Americana (or roots) is the collective name for all music that inspired the white American folk music of the beginning of the last century. The musical idiom of Americana is close to country and folk. As a rule, country is more commercial than americana, which has its origins in the 'outlaw country' of the seventies when Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson are opposed to the slick country sound made in Nashville. In americana, writing one's own material is an advantage and that's where it distinguishes itself from folk. In the root world, innovation is often synonymous with reinterpreting the style of the founders. Modern influences are applied only sparingly. The so-called 'alternative country' artists consider themselves part of a long tradition and the respect for the icons of the genre is great.