By Jordan Taylor-Chaffe
Over the past few years, country music has had a large rise in popularity. With new takes on the genre, bringing in different kinds of country music, the genre has brought in new listeners that enjoy the newer blends of country music. The rise of popularity and listeners can be caused by the blending of genres and because of social media’s ability to spread information. Over the past few years we have seen a growing interest and love for how country songs tell stories and bring a very authentic style to the music industry.
One major reason this genre has gained more appeal is the fusion some artists have done with other genres. Three other very popular genres have been seen to often fuse with country music: pop, rap, and rock. Some pop artists are known for making country-pop songs, like Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves.
Taylor Swift started out making country music and then became a pop singer, but a good amount of her songs give a more country vibe. Her songs like “Tim McGraw” and “Our Song” are great examples.
Kacey Musgraves is a country singer but has a more pop than traditional country music sound. Her songs are a great blend of those two genres.
Morgan Wallen has done some country and hip-hop fusion songs, featuring Moneybagg Yo and Lil Durk. Morgan is another artist illuminating the changing culture of country music.
Social media has also been a major part in the growth of country music. Social media has allowed artists to have a platform to help market and advertise their music. It’s also given artists a platform to interact with fans. Streaming services like Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music access to music has become much easier, further helping fans find new counter music.
The tradition of country music is storytelling. That’s what makes it so authentic and emotional. Country music focuses on themes of family, love, and life in a small town. With really personal lyrics, these songs help listeners relate and have a space to feel their emotions. Newer artists of this generation, like Chris Stapelton and Morgan Wallen, are very popular with making music that follows country music’s roots and authenticity while also adding their own twist to it.
Country music is such a unique genre—one you can blend with others to make increasingly amazing music. With artists creating new sounds and bringing in bigger audiences, the roots of traditional country music are still alive.
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