Summary

Danny Barnes, the incredibly talented banjo player, just won the prestigious Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. It's a huge recognition that really highlights his impressive musical journey. In this conversation, we dive into the different sides of his artistry, everything from his experimental electronic folk music to his deep roots in traditional bluegrass. This year is extra special for him as he’s starting on some exciting new projects, like a pure banjo album and even a unique blend of banjo and tuba. We also talk about how this award, along with its financial support, is giving him the freedom to focus on long-awaited projects that are finally coming to life. So, come along as we explore the many layers of Barnes's music and how his creative vision is leaving a mark on today’s music scene.

Here's What We Wrote in 2015

Danny Barnes returns to Country Fried Rock to discuss his recent accolade, the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. Barnes has two distinct audiences: those who know him for playing with bands ranging from Dave Matthews Band to the Butthole Surfers, and those who know him for his songwriting and wide-ranging banjo styles. The term “electronic folk” may have been coined just for him.

Barnes is fascinated by sound, and how incongruous sounds mesh or conflict. From the computer programs he designed to interpret his banjo or bazouki playing to his obsession with noise music and cassettes, Barnes is engrossed by the process as much as the product. This year, he released a special recording for Cassette Store Day on his cassette-label, Minner Bucket Records, and will release a more traditional bluegrass album later. Barnes’ take on “tradition” is anything but traditional, though, so it is guaranteed to be another fascinating investigation of technology and instrumentation.

***We also spoke with Barnes in 2010 and hope to find that hard drive.

Show Notes

• The latest episode features Danny Barnes, an influential banjo player known for his groundbreaking work in bluegrass and experimental music.
• Barnes recently won the prestigious Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, and in this conversation, he reflects on the impact of that recognition on his creative journey.
• He explains how the financial support from the award is giving him the opportunity to pursue new artistic goals, including a long-awaited banjo album that captures his musical evolution and celebrates the instrument's pure sound.
• We dive into his diverse musical influences, from traditional bluegrass to experimental electronic compositions, and discuss how his upcoming banjo album represents a return to his roots.
• This album is just one side of Barnes’s creativity. He’s also continuing to push the boundaries of electronic music, blending genres in unique ways and challenging conventional ideas of what music can be.
• Barnes’s label, Minner Bucket Records, plays a big role in his approach to music. He values artistic independence and community engagement, and shares stories about his hand-crafted cassette releases, highlighting the personal connection they create with his audience.
• As the conversation unfolds, Barnes explores how bluegrass and electronic music, though different, share a common thread rooted in cultural tradition while embracing modern technology.
• This episode is a celebration of how bluegrass remains a vital and evolving art form, with Danny Barnes at the forefront of shaping its future through his innovative work.

Links

• Minner Bucket Records