Alternative Country

Alternative country music is a genre characterized by a rootsy, Americana sound that diverges from mainstream country's polished production and formulaic songwriting. Emerging in the 1990s, it drew from folk, rock, and punk influences to create a more experimental and authentic sound. Defining features include twangy guitars, driving rhythms, and heartfelt, often introspective lyrics delivered in distinctive, emotive vocals. Alternative country's DIY ethos and anti-establishment spirit resonated with a generation disillusioned with commercial country's slickness. The genre's cultural significance lies in its rejection of Nashville's mainstream conventions, embracing instead a raw, grassroots approach that fostered a sense of community and creative freedom. With its blend of country, folk, and rock elements, alternative country occupies a unique niche, distinct from both traditional country and the more commercial Americana sound.

Latest Alternative Country Release
undefined album image
High Lonesome
Album - 11 Tracks - Released November 1, 2024

RecentMusic users are tracking 861 Alternative Country artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 11,326 releases .

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Alternative Country artists you love!

Get Started Browse Releases
Alex Mather
Angela Autumn
Ashley Anne
Ashley Ryan
Austin Leonard Jones
Avery Roberson
Bear Bailey
Ben Chapman
Bill Callahan
Bo Staloch
Brady Lee
Brian Loyde
Brooks and Bowskill
Buck Raines
Buddy Miller
CJ Garton
Cam Wheaton
Cameron Whitcomb
Chase Baker
Chris Acker
Chris Davis
Christo Graham
Chuck Prophet
Claude Bourbon
Cody Lawless
Cody Webb
Colt Graves
Cory Marks
Dawson Anderson
Denny Wilke
Drive-By Truckers
Dustin Hill
Dusty Black
Eddie Montgomery
Emily Rose and the Rounders
Everette
FILLY
Fox N' Vead
Frank Foster
Greg Pratt
Guitar Tom and the High Cats
Gurf Morlix
High Lonesome
JD Clayton
Jason Lee McKinney Band
Jason Molina
Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Joe Henry
John Salaway
Joshua Espinoza
Kambell Crites
Karl Blau
King Vaudeville
Kory Miller
Lilly Hiatt
Lilly Moss
Logan Crosby
Loose Cattle
Lowland Brothers
Lucinda Williams
Mae Estes
MarDe Brooks
Melissa Erin
Mountain Crew
Nash Parker
Nate Barnes
Nathan Wilson
Nick Flessa
Our Atlantic Roots
Patrick Davis
Pete Harpen Project
Peter Baxter
Prairiewolf
Ramsey Thornton
Red Cedar
Roger Harvey
Route 3
Royale Lynn
Ryan Whyte Maloney
Shelby Stone
Simon Flory
Somerset Kent
Songs: Ohia
Sophie Gault
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Stillhouse Junkies
THISTLE & OAK
Taco Tapes
Taylor Goyette
Taylor-Rae
Thunder and Rain
Tommy Prine
Troubadour Blue
Ty Myers
Vintage Lapointe
W.C. Beck
Wild the Coyote
Will Church
Will Dempsey
Willie Watson
Max McNown
49 Winchester
Orville Peck
Ty Myers
Wilco
Shaya Zamora
Steve Earle
Ryan Adams
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Frazey Ford
Cameron Whitcomb
Gillian Welch
John Moreland
Justin Townes Earle
Drive-By Truckers
Margo Price
Jason Isbell
Townes Van Zandt
Amanda Shires
Lucinda Williams
Trio Del Norte
The Be Good Tanyas
Dixon Dallas
Cowboy Junkies
Ray Benson
Hiss Golden Messenger
Shovels & Rope
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Calexico
Forest Sun
Neko Case
Cory Marks
The Moss
M. Ward
Buddy Miller
Mountain Crew
The Deslondes
Nikki Lane
Jenny Lewis
Hurray For The Riff Raff
Silver Jews
Rhys Wells
Ian Noe
Blaze Foley
เมนทอล
Maria McKee
Leo Waters
Jason Molina
Ben Lively
Zac Brown
Patty Griffin
Josh Ritter
Bill Callahan
Micah P. Hinson
JD Clayton
Odie Leigh
Will Dempsey
Will Church
Deer Tick
Joshua Quimby
Vincent Neil Emerson
James McMurtry
April Ball
Lucero
Sean Murphy
Songs: Ohia
The Felice Brothers
The Jayhawks
Ryan Charles
Damien Adams
Kacy & Clayton
American Aquarium
The Cactus Blossoms
Pickin' On Series
Royale Lynn
Frank Foster
Graydon Poole
J.R. Carroll
Old 97's
Tyler Marshall
Wes Ivory
Cole Phillips
Wade Forster
Lera Lynn
Levi Hayes
Jaimie Escalera
Josh Rouse
Ollie MN
Jeffrey Foucault
Lizzie Morgan
Indy
Wezley Wiz
The Law
Jeff Tweedy
CeCe
Calvin Russell
Quinn Harrington
Uncle Tupelo
Will Moseley
Matt Quentin