Ryan Hamilton is a Fort Worth native, steeped in country music since birth, who just happens to have a UK backing band, The Harlequin Ghosts, who play music that shows the influence of classic rock as well as that of country and roots music. The group record for Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records, established to support emerging garage rock talent that was not being picked up by the majors. Americana UK’s Martin Johnson caught up with Ryan Hamilton at home in Fort Worth to talk about Jack Kerouac, Tom Petty, the impact of John Prine’s passing and the similarities of Newcastle-upon-Tyne with the American South. Continue reading “Interview: Ryan Hamilton talks about Jack Kerouac, Geordies and John Prine”
Ohio’s Arlo Mckinley was on the brink of giving up on music when he caught the attention of one John Prine. The legendary singer-songwriter and his son Jody signed him up to their label Oh Boy Records on the strength of his soulful, gospel voice and beautiful songs of hard living. Mckinley’s is a story of better late than never, as accident and circumstance almost conspired to convince him that his time would never come. Luckily, aged forty years young we are now presented with ‘Die Midwestern’.
Back in April my friend and fellow writer Paul Villers compiled a selection of 10 americana duets. However, like many brilliant compilations, the source material is so extensive it just cried out for a follow-up. So, with a nod of approval from Paul, I am adding another 10 to his original list. I’ve tried to focus on both the classic and some of the more unusual collaborations involving americana artists. This continuation of Paul’s initial conversation is just that, a continuation. There is still so much out there, so please add your own suggestions and favourites underneath. Neither of our lists feature Emmylou Harris, perhaps the queen of the duet. There are just so many to choose from that it became an impossible task. Emmylou is probably worthy of a top 10 of her own, but that’s for another time. So, here we go. 
At AUK we are on a quest to find the ‘Top 10 Americana Albums Ever’. Over the last few weeks our writers have been going through the mental anguish of trying to narrow the whole history of Americana down to just ten albums. When every writer has had their say, a shortlist of the most frequently chosen albums will be drawn up and voted on, in order to generate the definitive AUK writers top ten. This week’s tortured soul is Andrew Frolish.