox explores southern culture and history on his new album Heirloom.
Nathan Evans Fox is an artist I've really been enjoying recently. He has a great songwriting approach, and his lyrics are exploring areas often looked over by other writers. I really appreciate his honesty and integrity, and his commitment to giving a voice to a perspective not often heard. Let's...
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RIP Dolly Parton!
Dolly was an absolute icon. Her music career spanned decades and she left us with a wealth of songs she wrote and will always be remembered for. Her legacy is bigger than just her music. People remember her for so many things from her foundation that focussed on literacy, to her embrace of...
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5 Songs I'm Diggin' for August 2026. Featuring Lucy Dacus, Phoebe Bridgers, Nathan Evans Fox, Billy Strings and Margo Price w/Joan Baez.
I have five songs lined up for you that I'm really diggin' this month. We have everything from indie to bluegrass on this episode. As always, there is so much great music out there I like to sort through it all and let you know what's good. I hope you dig it everybody!
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Brandi Carlile Unleashes A Cover of an Alanis Morissette Song At Newport Folk Festival
Brandi Carlile recently performed at the Newport Folk Festival. During her performance she unleashed a wild and powerful version of the song Uninvited by Alanis Morissette. It was unhinged and so good! Let's take a look at this performance, I hope you dig it!
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Kacey Musgraves Celebrates Mexican Music With Brothers Detained By ICE
Kacey Musgraves has always had a sense for social activism. Recently when she learned the story of brothers who were detained by ICE and also were Mariachi musicians she reached out to them. She had them perform on stage with her in Texas and it was a truly beautiful moment. Let's take a look at...
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5 Songs I'm Diggin' For May! Featuring Lucy Liyou, Snail Mail, Kacey Musgraves/Willie Nelson, Deer Tick, and Shooter Jennings/Willie Nelson.
Here's 5 more songs I think you'd enjoy that are out this month. Some of the best tracks I've been listening to. Lucy Liyou, Snail Mail, Kacey Musgraves, Deer Tick, and Shooter Jennings. With a bonus of Willie Nelson on two of the tracks. I hope you dig it!
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The Album That Set The Stage For Outlaw Country Turns 50 This Year!
Wanted! The Outlaws gave us a template for what Outlaw Country music should sound like. And it came out in an era of country music that gave us a ton of classic albums. It features Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter and a handful of other artists who contributed to it. It's a certified...
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5 Songs I'm Digging For April. Featuring Charley Crockett, Mitski, Iron & Wine, Ratboys, and India Ramey!
Lot's of good tunes out in the world right now. These are the songs I'm enjoying. Charley Crockett, Mitski, Iron & Wine, Ratboys, and India Ramey all have incredible music out you should be listening to. I hope you dig it!
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Gillian Welch's album "Revivial" Came Out 30 Years Ago This Month! Let's Take A Look At This Classic Album.
The bluegrass revival of the early 2000s has it's roots in music that was bubbling just under the surface years before. In the 90s there were artists laying the groundwork for what would become this musical phenomenon. Gillian Welch, Uncle Tupelo, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and many other...
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Johnny Blue Skies (aka Sturgill Simpson) Has A New Album Out! And It's Weird As Hell!
Sturgill Simpson is one of my favorite artists of all time. He just does things the way he wants to do them. He's made Outlaw Country, Bluegrass, and Rock records. And now he's trying his hand at Disco/Funk. He's just a weird dude and I love love it. He put this album out under the moniker…
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Charley Crockett's new album "Age of the Ram" is the end of his Sagebrush Trilogy.
I've been such a big fan of Charley Crockett for a long time now and I'm stoked to see him reach new levels in his career. He's super creative, and just a brilliant songwriter. He teamed up with Shooter Jennings for his newest release which really reminds me of Willie Nelson's Red Headed…
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Folk/Blues Legend Charlie Parr Is On The Show!
Charlie Parr is a roots musician from Minnesota that has been making music for decades. Over the years he's really created his own style that is based in the American folk and blues tradition. He's playing a show in my hometown (Carson City NV) Friday April 3rd at the Brewery Arts Center and I…
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Folk Duo The Lowest Pair Talk Are On The Show!
My hometown is getting a treat. Charlie Parr and The Lowest Pair are coming through to play a show. I had a chance to talk with this dynamic folk duo about their music, and their most recent release Always As Young As We'll Ever Be. I hope you dig it!
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5 Songs I'm Digging For March! Featuring Jeff Tweedy, Jeremy Ivey (w/Margo Price), Courtney Barnett, Father John Misty, and the Milk Carton Kids.
I have five more songs for you lined up this month. As always I like to bring you what's good in the world of new music and I have a great line-up for ya! This month we're listening to tunes from Jeff Tweedy, Jeremy Ivey (w/Margo Price), Courtney Barnett, Father John Misty, and the Milk Carton...
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Colter Wall Is Taking A Break From Music For The Time Being
Colter Wall announced on his Instagram recently he's taking a mental health break from music for the time being. There are few details surrounding this decision. But it's clear he needs a break. I wanted to take a minute and reflect on this decision, and what it means for the broader music industry.
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Folk The Man! John Henry
John Henry is an American folk hero. His mythology goes back to the 1800s and no one is quite sure what part of his story is real, or legend. Nevertheless his story lives on mainly in song form. And his story could not be more relevant today with the advent of LLMs and AI threatening to take...
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Country Music Grifters: Kid Rock
For some reason Country Music has become a space for people who want to run a grift and make a quick buck, and Kid Rock is one of the worst. He doesn't really make "country" music, but the crowd he is going after is the country crowd. In 2015 Kid Rock's career was waning and he was looking for a...
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Steve Earle's Guitar Town Turns 40 This Month. Let's Take A Look At This Classic Album!
Steve Earle is one of America's greatest living songwriters. His career spans decades, and he is widely respected as an incredible artist by so many musicians. His first album Guitar Town got his career started 40 years ago. It reflects the influence of other great artists like Guy Clark, and...
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Celebrating Black History Month With The Carolina Chocolate Drops!
The Carolina Chocolate Drops (Rhiannon Giddens, Dom Flemons, and Justin Robinson) put out their album Genuine Negro Jig over 10 years ago. And it is still amazing. I wanted to take a look at this album because it is such an important piece of work in the folk community. It gave all the artists...
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Remembering Bob Weir. The legendary guitar player of the Grateful Dead!
Bob Weir passed away just over a month ago. He was a giant in the world of American roots music. A founding member of the Grateful Dead, after Jerry Garcia's death he went on the play with RatDog, Dead & Company, and of course Bob Weird and Wolf Bros. His musical legacy is unparalleled and his...
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5 Songs I'm Diggin' For February featuring: Lucinda Wiliams, Mitski, Ecca Vandal, Flea, and Kim Gordon
I've got 5 more songs for you that I'm diggin' this month! Lucinda Williams, Mitski, Ecca Vandal, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth) all have new music out and I wanted to bring these songs to you. They cover a range of styles from alt-country to indie rock and they are…
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Folk The Man! The Ghost of Tom Joad
This is the first episode in a series I plan on doing on protest music. Decades ago Woody Guthrie wrote a song that told the story of Tom Joad from Grapes of Wrath. After that Bruce Springsteen wrote an interpolation of Guthrie's song, and not long after that Rage Against The Machine covered...
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5 Songs I'm Diggin' for January featuring Wednesday, Courtney Barnett, Clover Country, Colter Wall, and Brennan Leigh!
Lots of good music to go over with you this month. As always I try and keep you up to date on what's happening in the world of Indie/Alternative music. And I have some fun ones for you today. From jangly indie, to honky-tonking country this is what is tickling my fancy currently. As always, I…
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Sammy Brue on his touching album dedicated to the memory of Justin Townes Earle.
Justin Townes Earle passed away nearly six years ago. His death came as a shock to the roots music community. The son of Steve Earle was a bright shining star in the world of songwriters. Sammy Brue was a huge fan, and he's written a touching and heartfelt album dedicated to Justin's memory. He...
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Hayley Heynderickx and Max Garcia Conover Are Making Music Like Woody Guthrie
These two folk artists have made an incredible piece of art. It came out at the end of last year, and it's been on repeat in my headphones for awhile now. I've always loved to socially conscious lyrics of Woody Guthrie and this album feels like the best parts of what he was doing decades ago. I...
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MJ Lenderman and Waxahatchie are artists to be listening to in 2026!
MJ Lenderman and Waxahatchie (Katie Crutchfiled) have both had an amazing last few years. They've worked with each other, and played in either Wednesday or Snocaps, both bands that have been garnering a ton of attention lately. I wanted to share some of their tunes with you, I hope you dig it!
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Breaking down the best music of 2025!
I feel like this year gave us some incredible music from a variety of artists. I wanted to share with you some of the bands and songwriters that were on repeat for me this year. We'll be talking about Tyler Childers, Margo Price, Nathan Evans Fox, Wednesday, Turnstile, Scowl, Lucy Dacus and Jay...
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Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas is a damn delight!
I have loved this movie since I was a little kid. It's campy, and honestly kinda bad but in the best way possible. The songs are fun, the puppets are bad, but the nostalgia lives on. I hope I can inspire you to make this classic a part of your Christmas tradition!
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This Episode Goes To 11! Remembering Rob Reiner And His Classic Film This Is Spinal Tap!
Rob Reiner was an incredible director and genuinely hilarious. He passed away this week under really tragic circumstances. But the art he left us with will live on. This Is Spinal Tap is one of the funniest movies ever made in my opinion. So I wanted to share some of its best moments with you.…
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Amanda Shires dives deep into her divorce with Jason Isbell on her new album "Nobody's Girl."
I have been a fan of Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell for over a decade now. Like many others I was surprised to hear about their divorce. And it's never easy to deal with something like that in the public eye. This album, produced by Shooter Jennings, takes a look into her heartbreak, and what…
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Billy Strings Tiny Desk Concert!
I've been a big fan of Billy Strings for quite a while now. I've also always loved NPR's Tiny Desk Concert, and I was stoked to see that Billy was on the show. Join me for a quick breakdown of his Tiny Desk conert!
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Mexican folk musician Silvana Estrada is someone you need to be listening to!
Silvana Estrada is a Mexican folk musician with an incredible voice. I saw a video of her playing NPR's Tiny Desk Concert and it blew me away. This album is full of intimate and paired down songs that get to the core of her emotional delivery. I hope you dig it!
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Brandi Carlile's new album "Returning to Myself" is Brandi at her best!
Brandi Carlile has been one of my favorite singers for some time now. Her voice is genuine and honest. I was a bit disappointed in her last couple of releases, and I was excited to see she has a new album out. The first in four years. And this album does not disappoint! This week we take a look…
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Twangly, Jangly, Honky-Tonking Alt Country!
I have another playlist for you! This one focuses on modern alt-country that has been making waves. In this episode we listen to Tyler Childers, Margo Price, Brandi Carlile, Jeff Tweedy, and Brennan Leigh. All incredible artists with really fun music out in the world. I hope you dig it!
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In Memory of Todd Snider, The Interview We Did In 2020. RIP Todd!
Todd Snider was an open and free artist. He lived his life as a troubadour, a vagabond, and a real creative soul. It's impossible list all of the people he influenced with his songs, but rest assured the number is incredibly high. In 2020 right before the COVID shutdown I interviewed him for a…
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Indie Folk, But Not Like Stomp-Clap Indie Folk
I thought it would be fun to make a few playlists and share them with y'all! You can find it on Spotify, and it has a ton of new great music that I'm sure you're gonna dig. Today we take a look at new music from Lucy Dacus, Bahamas, Tropa Magica, Neko Case, and Jay Som. All great stuff I know...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 Strings, this show traces the thin line between outlaw country grit and independent DIY punk ethics. Whether analyzing classic americana, underground folk, bluegrass, or riot grrrl anthems, we uncover the radical roots behind the music you love.New episodes drop regularly featuring exclusive artist interviews, music journalism, and curated track roundups. Hit follow to join the rebellion and discover how ”redneck” and ”radical” belong together.
HOSTED BY
Will Houk- Alt Country, Indie, Folk
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Roots Rednecks and Radicals have?
Roots Rednecks and Radicals currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Roots Rednecks and Radicals about?
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...
How often does Roots Rednecks and Radicals release new episodes?
Roots Rednecks and Radicals has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Roots Rednecks and Radicals?
You can listen to Roots Rednecks and Radicals on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Roots Rednecks and Radicals?
Roots Rednecks and Radicals is created and hosted by Will Houk- Alt Country, Indie, Folk.
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