Out in the Country with Earth Libraries

Earth Libraries (EL) got its start in Birmingham, Alabama, and has since expanded into a nationally-known imprint with a staggering roster that includes Twïns, Will Stewart, R. Stevie Moore, and more. They also do some interesting archival work, produce soundtracks, and reissue a range of under-appreciated albums and collections. 

They’ve curated a new playlist (“Out in the Country”) for our site that highlights a rich thread of indie, folk, and experimental songwriting rooted in the South (including many artists and bands that have worked with the label over the years). From Birmingham to Nashville and beyond, the mix captures a sound and spirit that both Analog Mountains and EL celebrate—where regional ties and creative overlap tell a bigger story.

You’ll hear tracks from Styrofoam Winos, an excellent band we highlighted earlier this spring. In addition, there are solo cuts from all three Winos members: Lou Turner, Trevor Nikrant, and Joe Kenkel (who has released music with EL). Listening to the three members’ solo stuff will likely increase your appreciation for their ability to bring it all together in one band.

Styrofoam Winos has toured with a couple other artists on the playlist: Cash Langdon (another EL artist who we wrote about a few weeks ago) and MJ Lenderman (even backing MJ on his live album). In terms of interesting creative overlap and connections, MJ and Waxahatchee, a celebrated Birmingham native, worked together on the stellar single “Right Back to It” which you’ll hear. EL artist Nick Kinsey—who serves as Waxahatchee’s drummer and was a contributor to Saint Cloud—appears on “Out in the Country” too.

The playlist also includes music tied to Matt Patton of Drive-By Truckers through his label Dial Back Sound—including tracks from Taylor Hollingsworth and Up Around the Sun (another band we highlighted on the site earlier this year). From the EL family, you’ll also come across Connie Cunningham and the Creeps, a track by Birmingham’s own Will Stewart, and more.

Whether you’re following for the regional roots, the collaborative threads, or the sonic mood—we hope you enjoy this one. Also, thanks for our friend Daniel Lawson for lending the great cover image for the playlist.