The Meat Purveyors

The Meat Purveyors are a seminal fixture of the Austin, Texas 'insurgent country' scene, emerging in the late 1990s as a bridge between traditional bluegrass and the DIY punk ethos. Formed by Bill Anderson (Poison 13) and Jo Walston, the group bypassed the stoic reverence of the bluegrass revival in favor of a high-energy, percussive style often dubbed 'thrashgrass.'

Their sound is defined by Pete Stiles' virtuosic mandolin work, Cherilyn diMond's aggressive upright bass, and the sharp, often humorous songwriting of Anderson. Throughout their tenure on Bloodshot Records, they became known for their eclectic cover choices, reimagining 80s pop and hard rock through a string-band lens. Critically, they are regarded as a vital alternative to the 'hat act' country of the era, influencing a generation of roots-punk bands by proving that acoustic music could possess the same visceral power as an electric ensemble. Their career arc is marked by a consistent refusal to sanitize their sound or subject matter for mainstream appeal.