No Depression

No Depression is a quarterly magazine dedicated to covering roots music, including Americana, folk, blues, and country, as well as contemporary artists who draw from these traditions. Image:no-depression-sample-cover

Founded in Seattle, Washington in 1995 by co-editors Peter Blackstock and Grant Alden, No Depression originally began as a fanzine that aimed to chronicle the thriving alt-country and roots music scene in the Pacific Northwest. The magazine's name is a reference to A.P. Carter's 1927 recording "No Depression in Heaven," which has become a touchstone for traditional American music.

No Depression has gained a reputation for its thoughtful and in-depth writing on roots music, as well as its commitment to highlighting lesser-known artists who may not receive coverage in mainstream music outlets. The magazine has featured interviews and essays with musicians including Gillian Welch, Wilco, Lucinda Williams, and Steve Earle, as well as up-and-coming artists who have gone on to gain wider recognition.

In addition to print publishing, No Depression has expanded into online media with the creation of its website, which features reviews, interviews, and original content. The magazine also sponsors live events and festivals, including the annual No Depression Festival in St. Louis, Missouri.

No Depression has been recognized with several awards, including the Utne Reader's Independent Press Award for Arts Coverage in 2002 and 2004. The magazine's archives are now housed at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill's Southern Folklife Collection.

Legacy

No Depression has been influential in shaping the discourse around roots music in the United States and beyond, and its coverage has helped to raise awareness of a wide range of artists and styles. The magazine has spawned a community of like-minded roots music enthusiasts, including musicians, fans, and writers, who continue to work towards the preservation and promotion of traditional American music.{{Categories}}

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