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DigSin is a singles label that uses new, targeted digital marketing techniques to build audiences. Founded by Jay Frank, author of the top digital songwriting book Futurehit.DNA, DigSin finds the best songs by the best new artists that are well suited for a career launch around their very best songs!

Does the profession of A&R have a future?  Watch the video by Music XRay visionary Mike McCready 

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AMERICANA - MUSIC FOR THE CONTEMPORARY ARTIST

The Music Specialist

 

I attended the 2011 Americana Music Association Festival and Conference in Nashville and heard many styles of Americana music. The music ranged from Folk songs, Country picking, Field Hollers, Gospel and Rock N Roll.

I had a realization that I want to share today.

Americana Music was described to me by Jed Hilly Director Americana Music Association as "Old music made new". I thought that this was a very odd description but it started me looking at songs that were classified as Americana and in particular the songs I knew that the most famous Americana artist chose to perform. The first Americana song that I ever heard professionally performed was by Robert Plant, the song was "Black Girl" written by Lead Belly. Many traditional blues lovers know this song under the title "In the Pines" but by either title the implication here is that great songs have been written, forgotten by the current generation and are now considered historically significant.

The finale number of the 2011 Americana Music Association Awards show included Greg Allman, Robert Plant, Patty Griffin, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Don Was, Justin Towne Earles, The Avett Brothers and more. Star studded Americana professionals singing a song introduced as "From Greg Allman's album here is "Glory Glory". What was not mentioned or implied is that "Glory Glory" originated as an anti slavery song first recorded in Chicago 1928 by The Elders McIntorsh and Edwards' Sanctified Singers Church of God in Christ.   

Since I Laid My Burden Down -- The Elders McIntorsh and Edwards' Sanctified Singers

There is a wealth of music available to Americana artist under several different genre names. Prior to the advent of Americana, traditional spirituals, slave songs and field chants had been relabeled as Folk music. Blues that grew out of slave songs graduated to Rhythm & Blues, Jazz then into Rock N Roll.

There is a disservice going on today to the writers and performers of traditional American roots music. And also to the contemporary artist, musicians and writers who do not learn from this historical education. How can we continue to claim such a rich heritage and we are not passing it along to our youth? Where are the writers' workshops that look at the trials and tribulations under gone by our forefathers who contributed to the creation of these truly wonderful songs?

My realization?

History repeats itself especially when you are observant.