Rhinestones, white leather high heels and Dolly Parton are a common country music stereotype.

Emerging from the stranglehold of the more glitzy side is an alternative movement claiming greater closeness to country's roots.

Nowadays there are independent labels all over Europe, the United States and Canada, breaking the unspoken rule that all real country music should come from Nashville.

Championing the burgeoning alternative movement in Brighton is music promoter David Morrison, who is bringing The Willard Grant Conspiracy and Mojave 3 to Brighton.

He says: "Musically, alternative country doesn't differ that much to mainstream country. Its themes may always be more melancholic but the form's the same. If you hear any record with a banjo or a pedal steel on it, you're going to say it has been influenced by country."

The key differences between mainstream and alternative country seem to be in the approach.

"There's a real attitude and DIY ethic to it, which is how country music first started out," says Morrison.

"Original country acts used to turn up at a venue and say 'give me a gig.' It was very punk rock."

Alternative country acts can have a hard time.

Gillian Welch, who played in Brighton last month and scored a good part of the O Brother Where Art Thou?, started her career by going to Nashville.

Morrison says: "Despite the fact she was playing Appalachian music, she was treated with suspicion because she came from New York."

The end result is a form with more intelligence and depth, often with a political message.

"It's incredibly rewarding music that's pure and honest," says Morrison.

"There have been moments of excitement in the broadsheets but going overground is asking a bit much for music which isn't that commercial."

Willard Grant Conspiracy play the Hanbury Ballroom in Kemp Town on Tuesday August 26. Mojave 3 play on August 26. Details on 01273 325440.