Hello and welcome Americana Podcast listeners to a very special and celebratory episode. Long time listeners and new friends, we are so excited to share with you that as of April 29, 2024- we are celebrating the 5th Anniversary of this show. It has been such an honor to have been documenting the story of Americana through the artist’s lens. And we’ve heard some incredible stories, from Billy Strings to Lori McKenna, to Shinyribs and most recently Hiss Golden Messenger. From the young blood of Jamestown Revival to the stalwart rockers in the image of Jim Lauderdale. We’ve only scratched the surface of what makes Americana what it is today and what its future can only hold. As we mark a momentous occasion, five years of weaving tales and tunes, let us embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of our show's legacy.

To honor this milestone, we are joined by one of the true luminaries of the Americana scene. First, a troubadour whose name is synonymous with the genre, a man whose songs echo with the spirit of the American heartland, the one and only Ray Wylie Hubbard. I know I’ve been your temporary host for a while so the celebration doesn't stop there. Also returning to the show is our very own, revered songwriter whose wit and wisdom have endeared him to audiences far and wide, the incomparable Robert Earl Keen. Together, they represent the very essence of Americana, embodying its spirit and sound with every chord and lyric.

Live from KNBT’s Roots and Branches show- join us as Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, and Americana radio pioneer Mattson Rainer recount their songwriting journey, the passion for music, and indulge us in some very special performances (this is a long show- but I can assure you it is worth every minute).

So join us as we raise a toast to the history of our show, to five years of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of musical truth. I’m your producer Clara Rose, and this is Americana Podcast- the 51st State

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Hello and welcome to a new episode and a new year Americana Podcast listeners. We’re so happy to be back and we have a very exciting episode for you today to celebrate the new year. I’m particularly excited for this show because it really brings us to a full circle moment in the history of this podcast. From long-time audience members to latest episode listeners, you know that every episode features a  break in programming to feature the wonderfully written recommendations from our friend and contributor Will Vogt. Will has been with us since the very first episode of the show and has been on the ground floor for many artists—kindly sharing with our audience who he’s been listening to during his segment. Which brings us to this episode’s guest- Hiss Golden Messenger. 

One of the first picks Will ever submitted was one detailing the works of M.C. Taylor, aka Hiss Golden Messenger. A native of California but long time North Carolina resident, Hiss Golden Messenger brings together the elements of soul, rhythmic rock, blues and experiential lyricism. His punk-rock DIY acumen combined with an elevated style of songwriting has garnered praise from both fans and critics alike, as well as grammy nominations. And since his first ever feature as a Will’s Pick, I can biasedly say he’s one of my all time favorite artists working in the Americana scene today. 

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We have a very special guest in this episode. Today, we're diving into the rich tapestry of the extraordinary songwriter, Gretchen Peters. Growing up next to the legendary Greenwich Village folk scene, before moving to Colorado where she cut her teeth as a performer, and finally settling in Nashville at the height of the traditional country to pop country split in the 90’s and early aughts. Peters’ story is something that music journalists and authors could only dream of living. And during all this time, she has etched her name into the annals of American music history with her poignant lyrics and haunting melodies.

In the early '90s, Peters released her debut album, 'The Secret of Life,' which quickly garnered attention for its lyrical depth and Peters' distinctive, emotive voice. Throughout her illustrious career, Peters has penned songs that resonate with a raw, emotional honesty and capture complexities of the human condition. Her songs have been cut by the likes of Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood, and has been a longstanding advocate for musician’s rights in an increasingly complicated industry that looks more and more like a battleground everyday. 

Having recently retired from touring, it’s time to take stock of  Gretchen Peters' immeasurable impact on music. Her dedication to storytelling has earned her a place among the most revered songwriters of our time. So join us today as we speak with Gretchen Peters about her serendipitous career, women’s music in country and Americana, and whether or not there really is a difference between being a songwriter and being a performer. 

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