Adam Sheets is ruining the sanctity of "Roots" music with his proposed "XXX".

Everyday, I, Keith, wake up and continue to help run headquarters at Hillgrass Bluebilly Records & Entertainment which involves a lot of things that makes me feel honored, happy, justified, and all around pretty secure. Until......

Ever since the day  the infected "XXX" was unsheathed, folks all around the "underground" world have been sickened by the approach Adam Sheets took with this hapazardous, misbranding, misleading &  off-beat attention he has been craving with "XXX. His webpage on No Depression reads "XXX revolution is taking over" and in countless remarks he includes XXX with "scenes", and declares that Shooter Jennings and Hank Williams III are the leaders of such movement?

***

 example:

http://www.nodepression.com/profiles/blogs/keep-your-eyes-on-the

"I recently talked to Jahshie about his new label, his band, and his role in the underground country/XXX scene."

"As a lot of people know, you are very active in the underground country/XXX community"

"and with the two "leaders," so to speak, of the underground country movement- Shooter Jennings and Hank III-"

***

Adam is ruining the sanctity of "Roots" music. A good song is our leader. A good writer is our leader. Most important, the PEOPLE and FANS are our leaders.  Hank Williams III boasts & posts his personal involvement with Satan & sinning. Shooter Jennings has come in with Adam Sheets and said "Look everybody XXX this and XXX that. Look what we discovered (over at savingcountrymusic.com, mind you) and now its called your XXX" ......

 

In the actual community of underground alt. country, alt. blues, americana, bluegrass, blues, country, country-blues,  garage blues, punk blues, hillbilly, whatever you want to call it.... there is no XXX. There is no Shooter Jennings and certainly no Adam Sheets. They have actually started ripping the community apart sadly.


XXX is a fabrication. A contender/fighter/communal figure, in the dreams of Adam Sheets. over 70% of the names & CDs they promote for "XXX" has no affiliation, or even permission  from the artists to do so. A movement is as a PRIVELEDGE for those who sweat, contribute, work in every aspect of what it takes to be a "movement". You can't just walk in and slang the name "Jennings" & "Williams" around. Last week I listened to Jessi Colter on Shooter Jenning's "Black Rock / Outlaw Radio Show" announce to the public that her husband, Waylon Jennings, was against the "outlaw" attachment, as it lead to not showing what was truly in his heart. Just minutes before that, she announced some future colaborations with the likes of "Keith Urban" and other "industry" folks. The same "industry" that sweeps us under the rug as quickly as they can because of misbrandings like "outlaw". Now we go giant leaps beyond that and call this music "XXX"? This is a direct slap in my face!  This is a direct slap in A LOT of peoples faces! Since when does a movement need pats on the back with a petition to sign 0n to a website? Sadly, there has been roundtables and discussions with both Shooter & Adam Sheets where we begged & pleaded that they kindly change the XXX, to RRR or even Rxxts Rxck, something... just so they would not ruin what folks like me work hard to accomplish.  

 

So far it has been a lot of name dropping. Other than that, they are doing EVERYTHING you can think of to brand "XXX" to it. When they knocked on the door, they said they had this "XXX radio format" that will combat the AAA format? Uh... what? But know we have xxx complitations, xxx bands, xxx festivals? Shooter Jennings has a famous name and a website. When did he spend his last dollar to put on an event countlessly, repeatedly & successfully? When did he spend his last dollar putting out records that he was a part of for his hardworking beliefs? Will there be xxx cd reproduction? will there be xxx distribution? Will they continue to not listen to the crys and begs to stop the madness before we have to struggle another 40 years to become a geniune household name from the quality we put out in recordings? What breakthrough album or even song did Shooter Jennings come write & sing that just captivated me? . I think Shooter Jennings needs to split ways with Adam Sheets and change the name from XXX to something else. Id like to see Shooter actually contribute to something other than a bunch of websites promoting things people care about as if it was XXX and his movement.

 

I am typically pretty positive and effective in my efforts and capabilities, but XXX keeps coming up every other day and only because of this Adam Sheets character. I am not emberrased to write this and I could go on and on and on and on about it. But folks needs to know that "XXX" is for "hellbillys" and boisterous displays drinking, drugging, satan, sinning and the like.

 

When does all this madness stop? They say XXX is from moonshine jugs? NOPE, not acceptable. Is my son going to go to school, not knowing every detail about what I do and see that there is an XXX attachment somewhere and type in "XXX" and "Jugs" into a computer? Not only are the lives of our children at stake, but they pose a HUGE threat to me and my family, aside the music. This hits home for me. I have told Adam & Shooter to look at sites like No Depression and even Roots of Rock (http://rootsorock.com/blues/cd_reviews/_details/id_591) as examples of interactive websites that are "community", simply by their doing what they do. They have simply "killed us with kindness", and patted us on the head and told us to run along....

 

I  heard that Shooter Jennings is over $5000 to book a show! I'd like to see him pay bands $500, to go on tour with him that he endorses. Let's see if that happens! That's only asking for 10%. THAT is not being a leader, that is just plain ol respect and showmanship... 10%. WOW.

 

I reckon I will close for now, not even knowing if my point has been made. But the HUNDREDS of folks that know me personally, know I wouldn't even mention it if XXX werent outright stealing, misleading & fabricating a "movement". Please feel free to address your concerns reader. I do not want to be alone with this, and I do not want you to be alone with it either. Follow a song, a writer, an artist. Be truly inspired, dazzled and soulfully moved and follow that. It's ONLY in a song. Believe that.

 

I tried to discuss this with Adam Sheets and he deletes my simple comments and concerns. What am I supposed to do? I want to hear from the No Depression community on this matter.

 

Keith

HB HQ

 

 

Tags: 3, Adam, Colter, III, Jashie, Jennings, Jessi, Outlaw, P, Radio, More…Sheets, Shooter, XXX, hank, jennings, movement, music, outlaw, radio, roots, savingcountrymusic.com, sheets, waylon, williams

Views: 256

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Will on June 25, 2011 at 10:16pm
I can only speak for myself when I say that I would put my faith in Hillgrass as opposed to something called XXX anyday! I have been completely blown away by everyone on the label so far, and I thank you for all the hardwork you guys put in to bring this music to us, and bringing us together in one big happy dirtyfoot family!
Permalink Reply by Hillgrass Bluebilly Records on June 25, 2011 at 10:32pm
pheeeew, thank you Will. My heart is beating fast in anticipation of what you No Depression followers think. What do you think of this proposed XXX community/ movement/ revolution ? I sure appreciate the compliment  and am happy to walk away with that, but any positive (if any) input to help Shooters intentions would be above & beyond.
Permalink Reply by Will on June 26, 2011 at 12:36am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNpLSaCirj8    Sometimes it's best to just let the music speak, and for the record I've always liked Shooter, just not crazy about this concept. To me, and this is only my humble opinion (as a music fan  not an insider so please take it for what it's worth) this whole thing stinks of John Rich.
Permalink Reply by Adam Sheets on June 25, 2011 at 10:41pm

Thank you, Keith, for once again proving us right and proving that there are some who are threatened by the fact that we're accomplishing something. I'll let your post speak for itself, but I will add a few facts into the mix as well.

 

1. If you have a problem with Jahshie's answers in our interview, take it up with him. I had no control over it.

 

2. "over 70% of the names & CDs they promote for "XXX" has no affiliation, or even permission  from the artists to do so."

 

Let's fact check that one.

 

Hellbound Glory

Rachel Brooke

Roger Alan Wade

Drive-By Truckers

Lone Wolf

The Imperial Rooster

Last False Hope

Jimbo Mathus

Dash Rip Rock

Ted Russell Kamp

Robert Earl Reed

Honky Tonk Hustals

Bob Wayne

Joey Allcorn

Jason Isbell

Jocephus & the George Jonestown Massacre

John Carter Cash

Jayke Orvis

Fifth on the Floor

Kevin Sekhani

Lukas Nelson

North Mississippi Allstars

Rhett Miller

Scott H. Biram

Shooter Jennings

Tommy Townsend

Whitey Morgan and the 78's

 

There are a lot of others I'm forgetting I know, not to mention 19500 fans who have signed our petition. But I suppose you've looked into this farther than I have.

 

3. "Sadly, there has been roundtables and discussions with both Shooter & Adam Sheets where we begged & pleaded that they kindly change the XXX, to RRR or even Rxxts Rxck, something... just so they would not ruin what folks like me work hard to accomplish."

 

Both of us have been more than willing to change the name, but as of yet we haven't heard any decent suggestions. When and if we do, we'll discuss it further.

 

4. "Not only are the lives of our children at stake, but they pose a HUGE threat to me and my family, aside the music."

 

I'll let this speak for itself.

 

5. "Look what we discovered (over at savingcountrymusic.com, mind you) and now its called your XXX""

 

Most of the artists on our list have never and will never be covered at savingcountrymusic.com. 

 

I'll close by saying that I have nothing against you and that I like the music on your label. I'm not going to sit here at the computer and argue with you about this, but you have instigated this same discussion and argument at various places on the web over a half dozen times now and I think that that simple fact says everything we need to know.

Permalink Reply by Hillgrass Bluebilly Records on June 25, 2011 at 11:01pm

Threatned? Do you not have any substance to you whatsoever? Why did you delete my comments on your No Depression article? Is this usual practice, trying to keep sanctity in the word XXX? How many other comments and concerns are deleted? My comments werent malicious.

1. I have no problem with Jashie P's interview. Why would you try and paint that picture? I just quoted some things I heard Jessi Colter say about "outlaw". Shame on you man.

 

2.  Answer this, when and where did you get permission from Hank3, (formally Hank Williams III) to display his release as "Give me my XXX"? When did you ask permission for "Feed the Family" off my label to portray as "Give me my XXX"? There should be NO % Adam.... no %...... and uhhhh, just spoke to Lone Wolf through intuition and he does not endorse, he might follow up!

 

3.   go to savingcountrymusic.com and my blog to see me say this repeatedly. Simple. Facts are Facts.

 

(So far, as man code presides, you are shot down, but lets keep going)

 

4. Do you have kids? Yes, please... lets let xxx speak for itself amongst parents.

 

5.  That is all I want Adam. I have concerns, there WERE archived roundtable and discussions (archived, mind you), where I have addressed only these simple concerns. You DELETED my concerns, you try and kill me with kindness and say you do not want to argue with me. Then DO NOT pose arguments about a wholesome thing.  You have done NOTHING for this "revolution"... When did this XXX  happen on it's own, on the MERIT of what it has DONE? Shall I call up Fat Possum & Alive Records on this? You think I have a lot of heart, wait til those dogs are unleashed on you man. I am being simple & legitmate. I have been in this "community" longer than you and I have validity in this.... My heart and head hurts because of this.  The more and more people look into my track record.... the more and more they will see the true light as it comes to them, when it comes to them. I am a good man, and not one man that can read and type can prove different.

 

Permalink Reply by Saving Country Music on June 26, 2011 at 11:31am

That's it Adam, you crossed the line. How DARE you bring me into this discussion and frame an argument against me for no reason.

 

"Most of the artists on our list have never and will never be covered at savingcountrymusic.com. "

 

What an abominable insult of the work I have done over the last 3 1/2 years for THE MAJORITY of the artists in your list. I introduced y'all to Rachel Brooke, when you came to me concerned there weren't enough female artists on your list. You would've never heard of Hellbound Glory if it wasn't for me, and along with Roger Alan Wade, they won the Album of the Year last year on Saving Country Music. Jayke Orvis was my artist of the year.

 

Please, go to savingcountrymusic.com and search. The only artists you will NOT find on that list are Robert Earl Reed, Kevin Sekhani, and Tommy Townsend. The vast majority of those artists I talk about and support.

 

What a spit in my face that is, unprovoked, and for no reason.

Permalink Reply by Adam Sheets on June 26, 2011 at 11:36am

Who brought you into this discussion? I believe it was your friend Keith.

 

Also, are you saying that Shooter would have never heard of Roger Alan Wade without your help? He helped him get footage for a music video several years before you ever covered him.

 

So you covered Last False Hope? You told me once you refused to do so because they were controversial.

 

You covered Fifth on the Floor? I was told that you flat out REFUSED to do so, despite the fact that their album is one of the best things to happen to music in years.

 

How about the Drive-By Truckers, the Imperial Rooster, John Carter Cash, Lukas Nelson, the North Mississippi Allstars, etc?

Permalink Reply by Saving Country Music on June 26, 2011 at 3:25pm

Adam, your statement was:

"Most of the artists on our list have never and will never be covered at savingcountrymusic.com."

 

By YOUR number, not mine, I haven't covered 10 of the artists. There are 27 artists in your list, meaning I have covered 17 of them. 17 is a majority. Can we agree on that?

 

And then understand I have covered Last False Hope, North Mississippi All-Stars, Lukas Nelson, John Carter Cash, and the Drive By Truckers. Now your number is down to five.

 

And who told you I "flat out REFUSED (in all caps) to cover Fifth on the Floor? Who said that? The same person who told you I put restrictions on Jashie? If you're going to bring private conversations to a public forum, at least get the information correct. Where is your journalistic integrity? Instead of trying to resolve situations and take criticism constructively, you're trying to get shots in. This fundamentally flawed approach is what is hurting XXX.

 

And do you want me to list all the bands that I've covered that are NOT on your list? Or do they count?

 

And why are you attacking me to being with? Have I ever said I am against XXX? Have I said I don't or won't support XXX? It seems where I left the matter was saying I hadn't made my mind up yet. You certainly aren't helping convince me or other spectators by bringing personal attacks into this situation.If you're all about the music, would you refute that so is Saving Country Music? So once again, why are you attacking me?

 

Never said Shooter had never heard of Roger Alan Wade by the way. I don't need you to preach to me about their relationship because I saw them over a year ago in concert together. Here's the review:

http://www.savingcountrymusic.com/review-shooter-jennings-black-rib...

Permalink Reply by BJ Christy on June 29, 2011 at 6:03pm
Adam, I have had the pleasure of talking to more then a few people on your list. All they had to say about it is it has nothing to do with anything.  You guys did nothing but drop a bomb and then walk away and do nothing. If you ever stepped back and seen how many friendships have been ruined, I would hope it would make you think twice.
Permalink Reply by Lisa Havekost on June 26, 2011 at 4:12am
Keith, you're making it sound like you're a whiney, jealous little boy! I, Lisa, believe in what Adam Sheets is doing. I have discovered many, no, countless, artists that I never would have if not for, XXX, I joined, No Depression, by way of a recommendation, from Shooter Jennings. You said, " Follow a song, a writer, an artist. Be truly inspired, dazzled and soulfully moved and follow that. It's ONLY in a song. Believe that." I never would have heard the song, known the name of the writer or the band, if not for Adam Sheets, XXX and Shooter Jennings.

Lisa
XXX Music Fan
Permalink Reply by Hillgrass Bluebilly Records on June 26, 2011 at 6:08am

Great Lisa!

 

"I never would have heard the song, known the name of the writer or the band, if not for Adam Sheets, XXX and Shooter Jennings."

 

What was THE dazzling song you heard? Anyways, thats exactly what I was looking for, neverminding in advance your elaborations! Hardly jealous & whiney but I  still applaud you for your effort. Stickin up for your boys. Bravado...I mean bravo!

Permalink Reply by Tim Paull on June 26, 2011 at 7:31am

I have been introduced to some really great music and websites that I wouldn't have otherwise because of XXX.  

I don't see how anybody could be against something that only helps promote their own cause.  Unless of course you're afraid you won't get the credit you think you deserve or that somebody will someday steal any thunder you may think will be coming your way.

I've read this same post on other sites and it still reeks of whiney and "hey, don't forget about me".  

 

A rising tide raises all ships.....no matter what the name of the ship may be.

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Created by No Depression Feb 17, 2009 at 9:06pm. Last updated by No Depression Apr 9.