Country music on the rise: Our presenters take a look behind the lens 🎼
Your favourite country voices divulge their thoughts on the surge in popularity...
Country music fans have long known just how brilliant it is to be a part of the genre. It goes beyond simply liking the music and following the artists - we're part of a family with relatives all over the world!
However, with artists from other genres branching out into country music, it's becoming more ubiquitous and trickling into the mainstream consciousness - which we here at Absolute Radio Country LOVE to see.
But country music is one of the longest-standing genres, having originated around 100 years ago in southern USA - so why has it suddenly become more popular in the last few years? What has caused the huge upward trend in our beloved genre?
Our presenters - as you'd imagine - are pretty well versed in all things country, and have offered up their expertise. Baylen Leonard, Elaina D. Smith, Ben Earle, Jennie Longdon and Elise Evans have given their thoughts as to what might be behind country music's meteoric rise to the mainstream...
Why do you think country music is so popular right now?
Baylen exclaimed: "Country is cool again!", adding that, with it being such an all-encompassing genre, there's something for everyone: "There are so many different sounds and styles within country music, I think people are realising that no matter what type of music they like, there is a style of country for them."
Similarly, Ben commented on how the "authenticity" of country songs is something that has mass appeal: "I think country has a real authenticity that people are craving these days. It’s also so easy to stumble across a country song online and once you go in that rabbit hole most people don’t want to come out. Oh and of course, Beyoncé. Who wouldn’t be listening to country right now when she is making it!"
Jennie agreed with the online aspect, putting it down to the more widespread availability of country music - thanks to social media: "With social media now, we have so much access to real, authentic musicians. Country artists sharing amazing stories through their songs, whether that's struggles or celebrations. And that's allowing a whole new audience to discover and fall in love with the genre."
Elaina also agreed with social media's involvement in the rise: "I think over the last several years, we can thank social media a lot for that. Country has become more accessible to people that haven't been listening and then they realised that the genre is no longer the cliché they might have thought.
"Country has so many different sounds, and it can be so many different things - then Beyonce recently took it to another level, and I love how she helped a different and bigger crowd realise that Country is even more diverse on so many levels. Seeing her collaborator Shaboozey surpass her on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart is a huge testament to that. I love where country is headed!"
Elise expanded on the crossover artist aspect: "To quote Lainey Wilson, country’s cool again and its blooming fantastic! I think it’s a genre that can appeal to everyone as the music spans a vast landscape of storytelling and styles. With the help of crossover tracks from artists like Queen Bey, Morgan Wallen & Post Malone, we’re reaching new audiences that might not have ever listened to a country record before. It’s awesome!"
Which mainstream artists would you love to see crossover into country?
Jennie Longdon
"Steven Tyler: The banshee of rock and roll, I'd love to hear his vocals on a stripped back country track. He's already there with his look - that man can rock a pair of bellbottoms. ‌
"Liam Gallagher: Country music is three chords and the truth, and there's no-one more honest in music than Liam. He could share some amazing stories and bring them to life. ‌
"Pink: She can do it all, real fun, or real emotional. She could cover all corners of this genre. She connects so well with audiences, and I don't think we've had a flying country artist yet."
Baylon Leonard
"I think Lady Gaga would really DELIVER on a big country ballad! Stevie Nicks and country seems like a match made in heaven. Teddy Swims has a voice that would fit right in with Jelly Roll or Chris Stapleton so he's made for country."
Elaina D. Smith
"Chappel Roan. She is one of the most exciting artists outside of Country in my opinion. She is so interesting, creative, hilarious and I think she'd do something REALLY cool with any Country song. If you listen to her album, she can do SO many different things with her vocals.
"Sabrina Carpenter. I can't stop singing 'Espresso' ("I'm working late, cuz I'm a singer" is on repeat in my head). She is such a fun performer, I feel like she'd love working with country production and it'd be a smash.
"Adele. Every since they released a new version of 'Easy on Me' with Chris Stapleton, I've just been WAITING for her to come over. I remember when she was here in Nashville for a show, she spent her days at the Honky Tonks just taking in allll the Country Music."
Ben Earle
"Post Malone: I think that is already happening which is exciting! Adele: she's such a great storyteller, I could really hear it. Justin Bieber: he featured on a version of '10,000 Hours' with Dan and Shay which was awesome - I would love to hear him do more."
Elise Evans
"Olivia Rodrigo - she's already a super talented & successful songwriter so I'm manifesting this now! Beverley Knight because crikey the vocals would be INSANE! And finally the rock chick in me would always love to hear country from Avril Lavigne. She started out singing country music and has already sang with Shania Twain so I'd love to see her drop a country album in the future!"
Which three country artists are you loving right now?
Jennie Longdon: The War and Treaty, Post Malone and Chris Stapleton
"The War and Treaty: The two most incredible and complementary voices together. Spiritual and soulful. You don't hear their music, you experience it. This genre needs them.
"Post Malone: Just entered the genre but is already ahead of the game. His voice is so soulful and gritty, the perfect combo. And his debut is with Morgan Wallen - so he's in good company.
"Chris Stapleton: He is genre-blending perfectly. He offers the authentic country sound, but with so many other influences. His voice is like honey and his lyrics are so romantic and beautiful."
Baylen Leonard: Zach Top, Lainey Wilson and Charley Crockett
"Lainey Wilson forever and always! I love Charley Crockett and his vibe. Can't stop listening to Zach Top."
Elaina D. Smith: Megan Moroney, Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson
1) Lainey Wilson
2) Megan Moroney
3) Luke Combs
Ben Earle: Abby Anderson, Breland and Lainey Wilson
"Lainey Wilson is on fire at the moment. Every song she releases just jumps up another gear. I thought she must have peaked at 'Heart Like A Truck', but 'Watermelon Moonshine' and 'Wildflowers and Wild Horses' are both incredible. ‌
"I love how Breland is really crossing R&B and hip hop effortlessly with Country. He's got such a big future ahead of him. ‌
"Abby Anderson is having such a great comeback and doing it in her own way. To bounce back the way she has bounced back after being dropped by her record company is so amazing, especially how she is taking control of her own destiny."
Elise Evans: Carly Pearce, Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll
"The three country artists killing it right now would be Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce & Jelly Roll. All killing it whether that be dropping hugely successful records or selling out tours. They're my go-to artists on my country playlist right now!"
If that's not given you enough food for though, Lawrence Montgomery, Managing Director at Rough Trade, has also offered up three possible reasons behind country's jolt into popularity... Let us know what you think!
1) Artists expanding into multiple genres
"More than ever, artists are breaking out of their traditional genres by collaborating with artists releasing different music or pivoting their work. Global superstars like Beyoncé, who has previously released pop, hip-hop, R&B, and dance music albums, has debuted two new country singles ahead of her rumoured country album release.
"Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, who started her career in country music, has since pivoted towards pop and indie folk music. Genre pivots like this can help artists expand their reach to new audiences while introducing their fanbase to new music, who otherwise may not have gravitated towards a specific genre like country.
"There is also a growing consensus, particularly among millennial and Gen-Z listeners, that genres are becoming irrelevant, as they now gravitate towards joining a community of fans of an artist, not a genre."
2) Globalisation of country music
"Country music originates in the United States and has previously limited its fanbase outside of the country., but streaming services and social media have since expanded its reach globally.
"This has made it easier for listeners to discover and access new music, which has widened the genre’s audience and increased its influence, subsequently increasing demand for physical copies of the genre, too."
3) Genre storytelling and relatability
"Country music is centred on storytelling through music, and modern artists have continued this tradition, which resonates with listeners. Relatable lyrics often appeal during times of uncertainty and struggle, and country lyrics also comment on universal themes, like love, heartbreak, loss, and everyday struggles."
Whew! There's a lot to take in there - let us know if you've got any thoughts over on Facebook and Instagram. In the meantime, get to know our presenters a little better and find out when you can hear them on Absolute Radio Country.
Absolute Radio Country: Meet our presenters
Dave Berry
Charlton fan. Sharp-dressed man. Wake up with Dave Berry every weekday with the Dave Berry Breakfast Show every weekday from 6-10am.
Baylen Leonard
He's from Bristol... that's Bristol, Tennessee. Enjoy a journey through Country, Roots, and Americana music on The Front Porch Show. Every Sunday 4-7pm
Lou Nash
Nash by name, Nashville by nature. Enjoy the No Repeat Guarantee with all the best Country music. Weekdays 1-4pm.
Andy Bush & Richie Firth
Join Bush & Richie for the Hometime show, weekdays from 4-7pm. 3 hours of nonsense presented by 2 confused dads. Apologies in advance.
Jennie Longdon
The best country songs from across the decades to the best of today. Every Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 4pm
Ben Earle
He's one half of the UK's biggest country music group, The Shires, playing you his favourite Country artists and showcasing music from his 'ones to watch'. Sunday mornings 9-12pm.
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