The Dead South

Nate Hilts and Danny Kenyon came up with the idea for a "rockin' stompin' bluegrass band"[4] in 2012 while playing together in a short-lived alternative grunge band. After the grunge band's demise, Colton Crawford and Scott Pringle joined what would become the Regina-based band The Dead South.[5] Crawford learned banjo and Pringle learned how to play the mandolin to supplement his guitar. They ended up with their own version of the bluegrass genre. They strive for a satirical view of the genre while remaining true to it.[4]

The band toured extensively and repeatedly in Canada and Europe. Crawford left the band in 2015, and Eliza Mary Doyle, a noted solo and studio musician, was hired to fill the vacancy. After almost 2 years of absence from the band, Colton "Crawdaddy" Crawford returned to the lineup, replacing Doyle as banjoist.[6] On tour, Danny Kenyon was occasionally replaced on cello by Erik Mehlsen, owing to Kenyon's career in engineering.[7]

In July 2020, allegations surfaced accusing Danny Kenyon of sexual misconduct.[8] On August 19, 2020, Kenyon left the band.[2][3][8]

The band refers to themselves as "Mumford and Sons' Evil Twins", a nod to their dark and often violent interpretation of the "aesthetic of old western pioneers".[11] Freitas of MusicExistence notes the "evil twin" comparison, but considers that, with Good Company, the band stands on its own merit in the folk world. Hilts and Kenyon had been listening to bluegrass bands Trampled by Turtles and Old Crow Medicine Show before forming their own band. They agreed that they wanted to perform their own version of traditional folk and bluegrass. AllMusic reviewer Timothy Monger considers that tradition to be "a gritty punk ethos with traditional bluegrass and old-time string band music"[21]

In their review of Good Company, Sputnik Music notes that the band includes songs about the usual: lovin', cheatin', killin' and drinkin'." Sputnik Music also points out that the band's clothing style of ordinary white shirts, black trousers, black suspenders and the occasional flat-brimmed hat is often mimicked by their fans. RJ Frometa, of Vents Magazine, notes the odd clothing style – referred to by the band itself as "their distinctive hillbilly cum pioneer look"[22] – as well, considering them "fun, modern-day hillbillies who marry an incredible stage presence with their distinct country twang that includes banjos, mandolins, a cello, guitars, whistles, finger snapping and occasionally some head banging." Frometa opines that The Dead South strive to create a sarcastic sound all their own.[23]

Sarah Murphy of Exclaim.ca says that the band's injection of folk and bluegrass sounds with a "punk rock ethos (not to mention a banjo player who's a self-proclaimed metalhead), the band bring a fresh perspective to classic genres."[24]

MusicCrowns.org reviewer James Cooke suggests that the band's "gritty vocals, aggressive guitar strumming, mandolin chops, banjo licks and a steady kick drum to fuse it all together," to deliver a unique sound that doesn't exactly fit the traditional definition of bluegrass.[25]

Cooke notes that The Dead South's release of "In Hell, I'll Be in Good Company" is labelled as bluegrass, but has caused fans to question whether the label is appropriate or not. He argues that since bluegrass has been influenced by Irish, Scottish, and African American music, the definition of bluegrass as a genre has become blurred.[25]

Cello player/vocalist and original member of The Dead South, Danny Kenyon, left the band on 19 August 2020 after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.[26] The three incidents question took place between 2007 and 2015. The allegations against Kenyon originally appeared on Victims Voices Regina Instagram on 31 July.[26][27]

The lyrical content of The Dead South's song "Banjo Odyssey" off their 2014 album Good Company has been in question since its release, but became more so following the allegations being published.[26] In an August 2014 Facebook post, the band said: "The song is a satirical, tongue-in-cheek reference to the bluegrass genre and tells a story about two cousins who engage in a relationship. We sincerely apologize to anyone who has been hurt or offended by these lyrics, as the last thing we would want to do is offend anyone. Obviously, we do not condone rape or violence, and "Banjo Odyssey" (like many of our songs) is written as a story, and not as something to be taken literally."[26]

Six Shooter Records, who represent The Dead South, released a statement on 19 August saying they are discussing the song "Banjo Odyssey" and "our responsibility as a record label with respect to both artistic expression and social responsibility. We feel it is important to allow the time for a thoughtful and thorough process before taking action." The band also said on 19 August that it "is opposed to, and does not condone, harmful behaviour of any kind."[26]

The Dead South said they were taking steps to be "part of the solution," including supporting victims organizations, discussing the impact of their song "Banjo Odyssey," implementing training for band and team members and creating a code of conduct to adhere to.[27] The band began training the band and crew on consent, professional conduct, and creating safer spaces for our fans an the team. Six Shooter's first training session on consent took place 25 and 26 August. All staff, artists, crew, and agents were invited and encouraged to participate.[26]

• "In Hell, I'll Be in Good Company" was used in season 2 episode 6 end credits of The Umbrella Academy.[33]
• "In Hell, I'll Be in Good Company" was used in season 3 episode 1 of American Gods.[34]

"The Recap" is used during the chase scene at the end of Season 1, Episode 8 of 'Tin Star' and continues into the credits.

• Official website
• Media related to The Dead South at Wikimedia Commons
• CanadianBands.com entry
• The Dead South at AllMusic
• The Dead South discography at MusicBrainz