Wilco

Wilco: country or rock?

In 1994, the members of alternative country band, Uncle Tupelo, parted ways. Some of those band members went on to reach new heights of success with another venture: Wilco. Formed by Jeff Tweedy and John Stirratt that same year, Wilco is considered one of the most influential alternative country bands of the 1990s and 2000s.

Since the launch of their debut album, A.M., in 1995, Wilco has gone on to release 12 studio albums, win two Grammy Awards, and bring a new, invigorating energy to the country music scene.

While their earlier work embraces the alternative country sound that Uncle Tupelo had pioneered, the band has also explored a more experimental approach. Combining elements of classic country, alternative rock, and pop, Wilco’s later releases evolved into an eclectic indie offering. By blending various genres, the band has found popularity with many different audiences.

Throughout the band's first ten years, Wilco saw a lot of lineup changes. Musicians came and went, although frontman Tweedy and bassist John Stiratt (who had played together in Uncle Tupelo) remained throughout. The two original members are still going strong, along with more recent additions, Glenn Kotche, Nels Cline, and Mikael Jorgensen.

Wilco’s musical output has developed along with the ever-changing band members, but one thing is certain; the Americana sound that influenced their early work is present to this day. Not only are the band members valued for their musical ability, but also for their commitment to creativity and independence.