Writer: James Daniels
Photos: John Tyler
Hunter Root has been playing music since he was twelve years old. He is a founding member of the Lancaster, PA-based psychedelic rock band, Medusa’s Disco, and has a solo project as well. Hunter went viral in early 2023 on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook after releasing his single “Town Rat Heathen”. Gigging tenaciously and recording numerous self-produced albums won Hunter “Best Male Solo Artist (2020)” and “Best Songwriter (2022)” at the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards. Hunter also won 2022 “Artist Of The Year” according to Blue Rhymez Entertainment based out of Turin, Italy. He’s also performed on live television, being featured on the show “Good Day PA” on ABC27 news.
James Daniels: What have the crowds been like since “Town Rat Heathen” went viral?
Hunter Root: Before going viral I was playing solo acoustic shows at bars and breweries in Central Pennsylvania. Those are the kind of shows where they stick a singer/songwriter in the corner and often the music falls on deaf ears. Since going viral the shows have turned into full blown crowds of people specifically there to see me perform. The contrast is really quite drastic and I’m thankful as all hell for it.
The Abbey, Bar in Harrisburg was the place to be on Saturday March 16th. Especially, for fans of Alt-Country’s latest viral sensation Hunter Root. Before Hunter and his band took the stage Harrisburg’s “Cold Spring Union” treated the crowd to a pure slice of Country Rock. The psychedelic swamp rock power trio was the perfect opener while Hunter met with his fans at the merch table, thanking the loyal Medusa’s Disco fans for their continued support. Also, introducing himself to all the new local fans who found hisReels online. Hunter was in awe of the people who traveled halfway across the country to see their new favorite artist.
JD: I heard a lot of people have been traveling all over the country to come see you play, some upwards of 12 hours or more. Can you tell me what that has been like?
Hunter Root: People driving wildly long distances to see the show is a very new phenomenon for me and is starting to become the norm at all the shows. Tonight a woman flew from Michigan to Pennsylvania. Another man drove seven hours from theCanadian border. It is surreal. When I meet them I am overwhelmed with appreciation and I always do everything I can to make the experience feel worth the travel like signing stuff and taking pictures.
The anticipation was apparent moments before Hunter and his band opened the show with the haunting single “Reverend”, like seasoned veterans, as the crowd pressed the stage. Fans hung on every lyric, note, and story of the genre defying performance. What’s on the surface is Americana, Indie-Folk, and Country, but beneath that surface Hunter explores an expansive palate of Rock, 60’s Psychedelic, Surf Rock, Grunge, and more. Song’s like “Silver Lining” kept everyone dancing versus songs like “Can’t Outshine the Truth” got everyone thinking. He closed out the show with the viral hit “Town Rat Heathen” and everyone sang along as the night came to an end.
JD: What’s the biggest difference between working as a solo artist and being a member of Medusa’s Disco?
Hunter Root – The biggest difference internally between the two projects is the way the music comes together and then gets recorded. With the Hunter Root project I write, play all the instruments, record, and mix everything myself on the albums. In Medusa’s Disco we are far more collaborative. We are arranging all the parts, writing lyrics, trading licks and ideas all together because we just enjoy the process as a unit and it makes something different.
JD: What can everyone expect next from Hunter Root?
Hunter Root – In 2024 I’ll be announcing some summer dates along with a single release to afford with them. Probably on 7′ vinyl. After that we’ll be hitting the road in the fall to support a new full-length album. I reckon it’ll be much busier considering it’ll be the first tour with my new booking agency Wasserman. Lots to look forward to in 2024 if you’re a fan of Hunter Root!
The award-winning Hunter Root has already experienced local cult like success with Medusa’s Disco and now he is poised to emerge as a national touring/recording artist. The Album Arkansas is out now on Vinyl and all streaming platforms. With new music on the way and more tour dates to announce, it can be assumed that Hunter is just getting started. Keep up with all things Hunter Root at hunterroot.com and follow him on all social media platforms.
Setlist:
Reverend, Good On Paper, California Sober, Little Red Riding Hood, Quicksand Sinking, Few Steps Back, Silver Lining, Can’t Outshine The Truth, Lampshade, Don’t Blame The Breeze, Homestead, Cheap Wine, Straitlaced, Patience In The Dark, Grain Of Rice, Identity, Norma Jean, Town Rat Heathen
