Hank Waite
If "Americana" is just some catchphrase, just about any band could fit the bill. But if it's a true genre, well then, Hank Waite and the Milkmashers define it. Steeped in tradition but always fresh. Honest and, honestly, American. Step up, friend: hear your favorite song again for the first time.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Hank grew up in rural Colorado among tough people with tender hearts--the kind of characters that populate his stories--and aspired to be a poet. While living in West Virginia for several years, he soaked up the music of Appalachia and decided that he liked his poems with a side of guitar.
In Washington he met Rick, Jim, Rebecca, Dave and Sean, and Hank had to admit he also liked his poems generous helpings of bass, drums, piano, viola -- and even more guitar.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Oh yeah.
Your musical influences
Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, Cat Stevens, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, John Prine, Pete Seeger, Van Morrison, Hazel Dickens, Be Good Tanyas, Gordon Lightfoot, Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band, D.L. Menard, Freddy Fender, Doc Watson, Loretta Lynn...
