Western AF
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Western AF | |
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Western AF is an American YouTube channel based in Laramie, Wyoming, specializing in field recordings and live acoustic performances of singer-songwriters, primarily in the Americana, country, and folk genres.
Alta Journal described the channel as helping drive a resurgence in Americana music.[1]
History
[edit]Western AF was founded by Mike Vanata and Brian Harrington, who met as college students in Wyoming. Vanata (a broadcast journalism student) primarily handles directing, videography, and editing; Harrington manages production and administrative work. The channel grew out of informal videos of local and regional performances. Its name derives from an early informal title, "Western As Fuck," which was abbreviated for official use.[2]
A pivotal early video was a 2019 performance of "Cowpoke" by Colter Wall, filmed in an airplane hangar near Casper, Wyoming. The video gained significant viewership and helped establish the channel.[3]
Content and style
[edit]Western AF videos typically feature single-song or short multi-song performances filmed in natural or atmospheric locations (ranches, warehouses, saloons, outdoor settings) with an emphasis on minimal production, high-quality audio, and visual storytelling that incorporates landscape and place. The channel has recorded both emerging and established artists associated with independent and traditional-leaning country/ Americana scenes, including Colter Wall, Sierra Ferrell, Charley Crockett, Willi Carlisle, Nick Shoulders, The Red Clay Strays, Benjamin Tod (of Lost Dog Street Band), and others.[4][5]
Artists and collaborators have described the approach as collaborative and focused on authenticity rather than commercial production values.[6]
Impact and reception
[edit]Independent music publications have covered Western AF for its role in providing exposure to artists outside mainstream country channels and for contributing to interest in traditional and outlaw country-influenced Americana and Western music in the late 2010s and 2020s.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ Lawrence, Meredith (March 27, 2023). "We're Western AF". Alta Online. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
- ↑ Lawrence, Meredith (March 27, 2023). "We're Western AF". Alta Journal. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- ↑ Lawrence, Meredith (March 27, 2023). "We're Western AF". Alta Journal. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- ↑ Maloney, Damien (March 8, 2024). "How Western AF is Blazing a Trail for Independent Artists". Wide Open Country. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- ↑ Lawrence, Meredith (March 27, 2023). "We're Western AF". Alta Journal. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- ↑ Maloney, Damien (March 8, 2024). "How Western AF is Blazing a Trail for Independent Artists". Wide Open Country. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
- ↑ Lawrence, Meredith (March 27, 2023). "We're Western AF". Alta Journal. Retrieved September 17, 2026.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Western AF on YouTube
- Western AF on Instagram