Many believe that the music of Appalachia has remained unchanged for centuries, unwavering to the influences of today’s most popular genres. Some call it hillbilly music; others call it country, but are they really one in the same? Is country music still the sound of Appalachia? According to many who live in the Appalachian region, it is not the same. Country music has evolved, and keeps evolving to compete with pop and rock music. The natural sound of guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle once filled every country song and album; however, these instruments have been, for the most part, replaced by electric instruments. Long gone are the days of old country when the music was free-flowing: a voice from the soul.
While country had been switching to a more electric sound, a new subgenre called bluegrass emerged. Its origin is directly linked to the mid forties, when electric instruments were first being introduced. The main fan base of bluegrass consisted of those who liked the traditional style, over the popular style. Just like country, bluegrass was founded on mountain music, yet unlike country, bluegrass still follows its roots. It is a genre concrete in its relation to mountain music, a pure representation of times long gone. Should country music still be known as the sound of Appalachia? I feel like bluegrass is more deserving of that title.
-S
3 comments:
If you actually like bluegrass music, you should look up Doug and Telisha Williams. Their music is a little bluegrass, a little country, and a little rock and roll, but the important part is that their music still tells a story like Appalachian music used to.
S, your concern with country music is mutually shared. I really cannot listen to "country" music. People have gotten so far away from the music that is actually special to our region. How do you think we can get things going in the right direction?
Bluegrass sticks to the tradition, while country has evolved from the original idea of it. Both could be known as Appalachian as long as they are realistic and come from the heart. I do think the electronic instruments are a little much though.
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