Q: What is Blunk?

Any and all movements have to have a distinct name, as not to be confused with any other past or present movements. Otherwise, titles from other failed or successful movements will be applied to describe a current movement, weakening both its distinct existence as well as adding a shade of grey to what that movement is and represents where that has lost any distinction at all.

There is a movement brewing in West Kentucky, regardless if the 'civilized' world is paying attention. Writers capture bits and pieces in print, artists capture the essence of the moment, musicians play in dirty bars, living rooms, and holes in the wall for their salvation. This movement is an escape from the garbage on the radio and TV, in print, and on canvas because it is real, genuine, and completely ours.

Paducah, Kentucky, is the home of the Blunk movement. They are not Hippies, they are not Punks. They are Blunks.

Until now, this movement was either tagged as either Hippies or Punks since it is far easier to use old labels from dead times then it is to define a new style and frame of thought. It is easier to throw old titles around so that the new ideas are already wrote off as dead out of the fear of change and growth toward new horizons. Change and growth are fearsome beasts to tackle.

Defining a movement and philosophy is a task within itself. A movement name must be concise yet memorable without being overshadowed by its predecessors. Alternately it must be descriptive and expressive enough to be an open door, as not to lock out anyone of any style from participation.

The first sign of trouble most likely will be the re-use of the term Punk as a root of etymology for Blunk. Locals and members of this movement, though, will recognize it as a homage to both the Punk influenced and outright Punk bands in the area. Love letters to the genre include The Wish You Weres, The Hi-Fi Ninja, Middle Class Trash, Some Skank, and Parasite Diet.

The root of the use of Bluegrass stems from the location of the movement and the sudden outburst of bands using traditional Bluegrass instruments in a non-Bluegrass setting. Examples of this style are Bawn in the Mash, Gnawin’ On A Hog’s Leg, and Boot Dagger.

To answer the question -
A: Blunk is:
1. A creative movement (all writers, artists, and musical acts) that exhibits the DIY ethic of Punk and are centered in West Kentucky.
2. A style of music using Bluegrass instruments in a non-traditional Bluegrass setting.
3. Bluegrass + Punk = Blunk

---