Over the past few years the Americana radio format has seen some of its artists cross over to AAA and in some cases onto top 40 radio creating “homeruns” by bands like The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, and Mumford & Sons. Other
Americana based acts like Lake Street Dive and John Fulbright are setting up to cross that bridge as well. What are the factors that prompt AAA and pop radio to make room for Americana music? How can the Americana music community make it happen more often? Do these left-field hits offer hints at how Americana radio can reach a wider audience? And how do you maintain the integrity of the format when some listeners regard Phillip Phillips and Mumford & Sons as similar acts? How do we turn our happy accidents into a plan?
