Deadstring Brothers

Formed in Detroit in 2001, the Deadstring Brothers, led by Kurt Marschke, became standard-bearers for a specific brand of 'Stonesy' roots rock that bridged the gap between the Rust Belt and the American South. Their sound is deeply indebted to the early 1970s output of The Rolling Stones, specifically the country-inflected soul of 'Exile on Main St.'

and 'Sticky Fingers.' Throughout their tenure on Bloodshot Records, they refined a signature mix of pedal steel, Hammond organ, and dual-guitar interplay that earned them a reputation as one of the most authentic Americana acts of the 2000s. Their career arc saw them move from Detroit to London and eventually the Pacific Northwest, with each relocation subtly shifting their sound - from the harder-edged 'Starving Winter Report' to the more expansive, international flavor of 'Sao Paulo.' Critically, they were lauded for their ability to inhabit vintage blueprints while injecting them with fresh, flinty vitality. They occupy a vital space in the alt-country canon alongside peers like the Drive-By Truckers, serving as a bridge between traditional honky-tonk and gritty, urban rock and roll.