field recordings
Started in 2011, GemsOnVHS is an ongoing archive/collection of folk music that focuses on acoustic, unplugged and off-stage performance videos by a variety of musicians. We have a love for authentic songwriting, passionate people and weird stuff. Millions of views on YouTube and years down the line, there’s no signs of slowing down. If you’re interested in being featured, feel free to drop us an email. These are done at our leisure though, so publicists beware.*
“I’m not one to contemplate on fate,” Anthony Simpkins says with a grin. It’s a cool night in April and Simpkins is sitting outside the American Legion Post 82 in East Nashville, Tennessee, and grinning at how folksy he sounds describing the unlikely path his life has taken. At 25, he has no college degree, no insider or family connections, and, until a few years ago, a work history heavy on restaurant jobs after a brief adolescent foray into psychedelic-mushroom sales earned him six years probation. Despite — or maybe because of — all that, he’s built an influential music platform on Youtube with a large, loyal following, and a rare power to connect independent musicians to a national audience. (click here for full article)
Nashville Demystified: Anthony Simpkins of GemsOnVHS
“Anthony Simpkins is the creator of GemsOnVHS. He is a Musicologist and documentarian. Early in their careers, he has captured intimate performances by Lost Dog Street Band, Matt Heckler, Erin Rae, Casper Allen, Sierra Ferrell, and more. We talk about genre, curation and how he goes about finding the artists he documents on his popular YouTube channel”
The Abstract Episode 7: Chronicling DIY Americana with Anthony Simpkins of GemsonVHS
“Our guest is Anthony Simpkins; a videographer, modern day music historian, and the man behind Gems on VHS. The acclaimed Nashville-based Youtube channel features raw live performances from Americana/Roots songwriters. Inspired by the legacy of Alan Lomax's, Simpkins work has spotlighted rising artists who are defining a new brand of country music, for a new generation.”
The Slow Drag Has a Podcast, Too: Anthony Simpkins
“Anthony Simpkins is a local and international folk hero, not for the music he makes, but rather the music he celebrates. For 7 years, he’s been running Gems on VHS, a youtube channel dedicated to bringing you high-quality video content featuring obscure talent. “
*if you’re looking for professional video/photo services, check out 5Folds Creative