Biography
The Pine Hill Haints are a roots music band formed in 1998 in Huntsville, Alabama, by frontman Jamie Barrier, who grew up immersed in local musical traditions through his grandfather and early exposure at hootenannies[1][3]. Barrier's formative years included singing in the Pine Hill Cemetery, which inspired the band's name and their self-described style of 'Alabama ghost country,' blending honky tonk, rockabilly, folk, and bluegrass[1][2][6]. The band began as a side project to Barrier's rockabilly group The Wednesdays and quickly developed into a distinct entity, with a revolving lineup that eventually solidified around core members Matt Bakula (washtub bass, banjo), Ben Rhyne (snare drum), and Jamie's wife, Katie Barrier (washboard, mandolin)[1][3].
The Haints have spent over two decades reviving and reinterpreting American musical forms that have faded from the mainstream, drawing on Appalachian, country-blues, folk, spirituals, and early rock 'n' roll influences[2][5]. Their minimalist setup and multi-instrumental approach allow them to weave a rich tapestry of sound that is both informed by tradition and wholly original. Early releases were issued on Barrier's own Arkam Records before attracting the attention of K Records founder Calvin Johnson, leading to broader recognition and a series of albums including 'Ghost Dance' (2007), 'To Win or to Lose' (2009), and 'Welcome to the Midnight Opry' (2011)[1].
Known for their lo-fi aesthetic and energetic live performances, The Pine Hill Haints have become respected figures in the Americana and southern gothic scenes, influencing a new generation of roots musicians. Their legacy lies in their commitment to keeping 'dead' music alive, performing styles that are rarely heard in contemporary settings and maintaining a strong connection to the mystical and historical roots of northern Alabama[2][7][9].
Fun Facts
- The band was literally formed in a cemetery—Pine Hill Cemetery in Alabama—where members would gather to play acoustic music[2][4].
- Jamie Barrier practiced singing in the cemetery as a child to hone his voice, which directly inspired the band's name and ethos[1][4].
- The Pine Hill Haints refer to their style as 'Alabama ghost country,' reflecting their focus on resurrecting forgotten American musical forms[2][9].
- Most band members are multi-instrumentalists and frequently switch instruments during live performances[5].
Members
- Matt Bakula
- Jamie Barrier
- Katie Barrier
- Ben Rhyne
- Mike Posey
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jamie's Grandfather - Introduced Jamie Barrier to southern musical traditions through local hootenannies (Early exposure, formative influence) [Childhood (1980s-1990s)]
- Carter Family - Stylistic inspiration for purity and emotion in country music (General influence, referenced by Jamie Barrier) [Ongoing]
Key Collaborators
- Matt Bakula - Core band member, principal songwriter/singer, plays washtub bass and banjo (All major albums) [1998–present]
- Katie 'Kat' Barrier - Core band member, Jamie's wife, plays washboard and mandolin (All major albums) [1998–present]
- Ben Rhyne - Core band member, plays snare drum (All major albums) [1998–present]
- Calvin Johnson - Recorded and released band's album 'You Bury Your Hate in a Shallow Grave' for free ('You Bury Your Hate in a Shallow Grave') [Early 2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary Roots/Americana Musicians - Inspired by the Haints' revival of 'dead' American music forms and lo-fi aesthetic (Various artists in southern gothic, folk punk, and Americana scenes) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Shattered Pieces of the True Cross | 2025-05-30 | Album |
| Ghost Dance | 2007-11-06 | Album |
| The Magik Sounds of The Pine Hill Haints | 2014-09-30 | Album |
| To Win or To Lose | 2009-07-07 | Album |
| The Song Companion of a Lone Star Cowboy | 2021-05-14 | Album |
| The Evening Star | 2016-07-25 | Album |
| Smoke | 2017-07-21 | Album |
| Those Who Wander | 2016-07-27 | Album |
| Welcome to the Midnight Opry | 2011-10-04 | Album |
| 13 | 2020-12-28 | Album |
| The Cold, Cold Hand /The Devil's Backbone | 2016-08-01 | Album |
| Moon-Pie | 2016-07-25 | Album |
| The Song Companion of a Lone Star Cowboy | 2021-05-14 | Album |
| The Magik Sounds of The Pine Hill Haints | 2014-09-30 | Album |
| Moon-Pie | 2014-09-06 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Drinking With the Prince
- Walkin Talkin Deadman (Ghost Dance)
- Rattle Them Bones (The Magik Sounds of The Pine Hill Haints)
- Honky Tonk All Night and Dance With You (Shattered Pieces of the True Cross)
- Ki Yi Woopi Ti Yay (Shattered Pieces of the True Cross)
- Svengoolia (Shattered Pieces of the True Cross)
- Spirit of 1812 (Ghost Dance)
- Loser
- Riverside Diner Blues (Shattered Pieces of the True Cross)
- Poor Me (Shattered Pieces of the True Cross)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
the pine hill haints has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2025 | 12:48 | halloween in new orleans | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen |