Genre
Old-Time / Appalachian
Old-Time and Appalachian music represents the raw, acoustic roots of American folk tradition, drawing from the mountain communities of Appalachia where fiddles, banjos, and guitars have been passed down through generations. This genre captures the spirit of pre-commercial folk music—intimate, often melancholic, and deeply connected to storytelling and place—with artists like Philip Bowen, Emily Jamerson, and Martha Spencer carrying forward these traditions with authenticity and reverence. The sound is characterized by fingerpicked guitars, sparse arrangements, and vocals that prioritize emotional truth over polish, creating music that feels both timeless and urgently alive. Whether through the instrumental craft of Conrad Moore or the vocal work of Addie Levy, Old-Time and Appalachian music invites listeners into a world where every note carries history.
Artists
Addie Levy
Virginia, USA
Bluegrass · Country
Coltt Winter Lepley
Pennsylvania, USA
Folk · Americana
Conrad Moore
Georgia, USA
Folk · Americana
Emily Jamerson
Kentucky, USA
Folk · Americana
Johanna Wacker & Acelia
Virginia, USA
Folk · Americana
Martha Spencer
Virginia, USA
Americana · Folk
Philip Bowen
West Virginia, USA
Americana · Roots
Episodes
Emily Jamerson
Emily Jamerson | Appalachian Singer-Songwriter from Eastern Kentucky | Rugged Revival
Emily Jamerson, a singer-songwriter from Prestonsburg, Kentucky, grew up surrounded by music and family. With a voice shaped by the mountains of eastern Kentucky, Emily's sound is part folk singer, part mountain siren. Her songs point to hope and reveal her love for the mountains she calls home.
Johanna Wacker & Acelia
Johanna Wacker & Acelia - Appalachian & Alternative Folk, from NYC to Richmond VA | Rugged Revival
Johanna Wacker & Acelia join Camden for an honest conversation on the Podcast.From Country, to Appalachian and Folk influences, they share their stories behind their sound and creative process.Tune in!
Philip Bowen
Philip Bowen - From West Virginia Fiddle to Viral Americana Breakout | Rugged Revival
Philip Bowen is one of the most exciting voices in modern Americana. Born and raised in West Virginia, this Appalachian fiddle virtuoso has built a global following through electrifying live performances, viral momentum, and a sound deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition.In this episode of The Rugged Revival Podcast, Philip talks about growing up in Appalachia, picking up the fiddle at just four years old, and how his West Virginia roots continue to shape his identity and music. From winning TikTok’s Greatest Talent competition to reaching the semifinals of America’s Got Talent (Season 18), Philip’s rise has been anything but ordinary.We dive into his debut album Old Kanawha and his sophomore release Appalachia Forever, and what it means to represent Appalachian culture on national stages like NPR’s Mountain Stage, The Bluebird Café, and Americanafest. Philip also shares insights from working as a session player with artists including Noah Kahan, Sam Barber, Jenna Paulette, and Zandi Holup, as well as touring alongside Darius Rucker, Charles Wesley Godwin, 49 Winchester, Ian Munsick, and Wyatt Flores.This is a conversation about West Virginia pride, viral success, traditional fiddle music, Americana storytelling, and the modern resurgence of Appalachian soul.If you care about authentic roots music, Appalachian identity, and the future of Americana, this episode is for you.Subscribe for more conversations with independent country, Americana, and roots artists shaping today’s scene.
Coltt Winter Lepley
Coltt Winter Lepley - Appalachian Artist, Poet, Author, and Former Racecar Driver | Rugged Revival
Coltt Winter Lepley is an Appalachian folksinger/songwriter from Bedford, Pennsylvania. Coltt’s a published poet, author, folklorist, and former racecar driver who has taken his stories on the road as a touring musician. His highly anticipated and long-awaited recording debut is set to release this year, as a self-titled EP, “Coltt Winter Lepley.” The project was produced by Al Torrence at Music Garden Studios north of Pittsburgh, PA. Al Torrence, and other members from The Allegheny High (the band that plays on Charles Wesley Godwin’s albums and live efforts) including Amico Demuzio, Nate Catanzarite, Joe Pinchotti III, as well as Pittsburgh musicians Justin Long and Alan Getto, helped to form the sound around Coltt’s storytelling in his first studio effort.
Martha Spencer
Martha Spencer – Mountain Music from the Blue Ridge
Martha Spencer is a singer-songwriter, mountain musician and dancer from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She grew up in the musical Spencer family and learned to play several instruments (guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, dulcimer, mandolin) and flatfoot/clog at a young age. She performs and has recorded with various groups and has been involved with several roots music projects. She has played shows, festivals and led workshops across the US, Australia, UK, Canada, and Europe. Martha’s first solo album 2018 and latest release “Wonderland” in 2022 have been featured in articles in Rolling Stone Country, No Depression, Holler, Wide Open Country, Bluegrass Situation, Americana Highways, PopMatters and more. She also has been included in articles in the NY Times, Austin Chronicle and Billboard and was a part of the Fiddlin’ documentary movie. https://www.marthaspencermusic.com/
Conrad Moore
Conrad Moore – Folk Stories of the Southern Working Man
Conrad Moore is a North Georgia native singer-songwriter who captures the soul of the working southern man. His songs have roots in folk storytelling which nod to the ups and downs of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. All washed in hints of booze, half-truths, and motel rooms. His lyrics personify Mother Nature and her dance with Appalachia. The human condition and blue-collar woes are often his muses. Although his songs have no shortage of heartbreak and day to day strife. Conrad produces a relatable angst of a generation growing up within the confines of a flawed American dream. Not without hope, his music shares with us what's left to save about the southland.
Addie Levy
Addie Levy – Bluegrass Mandolin Virtuoso
Meet Addie Levy, a captivating American bluegrass-country artist who effortlessly weaves tradition and vision into exciting, progressive movements. Hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Addie has emerged as a true multi-talent in the world of music, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and exciting mandolin improvisation. From the early age of 10, she has been a powerful performer mentored by the bluegrass and old-time community. Enchanted by the resonating tales and camaraderie embedded within the "happy music" of Bluegrass, Addie swiftly cultivated a deep love for its rich history and stories. Her radiant energy and boundless enthusiasm have transformed her into a sought-after collaborator, drawing the attention of organizations, fellow musicians, businesses, and festivals. Through her music, Addie Levy has breathed new life into traditional sounds and forged a vibrant and ever-expanding landscape for its future.
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FAQ
What is the difference between Old-Time and Bluegrass music?
Old-Time music predates bluegrass and prioritizes the raw, acoustic traditions of Appalachia with looser arrangements and a focus on melody and storytelling, while bluegrass emerged later with faster tempos, more instrumental virtuosity, and a stricter ensemble format. Artists like Johanna Wacker & Acelia and Coltt Winter Lepley exemplify the older, more traditional Old-Time approach.
Who are the best Old-Time and Appalachian artists to listen to now?
The Rugged Revival directory features a compelling range of contemporary practitioners, from the fingerstyle mastery of Conrad Moore and the distinctive vocals of Addie Levy to the ensemble work of Johanna Wacker & Acelia and the innovative approaches of Philip Bowen, Emily Jamerson, Martha Spencer, and Coltt Winter Lepley. Each brings their own connection to these time-honored traditions.
What instruments are typical in Old-Time / Appalachian music?
The traditional instrumentation centers on acoustic guitar, fiddle, banjo, and upright bass, often played in sparse arrangements that let each voice breathe. Vocals are equally important as instrumentation in this genre, with artists prioritizing authenticity and emotional delivery over technical perfection.