What is Americana music?

Origin of Americana

USA, 1990s as a radio/marketing format. The Americana Music Association was founded in 1999 to define an alternative country space not served by mainstream Nashville. Draws on country, folk, blues, gospel, and rock. Gillian Welch, Ryan Adams, and Wilco are canonical figures.

Era: 1990s--present

Defining sound of Americana

Acoustic and electric guitars, pedal steel, fiddle, upright bass. Vocal style is earnest and unaffected. Lyrics address place, loss, work, love, and American identity. Production ranges from sparse to full band. BPM typically 70-140. Commercial polish is deliberately avoided.

Pioneers of Americana

• Gram Parsons
• Emmylou Harris
• Townes Van Zandt
• Steve Earle
• Lucinda Williams

Key Americana artists

• Gillian Welch
• Ryan Adams
• Jason Isbell
• The War on Drugs
• John Prine
• Sturgill Simpson

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Americana

When did Americana start?

Americana originated 1990s--present. USA, 1990s as a radio/marketing format.

Who invented Americana?

Americana was pioneered by Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams. USA, 1990s as a radio/marketing format. The Americana Music Association was founded in 1999 to define an alternative country space not served by mainstream Nashville. Draws on country, folk, blues, gospel, and rock. Gillian Welch, Ryan Adams, and Wilco are canonical figures.

Is Americana still popular?

Americana continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Gillian Welch, Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell, The War on Drugs.

What does Americana sound like?

Acoustic and electric guitars, pedal steel, fiddle, upright bass. Vocal style is earnest and unaffected. Lyrics address place, loss, work, love, and American identity. Production ranges from sparse to full band. BPM typically 70-140. Commercial polish is deliberately avoided.

What is the difference between Americana and country?

Americana and country are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the country definition page for a full comparison.