Americana music has such a wide range. That is one of the most appealing things about the genre. The definition is so difficult, and even as writers, we have had long discussions, mainly in a convenient hostelry, about which artists can go into the americana wheelhouse. This sometimes ends up with someone mentioning Ronnie James Dio or Genesis (read Graeme Tait’s compelling argument here), at which point we know it is time to quit and go to the bar. One of the main sticking points is country music. AUK is not a country music website, but there has always been a crossover due to the pure nature of where americana music began and the evolutionary journey. Without the pioneers of folk music, American roots, Appalachian singers and artists such as Hank Williams, would The Byrds, The Band, and others have grabbed hold of the genre and twisted it into something beautiful?
On the very first track of AUK favourites Brown Horse’s debut album, they make reference to American country pioneer Jimmie Rodgers. The track Stealing Horses has the lyrics “But I heard you on the radio last night / Singing an old Jimmie Rodgers song“. The influence of these early artists endures, and bands return to them for inspiration and because they like what they hear.
At a Todd Day Wait gig recently, the audience was a mix of age groups. Which, although initially surprising, brought into focus that there are younger people who are looking for something more than what is fed to them via mainstream radio stations or Spotify algorithms. All in the same way that I searched for something different back in the 80’s when Stock Aitken Waterman took over the charts. Alternative country was just beginning to make its mark with artists such as Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam, Randy Travis, Nanci Griffith, and Lyle Lovett.
Todd Day Wait is originally from Columbia, Missouri. Since 2009, when he decided he wanted to play music full-time, he has travelled all over, bringing his brand of old-time country music to the people. Sometimes with a full band and others as a solo artist. His website perfectly describes Wait as a “pedal-to-the-metal troubadour“, and you are never short-changed when Wait hits the stage. Usually playing over thirty songs, a mixture of gorgeous covers, played in his own inimitable style and many self-penned beauties. It is not surprising to see his merchandise, T-shirts and hats, emblazoned with the wonderful tagline “Stay up late, with Todd Day Wait“. Inspired by George Jones, Jimmie Rodgers, and Missouri native Wynn Stewart, Wait’s voice is familiar yet unique, and he loves an old-time tune, and he will never be seen without his guitar. Wait explained in an interview with the Missouri Life Magazine, “I’m lucky and blessed that it all worked out, and now I can do it and go overseas and do the same thing I was doing here. It’s fun playing and entertaining people, and if you can make a living out of it, that’s a pretty good deal.”
Originally found busking on the streets of New Orleans after a time spent in California, Wait tours in his re-purposed diesel ex-airport shuttle bus, now fuelled by vegetable oil. He has visited Europe many times and is now based in Nashville, Tennessee. When not performing solo, he calls his band Pigpen; however, the band’s membership is fluid. If performing in New Orleans, he will put together a band of local Louisiana musicians, but if in Nashville, they will be from Tennessee. He has performed at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy and extensively toured in Germany with much success and return visits. Wait’s music has soaked up influences from his homeland and from his journeys around the globe. Wait was heard by Grammy Award-winning producer Mark Neill, ending with the two working together. Neil is best known for working with The Black Keys, producing their award-winning album Brothers. He has also recently worked with AUK favourite Charley Crockett. Neill produced Wait’s 2025 release Letters From The Road, released on 6050 Records. The label is Wait’s own, where he has also pressed 7-inch singles, going completely retro. At the aforementioned show, these were on display and available to buy, and were things of beauty. The artwork for the Time Will Let You Know 45 single is pre-worn and looks like it has been in the record bin since the fifties. The cover design by Ryan Loyko, whom Wait has worked with previously, takes inspiration from Springsteen’s Greetings From Asbury Park album cover.
The album is a traditional country affair with plenty of honky tonk pedal steel and shuffling rhythms. Wait has enough cry in his voice to sing sad songs in the best country tradition. One More Pair captures the hurt and heartache of a break-up as Wait sings “I’ll cry one more pair of these lonesome tears / Then I’ll never think of you again“. Wait, and the band can also step it up, as shown on That’s Not My Pal, which includes some excellent guitar work.
Wait loves to play his own favourites, and his version of Jimmie Rodgers’ Waiting For A Train, complete with yodel, is exquisite. As Wait loves touring, there will almost certainly be a chance to catch a live show. His brand of American roots music will take you back to the birth of americana. Be prepared to stay up late.
