Dave Alvin

One particular quote from Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Dave Alvin pretty accurately sums up his musical mindset, "There are two types of folk music: quiet folk music and loud folk music. I play both." The guitarist and vocalist has been a staple in the folk, Americana and roots music scenes since he began his career in 1980. The real strength of his music, however, is a reluctance to be pigeonholed into one particular style. Elements of country, rockabilly and garage rock can be found in Alvin's songs, making him equally powerful in both a stripped-down, acoustic format or a solo-heavy blues rock jam. His songs have been used in many popular television shows like The Sopranos and The Wire, and in 2000, Alvin won a Grammy award for his LP Public Domain.