“Roots Roadhouse is a yearly festival that aims to explore the soul of Outlaw country, a genre that is generally not created in Los Angeles, but thanks to artists like Sturgill Simpson (and many of those on the lineup) the sound has become more popular and more desirable over time.” – mxdwn.com
With Roots Roadhouse coming right around the corner, here are some of our favorite MUST SEE artists!
1. Charley Crockett
Charley Crockett is set to headline Roots Roadhouse 2020. Crockett, a Texas-based country singer, perfectly blends country, Texas blues, and cajun soul into his music. When asked what kind of music he plays, Crockett replies, “I play Texas and Louisiana music.” Crockett is most notable for his songs, “Jamestown Ferry” and “I Wanna Cry.”
Listen to “Jamestown Ferry” below.
2. Jon Doe + Exene
John Doe and Exene Cervenka are one of the headliners for Roots Roadhouse 2020. The pair is most known for their time and music together in the punk band X. Cervenka contributed her vocals to the punk band while Doe played bass and lended his vocals as well. The pair is heavily influenced by Americana, punk, and country. Together, the pair is most notable for their songs “Los Angeles” and “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts” while in the band X. While Doe is most notable for his song “The Golden State” and Cervenka notable for “See How We Are.”
Listen to “Los Angeles” below.
3. Pokey Lafarge
Pokey Lafarge loves using his music as an outlet for his personal stories.
“I’ve always loved that narrative style of singing, always loved ballads — just taking your voice to the limit and telling a story,” says Lafarge.
Inspired by all facets of music, you can hear several influences like Latin, French, and Rocksteady in Lafarge’s music but he makes it’s his own. Lafarge is most notable for his songs, “Something In the Water” and “Actin’ a Fool.”
Listen to “Actin’ a Fool” below.
4. The Haden Triplets
The Haden Triplets are made up of Petra, Rachel, and Tanya Haden. The Los Angeles-based country trio come from a long line of accomplished musicians. Their father, Charlie Haden, was a jazz bassist and their grandfather, Carl E. Haden, was a country songwriter. The triplets are most notable for their songs “Wayfaring Stranger” and “Who Will You Love”
Listen to “Wayfaring Stranger” below.
5. Victoria Bailey
Nicknamed the “Honky Tonk Woman,” Victoria Bailey is a California based Country singer and songwriter. Bailey uses her music to tell personal stories and believes that storytelling is the best way to write a country song. Bailey is most notable for her songs “Emerald Blue” and “Ramblin’ Man”
Listen to “Emerald Blue” below.
6. Joe Bourdet
California-based artist, Joe Bourdet, is notable for his delicate vocals paired along with his acoustic guitar. He’s most known for his singles, “Seamist” and “El Captain.” His songs embody themes of love and existentialism.
Listen to “Seamist” below:
7. The Rhyolite Sound
Las Vegas-native country band, The Rhyolite Sound, was formed in 2013. Most notable for their songs “Margaritas and Cocaine” and “The Road to Losing My Mind,” The Rhyolite Sound aims to make music for both “hard-core traditionalists as well as the most casual country music fan.” They’re the perfect blend of country, rock, and blues!
Listen to “The Road to Losing My Mind” below!
8. Jason James
9. The Cactus Pickers
Be sure to listen to our curated Roots Roadhouse playlist below to prepare for the upcoming festival!
If you haven’t already, buy your tickets to Roots Roadhouse 2020 on March 29 at The Echo HERE!