If anybody reading this has seen me in the wild, then they’ll know that I have something of an attraction towards cowboys. I dress like one, I’m as broke as one, and if I could ride horses, then I’d probably live like one. Unfortunately, I’m neither tough nor talented enough to actually be one, but that doesn’t stop me from exploring the only avenue left to me; Country Music. Now, I know that you’re probably cringing (because let’s face it, most modern country music is bad), but that’s because you’ve never heard of The Dead South.
The Dead South are a Canadian bluegrass band, and they’re everything that’s right about Country Music. Their career started back in 2013 with their original EP The Ocean Went Mad And We Were To Blame, and the following 13 years has seen four more original albums, two EPs worth of covers, a handful of singles, and every single one of those 70 odd songs is a banger.
I’m not a music theory genius, but what I can do is tell you why these men are some of the best musicians out there (the short answer is ‘Honey You, Boots’ or ‘Tiny Wooden Box’). Since I own all of their records on vinyl, I’ve been to their live shows, I was in the top 0.01% of listeners on Spotify last year, I know almost all of their songs off by heart, and I know how to play several on guitar, I think I’m qualified to give this lecture.
It starts with the instruments. A Cello, a Banjo, a Guitar and a Mandolin, the string quartet from heaven. Now, introduce the voices of Scott Pringle and Nate Hilts, the lead vocalists whose voices capture the very essence of the western frontier and the Oregon trail. Finally, tell a story you’d expect to hear in a saloon somewhere in Nebraska or Texas during the 1850s about war, women, being poor, being an alcoholic, dying horribly, or about dying horribly in a war with the woman you love as a poor alcoholic. Then stick it into a blender, pour it into your ears, and feel yourself wanting to wear a bolo tie and a suit within the week.
These boys have songs for every mood. Yes, they specialise in existential crisis or heartbreak, but their ballads capture almost every emotion in the book. ‘In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company’ makes you want to do the little Tik-Tok trend that sprouted up a few years ago, ‘Gunslinger’s Glory’ makes you want to be the quickest draw in the motherfuckin’ land, and ‘Miss Mary’ reminds you to take your pills in the morning, unless you want to kill your husband.
They might not be as popular as Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, or any of the other country artists out there, but what they are is talented, unique, and niche enough that you’d be introducing your friends to something new every time you bring them up at your mate’s party… or you’ll earn rolled eyes like I do, before everyone skips to the next Katy Perry or Pit Bull in the que.
Playlist: Fifteen Songs by Ffifteen Queer Artists
Because apparently the queer experience is crying in your bedroom, falling in love in a club bathroom, and making it sound absolutely incredible. This playlist travels through aching folk confessionals, indie rock catharsis and pop perfection, spotlighting artists who transform vulnerability, love, loss and self-discovery into unforgettable songs. From Sufjan Stevens’ existential spirals to MUNA’s unapologetic bangers, this playlist is a celebration of every beautifully messy corner of queer artistry.
- anything – Adrianne Lenker
- Edge of the Earth – The Beaches
- Not Strong Enough – boygenius
- Fuck Me Eyes – Ethel Cain
- Violence – FIGHTMASTER
- Bad Religion – Frank Ocean
- Holiday – Green Day
- Sunshine Baby – The Japanese House
- Dirt – Julien Baker & TORRES
- Honey – Troye Sivan
- Partner in Crime – Lucy Dacus
- Big Stick – MUNA
- Lost Boys – Phoebe Bridgers
- Shy – reneé Rapp
- So You Are Tired – Sufjan Stevens
