Dale Watson Introduces The “Ameripolitan” Genre
On February 4th, Outlaw Magazine published an interview with Dale Watson where the Texas-based honky-tonk singer submitted his plan for how to deal with the problem of what to call “country music” since, according to Dale, that term has been co-opted and irreversibly corrupted by Music Row in Nashville. Dale’s been throwing around his “Ameripolitan” term for years, but as Outlaw Magazine finds out, Dale is now working to organize behind the name.
“I’ve felt for a long time that the nomenclature, not just the name but the entire genre was successfully changed right under our noses and we couldn’t stop it,” Dale tells Outlaw Magazine’s Brandy Lee Dixon. “There is absolutely no way to get Nashville to stop calling their music country. They believe that it is a natural progression of country music and it’s theirs. I thought if our music is going to be allowed to grow it needs a new genre. Americana is original music with prominent rock influence, Ameripolitan is original music with prominent ROOTS influence.”
When asked why we should abandon the “country” term and not fight for it, Dale responded…
“Nashville has that term and it has been forever tainted. The reason I insisted that the new name NOT have the word country in it, is because it would always be thought of as a step child to Nashville Country.We need to start fresh. Also it’s not just about traditional country music either. Ameripolitan embraces Rockabilly, Western Swing, Hillbilly, Honky Tonk, Soloist, Duos and Instrumentalist. I think they all relate to each other and share the same roots whereas New Country has it’s roots planted in mid air and came from someones wallet.”
The main idea behind Dale’s Ameripolitan at the moment is the formation of an Ameripolitan awards show that would transpire in February 2014 in Austin, TX. The awards would be voted on by three divisions: 1) Fans. 2) Industry. 3) 100 Ameripolitan “captains.” More specific rules and a website are currently in development.
– – – – – – – – – –
Saving Country Music’s thoughts on Ameripolitan.
To begin by playing a little devil’s advocate, Ameripolitan could be a slightly confusing term. “politan” as a suffix means “city,” and “city” is the antonym of “country.” The suffix “politain” has also been used before in country in the term “countrypolitan.”
Countrypolitan was an offshoot of The Nashville Sound created in the 1960’s that featured heavy, polished production with strings and choruses. Countrypolitan was producer Billy Sherrill’s version of The Nashville Sound that competed directly with Outlaw country, similarly to how The Nashville Sound competed with The Bakersfield Sound.
The term “Ameripolitan” may lead some to think that the roots of Ameripolitan music are in country’s countrypolitan past. Countrypolitan showcased artists like Charlie Rich and Charley Pride, as opposed to Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson that rebelled against the polished countrypolitan sound.
At the same time, one lesson we’ve learned over the years of trying to find a new name for true country music is that no term is going to be perfect. You just have to find one that fits, and go with it. Americana continues to fight to define itself (or to defy definition), yet it has seen tremendous growth over the last few years and has built remarkable consensus and infrastructure despite the ambiguity. A term Saving Country music once can up with, “Anti-Country” had its baggage too. In the end, to hold back the idea of unifying the music under a common term until a perfect term can be agreed upon is probably not smart, because that perfect term may not exist.
Shooter Jennings’ now defunct “XXX,” though not in the same sonic vein as “Ameripolitan” sonically, was a logistical mess and caused fracturing and chaos in the country music underground it was meant to unite. After its initial formation over two years ago, Shooter’s givememyxxx.com website was only updated twice in a 1 1/2 year period, and now the site is completely offline, neglected like the lark many charged Shooter would treat XXX as when it was initially proposed. The idea created more drama and infighting than consensus, and never even came close to forming the nationwide “XXX” radio format that was at the heart of the idea.
The other issue is the idea of relinquishing the term “country” to Music Row. I would be lying if I said this is something that I am comfortable with. At the same time I can’t see why Ameripolitan can’t move forward while the battle rages on for the heart of country music in a different theater. The fight for country music has always been one to transpire on multiple fronts, and Ameripolitan might create the infrastructure and strength in numbers true country needs to finally create a counter-balance or a legitimate alternative to Music Row.
A lot is still to be determined, but Dale Watson’s leadership has created an opportunity. By giving Ameripolitan a 1 year lead time to form a system gives Ameripolitan the benefit of a broad, unrushed perspective. By setting simple guidelines to make sure Ameripolitan’s formation has constructive input from fans, the industry, and a select group of people who will keep a watchful eye on the purity and direction of the term gives it strength and a pathway to consensus building.
Ameripolitain will not be perfect, but nothing is except the airbrushed faces and Auto-tuned voices of Music Row, and who wants to hear or see that? We should all move forward with an air of pragmatism and an understanding that discussion and constructive criticism is necessary to creating a healthy environment, but I don’t see any reason not to give Ameripolitan a chance to develop.
February 7, 2013 @ 10:36 am
I think Dale is on to something. BUT !!! I hate the idea of tossing the term country aside to the suits in Nashvegas. However, Trig your points about creating a starting point to unify under are valid. So I will take a wait and see attitude on this one. One thing is for sure in my mind, Dale’s heart is in the right place.
February 7, 2013 @ 10:40 am
We could always go back to calling it Hillbilly.
February 7, 2013 @ 11:54 am
I agree! What’s wrong with going back to calling it Hillbilly Music. Yes in the past “hillbilly” was a derogatory term which many fought against because it portrayed an uneducated person, but it was the same thing for the term “redneck”, which nowadays people are proud to be called a redneck and many shows are developed around that term. Redneck has become a sense of pride about living in the south in my opinion. So why can’t that work for “hillbilly”?
February 7, 2013 @ 11:55 am
Also I just don’t care for the name “Ameripolitan” it sounds like you are trying to copy what Americana is doing or an offshoot of that.
February 7, 2013 @ 12:23 pm
Agreed – and it doesn’t really describe the music.
February 7, 2013 @ 12:21 pm
Not a fan of “Hillbilly” and generally agree with not relinquishing the term country in any case. My specific problem with hillbilly, though, is it misses the other influences on traditional country. The sounds of Appalachia and the Ozarks are certainly integral to the music, but so are the delta blues, mariachi, western folk traditions, swing, etc. Hawaiian guitar is even part of the roots.
In fact, I think the narrowing of country’s image to the southeast has been part of the rebranding of the music to appeal to a specific demographic. Haven’t seen much writing on the dropping of the second half of “country and western” except with reference to the red dirt/Texas scene, and it happened long before the most recent popification, but it deserves some thought. My 2 cents as a westerner, though living in the mid-west. They do still wear cowboy hats, I guess, though a gimme cap makes more sense for a hillbilly/southerner.
February 7, 2013 @ 12:31 pm
Maybe instead of hillbilly we just bring back the term “country and western”..just a thought.
February 7, 2013 @ 12:33 pm
Or just go by the term “muddy roots” since this term represents roots music and the muddy part could represent the “gray area” of the different types of music it represents.
February 7, 2013 @ 12:50 pm
Muddy Roots is a better term than most, but I think that term encompasses more of what XXX wanted to be than what Dale Watson and traditional country fans envision here. I can’t see Dale wanting his term to be associated with acts like Black Flag and Joe Buck Yourself. I’m not saying Dale doesn’t like those bands, I’m simply saying Muddy Roots is a better term for the “punk gone country” music than it is for traditional country music, and I think the most recent lineup of the Muddy Roots festival proves why.
February 7, 2013 @ 12:51 pm
Muddy roots would be an excellent name, and also decribes this scene’s music pretty well.
February 7, 2013 @ 1:06 pm
Trig, I get what your saying here. I myself think it’s interesting but also find it odd with the current lineup at Muddy Roots but that’s just because I don’t come from the punk rock world but rather the traditional country roots world.
February 7, 2013 @ 1:03 pm
And see, this is what happens every time someone proposes a term. I’m seeing the same exact comments I saw when I proposed anti-country, and when Shooter proposed “XXX.” We go back and forth, and no consensus can be made. So either we have to stop the business altogether, or decide there enough consensus on one term and move forward.
February 7, 2013 @ 1:49 pm
I absolutley agree with everything said here in the comments and I wish I had the perfect term. I just wanted to have a name that no one would be able to even guess what kind of music it is ,by the name. Starting from scratch. And because we are trying to give a home to Rockabilly, Western Swing, Honky Tonk , Outlaw , and Cajun music along with traditional country ( the roots tie us together) it’s important to not fight over the little stuff, like the name not being perfect, and concentrate on the BIG stuff,..the music.
February 11, 2013 @ 9:02 pm
I am on board with Dale Watson. At last somebody with the history, and integrity to try and bring this side of the underground movement forward has stepped up, and set it on it’s own wheels. I think Ameripolitan is a fine name for the overall movement as well. It has a distinguished ring to it, and it’s hard to question a feller like Dale’s motives on the subject. As a purveyor of these styles of music I have struggled with the branding machine from day one. It’s hard for me to say to someone that I am a “Country” singer because automatically they can’t get that music machine terminology out of their psyche after years of careful programming, and the erosion of traditional country in the mainstream has washed what exactly is country music out of the brains of the masses. The problem I had with XXX was the broad (and loose) spectrum that it encompassed. My background ensures that I take to heart what outlaw country, traditional country, and honky tonk is in it’s purest form, and try not to pervert it from that. It’s hard for me to accept that I could fit into a catagory with punk rockers, and metal guys. Nothing against those folks though. So…with that being said, and things being how they are at this particular moment with this current situation I want to give a big thanks to brother Dale for stepping up to the helm.
February 7, 2013 @ 12:26 pm
That’s the word I often use as shorthand for the various types of country music that I’m into.
February 7, 2013 @ 10:44 am
As I said concerning this very topic on a Facebook thread: Simply put, just because music pimps and madams in Nashville call something “country” doesn’t make it so. Music artists and most fans know what real country music is. Yes, music evolves but generally today’s pop country is not evolution when it is largely so canned and lifeless. We can feel and hear the difference just like with any genre.
February 7, 2013 @ 10:50 am
I think Dale is passionate about his music and the direction it will take. As long as it doesn’t become another ver of Countrypolitan With it’s slicked up sound. I want to hear the roots sounds in this new genre.
February 7, 2013 @ 10:53 am
as i said on the Facebook thread…i get what he’s trying to do but when you have to ‘consciously’ try to start and name a new genre that’s almost akin to telling a joke and then explaining the joke because as everyone knows if you have to explain a joke then that means the people didn’t get it and the joke probably wasn’t that funny to begin with..genres of music aren’t intentionally started..they’re just played and the public if it gets it brands it.
February 7, 2013 @ 11:48 am
When you tell someone that you listen to country music. They will automatically think brad paisly, garth brooks, carrie underwood, and shania twain. Those are people’s perceptions. That cannot be changed or “fought for and won”. Much like if you say I like to eat at McDonalds, people will automatically think that you must like the taste of kangaroo burgers, and kangaroo nuggets.—–
You have to tell people, “I like country, but not that faggot, laundry list, sexy tractor shit”, then they just roll their eyes.=
==========================================================
To make this simple, if you call yourself country, you’ll be lumped in with kid rock and rascal flats. If you call yourself a Nazi, you’ll be lumped in with Hitler and anti-semetism. If you call yourself a hippy, you’ll be lumped in with weed, grateful dead, and communism.
February 7, 2013 @ 12:28 pm
why would we need a label ? let s call it good music, and ignore the other stuffs. If i don t like the music playing on the radio, i ll turn it off, i won t complain to the station but i ll put something i like on the stereo. Maybe mister trig you should focus more on making us discover new cool artists, like the way you usually do when you re not complaining about the mainstream. Or maybe create a streaming radio, i guess you must have your share of cool cds from bands we ve never heard of. Anyway, you do a good job.
February 7, 2013 @ 1:00 pm
I actually tried for a good while to have a podcast network originate from this site, and it was somewhat successful for a while, until Shooter Jennings proposed “XXX” similar to how Dale is doing now and the turf wars that subsequently broke out caused the podcast outlet to become a drama funnel. That is why I take this genre name business VERY seriously, because the aftermath of “XXX” probably set back Saving Country Music about 2 years. I’m not necessarily blaming Shooter here, but I think what happened with XXX proves that this can be very dirty, ugly business that people need to take very seriously.
I do still have a radio show that I try to update as often as I can.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/radio
February 7, 2013 @ 1:14 pm
I enjoy your radio show especially that you list the bands and songs you are playing because sometimes that is overlooked. Would it be tough to add a streaming radio to this website (like those on band websites) or a link to a spotify or reverbnation playlist. I am also curious what music or bands you come across other than the ones you showcase on this website. Also have you ever thought about growing this website to be similiar to Lonestarmusic.com and selling music and merch? Just a thought.
February 7, 2013 @ 5:11 pm
Not much of a playlist guy, that is why I include playlists with my podcast. The merch idea has been brought up numerous times, but really I am so behind the game with that, I can’t see how it would be profitable. I am a music writer. That is what I do, and when I start focusing on other things, I start losing my equilibrium. I don’t even sell SCM merch because dealing with orders would take away from writing. I don’t even try and sell ads because that would take away from writing, even though with the traffic this site gets, I’m probably sitting on a little gold mine. I only do ads if they fall in my lap.
That reminds me, if anyone out there wants to become an ad salesman for SCM, hit me up.
February 7, 2013 @ 2:54 pm
maybe it should be simply called “rural” music. and i forsee the term “rural” becoming the new term for “country” in the future. with some credit for what rfd-tv is doing. (love that station). the name xxx reminds me of porn music and ameripllitan sounds like some kind of glamour magazine or a girly drink.(sorry Dale, you kick ass anyway). but the name rural music would be easily undrestood and defined.
February 7, 2013 @ 3:24 pm
I was going to suggest “rural”, but you beat me to it. It’s distinguishable from “country” without being confusing.
February 7, 2013 @ 4:14 pm
I like Rural too.
February 8, 2013 @ 10:04 am
I like this idea/direction too, I don’t have cable/satellite or anything but I know you can check out the RFDTV online, I’ve seen some good live recordings from that station and it seems like they’re trying to “step up to the plate” to a certain extent for good music (that really has no other avenue for national publicity/coverage).
Didn’t mean to go off topic but basically I agree, it needs another word together with rural….what that word is, I don’t know.
February 8, 2013 @ 9:16 pm
Pastoral?
February 7, 2013 @ 4:28 pm
Rural music, good thought. Has potential.
February 7, 2013 @ 6:21 pm
I respect what Dale is trying to do. trying to unite the “real” country scenes for the sake of the music. whatever we decide to call it, most of us can tell the difference between good music and manufactured crap. How ’bout old fart & jackass music?
February 7, 2013 @ 7:49 pm
I love the rural idea! I support that 100%. XXX always seemed too prono for me as well. Great idea!!!
February 7, 2013 @ 9:11 pm
I just tell people that i listen to underground country. They either get it or they aren’t worth talking music with.
February 8, 2013 @ 10:56 am
rural & roots? (r&r).
February 8, 2013 @ 11:11 am
Not bad Mr. Wayne….not bad at all….
February 8, 2013 @ 12:56 pm
I’m not into any of those pigeonholing terms. I just like music that I like. No matter what genre you think you’re calling it all, I will only like about 5 percent of it. Plus most of my favorite singers are already dead….
February 8, 2013 @ 4:28 pm
I like the word “Traditional”. Traditional Country, Tradional Music, American Tradional all work for me. Whatever the choice, I can’t think of a better leader than Dale Watson!
February 9, 2013 @ 9:32 am
I’m ready to relinquish the term “country” and never look back. Anytime someone asks me what kind of music I listen to, I start off by saying “country,” but not the country you here on the radio; not the Kenny Chesney/ Carrie Underwood “country.” I’m more “outlaw,” “hellbilly,” “alt-country”.
February 27, 2013 @ 2:52 pm
I have to use the same disclaimer
February 10, 2013 @ 11:40 am
Nashwood is the new brand for Nashville and The world of Country Music Fan Keep The Country Genre!
What an interesting conversation. Country is the name of the music and we all need to work together to win that battle, I have a plan that will work and invite everyone interested to join us! We will be starting a new Facebook page that you can connect with to start the campaign.
In 2007 I move to Nashville from Australia to further develop our newly music industry business model and apply it to Country Music. I was shocked to see the way the “Country” music scene was operating in Nashville.
We were creating a new brand for our country music endeavors and at that time I had to go through this same process of looking for a name. It took me until 2009 to make a decision; I never would have believed the brand name I decided on had you told me what it would be in 2007.
Dale can be congratulated for his energy and vision.
We created the HillbilliesVille brand and settled on the name because our brand is the place where those who love country with roots hang out. Hillbilly has roots and history and is linked to the previous name of the genre and the all-important Hillbilly Hit Parade.
Our brand is to be the place online where you go for; Traditional Country Rockabilly, Western Swing, Hillbilly, Honky Tonk, Bush Ballard”™s Bluegrass, Country Western and Outlaw Country.
HillbilliesVille has partnered with specially created service companies to provide budding and established Artists with Management, Booking, Branding, Technology, Marketing and Merchandise services while providing a platform that provides the distribution and revenue side of the business.
We launch the operation later this year and have completed extensive trial operations and even launched the HillbilliesVille Country Music FEST.
We will be welcoming Soloist, Duos and Instrumentalist and bands and linking them and artists in a new world of entertainment for the Country music fans. HillbilliesVille is a place not a genre and I think it is a mistake to give up the fight for what you believe in and what the fans believe in.
Country is the name of the music and we all need to work together to win that battle over the Nashville Pop Cartel or the “Nashwood Cartel as I prefer to call them.
We need a concerted effort to rebrand the music that comes out of Nashville! The prize is big, our company is doing this but everyone can join us, we are only one player.
Their music is Nashwood not Country and the way to win the battle is to re brand them not change the name of Country music.
I would like to bring all NON NASHVILLE POP country music fans and artists together to join us to rebrand the music coming out of Nashville as Nashwood and at the same time reclaim Country.
I think Dales plans are great however Country is the name that stays at the top. The Country music industry must break its ties with Nashville and relocate and to me that needs to be to Texas.
We have a new slogan that we believe captures the situation perfectly HillbilliesVille “Putting Country Back Into Country Music”â„¢
That is why we feel Texas is the right location. In Texas there is still a real affinity with the country and rural lifestyle and a major population base, yet the state is as sophisticated as anywhere in the world.
Personally I believe Fort Worth is the right place, the city has genuine country in its soul today. Fort Worth is proud of being a place where Country is Cool and it still means Country.
True Country music has always been a niche genre and the idea of making country music for country folk seems right, the music will travel beyond the country and find fans everywhere but it will have true root.
Now the rebranding cannot fail as Nashwood will become more and more commonly used when referring to the music coming out of Nashville, this will help the public who are confused by giving them a name and it will allow a genuine breakaway movement for Country Music to relocate and stake its claim on the brand. The bottom line is that this is much less risky than starting a new genre for country music.
I encourage all who are interested in meeting to discuss this in March in Fort Worth Texas by Skype or in Person to email me kck@gve1.com. I will be writing to Dale personally. Here is a links that shares a little more. Our website has been reduced to a couple of pages as we prepare for the launch of our new platform. http://www.hillbilliesville.com/100-12-price-putting-country-back-into-country-music-t-shirts
February 10, 2013 @ 9:51 pm
How bout we just call it music. Just get it over with, one genre many artist.
“Hey friend, whatcha listening to?”
“Music.”
So much simpler than saying post-punk jazz roots alternative psychobilly fusion.
February 12, 2013 @ 7:35 am
I’m sure I’ll be getting a lot of shit for this comment, and that’s fine. I’m entitled to my own opinion, as are all of you. In my opinion, Dale Watson is the prime example of your typical, cliche, country artist. The man couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, has a very dull style of playing, and has song writing skills equivalent to a pre-teen child. The absolute only time that I hear of this joker, is when he’s stirring up shit for publicity, or when he’s off creating a “new” genre of music because for some odd reason, this cock sucker believes the key to saving country music has fallen in his lap. This blog bashes on artists like Justin Moore for being “cliche”, and singing about “tractors, beer, farms” ect ect…. But y’all support a guy who has a song about his woman cooking him eggs and gravy? Talk about hypocrites!
February 14, 2013 @ 2:30 pm
Seriously, bashing Dale as boring and without good writing skills. He sounds a lot like Merle Haggard to me, always has. That is a compliment. Have you ever been to his live show ? He is a wonderful entertainer. He can play his butt off on the telecaster and this latest record proves he can write a good country song. Listen to it ! Yes you are entilted to your opinion, even if it’s wrong and it is. Curious if you don’t like Dale what “country” music to you like ?
February 27, 2013 @ 12:59 pm
So heres a question. How do we qualfy to be a part of the Ameripolitain family?
March 20, 2013 @ 10:10 am
OK, let’s stop worrying about what to call it, and give some credit to the guy for trying to save a dying form of music, not to mention the respect for that form of music. I’ve recently jumped on the Ameripolitan bandwagon and applaud the effort that Dale is taking to do just that. He’s an awesome musician, and, he probably has more musical talent and insight in his little finger that we’ll ever have. Here lately, “country” music stations have completely abandoned the country music of the ’60’s and ’70’s, practically burying it in the process. I grew up with that same music he is putting his heart and soul in to save, and I am 100% behind him! So, Dale, just keep doing what you’re doing to save the music we love!!
Saving Country Music: Dale Watson Introduces The “Ameripolitan†Genre « Ameripolitan Music - Ameripolitan
April 7, 2013 @ 1:02 pm
[…] Saving Country Music posted an interesting article on the introduction of the Ameripolitan Music Genre.  ”A lot is still to be determined, but Dale Watson”™s leadership has created an opportunity. By giving Ameripolitan a 1 year lead time to form a system gives Ameripolitan the benefit of a broad, unrushed perspective. By setting simple guidelines to make sure Ameripolitan”™s formation has constructive input from fans, the industry, and a select group of people who will keep a watchful eye on the purity and direction of the term gives it strength and a pathway to consensus building.” Read the full article HERE. […]
November 27, 2015 @ 11:37 am
Dale,
Im 46 years old, I was raised on the likes of Price, Bush, Buck Owens, Ernest tubb, Buddy Emmons, Etc. My dad played around the St.Louis area for over 30 years, and was considered to be one of the foremost singers in the area at that time. It literally sickens me what ( To quote Hank III ) “Trashville” has done to music. Im so thankful there are people like you out there that want to keep the music “country”… Not “Pop” music with a cowboy hat on. Thank you for your efforts sir, and Id love to shake your hand sometime if you ever make it to St.Louis for a show. P.S. I lie when I drink too…. Lol #savethemusic