5 Simple Solutions to Help Save Country Music
We bitch, we moan, we criticize, we celebrate the symbolic little victories that give us hope that a sea change for country music is imminent, or at least slowly taking hold, even though in many respects things only seem to get worse every year. And we look for ways to implement meaningful solutions to the problems plaguing country music so it can once again become a medium of creativity and touching inspiration like countless country fans enjoyed in past eras.
So what are some simple, workable solutions that could be implemented? I’m not talking some idealistic view where Luke Bryan doesn’t exist. Guess what, Luke Bryan and others are here to stay. Pop has always been a part of country and always will be, but how can we get country to return to the days of balance in the format for traditionalists and women, and substance for all listeners? What real-life, pragmatic solutions that consensus and compromise can be found around could be implemented to help move country music forward instead of miring it in endless trend chasing, and remove the conflict between the two sides of the country divide so instead of bickering amongst ourselves, more energy and attention can be expelled promoting and enjoying the music?
Here’s some ideas:
1. Reasonable Boundaries Imposed on What is Considered Country for Charts, Awards, Radio Play, etc.
There should be one very basic rule of thumb: If you play a song and it fits better in another genre or genres instead of country, then that song, or the album it comes from, or the artist playing it, should be disqualified from being considered for distinctions meant for country music.
The battle over what is country and what isn’t is a never-ending headache that will eternally be debated within the genre. But when you have artists such as Sam Hunt, or songs like recent singles from Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and others that clearly belong in a different genre before you would consider them country, then don’t put them in Billboard’s country charts, don’t let them compete for CMA and ACM Awards. Let them be slotted with pop, R&B, EDM, rock, or whatever format is more appropriate, and leave country charts and awards open for more genre-relevant material.
We may still disagree about quality. One may not like the “country” of Florida Georgia Line and there may still be a elements of pop or rap mixed in there. But if reasonable boundaries are not defined around country, then “country” risks becoming a meaningless distinction, and the value of its legacy infrastructure, like its radio format, it’s awards shows, it’s institutions like the Grand Ole Opry, risk becoming meaningless and marginalized as well.
2. Split The Country Music Radio Format Between “Classic Country” and “Contemporary Country.”
It happened with rock, it happened with adult contemporary, it has happened with many radio formats over the history of the medium when one universal approach to a genre of music underserves so many people that it is necessary to split the format in two (or sometimes three). Nobody wants to continue endless conflict and bickering about what country music is and should be, so separate classic and contemporary country, and repatriate the countless country fans who’ve become disenchanted with the current direction of the genre with their own format.
And when I say “classic country,” I’m not just talking about playing the “Class of ’89 (Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, et al), or whoever Cumulus and Big Machine has signed to NASH Icon. Play contemporary artists who fit the more classic mold like Chris Stapleton, Brandy Clark, Sturgill Simpson, and Kacey Musgraves, who have strong and proven commercial relevance, and place them right beside the classic greats that never get old.
Meanwhile on the contemporary side they can go hog wild and it won’t cause the same friction we suffer from today because true country music fans will once again have a home.
3. Separate Awards for “Classic” and “Contemporary” Country Stars
If you have two separate radio formats, and two commercially-relevant environments in the country music realm, consider giving out specific awards at the CMA and ACM awards for “Contemporary” artists and “Classic” artists, meaning have a “Classic” Song of the Year, and a “Contemporary” Song of the Year. Right now mainstream country music is so top heavy, it’s at risk of tipping over, and there’s not enough slots to highlight worthy artists since so many of the same names keep winning the same distinctions year after year.
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert have both won the Vocalist of the Year for the CMA’s the last five years running. By creating more categories, the log jam at the top of the genre can be released, more new artists and worthy artists can be recognized, and true competition can be fostered as more names are given an opportunity in the spotlight.
4. Equality For Female Country Artists
That doesn’t mean that females get a 50/50 split of radio playlists, awards show performances, etc. They still must compete with the men on an equal playing field and prove their appeal to listeners. But at the moment there is no such equality. Women are systematically discounted by a good ol’ boy system and a set of misconceptions that nobody wants to hear female voices in country music. The industry doesn’t need to just take symbolic steps. It should put forth concerted, systematical effort to make sure women artists are treated equally to their male counterparts, and the result should be both a rise in female representation in the genre, and more meaningful music as stronger competition is once again introduced into the marketplace.
5. Give Artists More Creative Freedom & Take More Risks with Newer Artists
The numbers in country music are down compared to other genres. Every artist and song on the radio sounds virtually the same. Give artists the opportunity to expand their horizons, and not just by exploring other genres, but by allowing them to express themselves, express something that connects people through an emotional moment.
Money must be spent on finding new talent, and allowing that talent to experiment and explore like country music used to allow in the past. Sign songwriters who show promise. Take a chance on an artist who may go bust, or may become the next Randy Travis or Waylon Jennings. Not everything can be a safe bet. There also has to be some risk reward.
August 20, 2015 @ 10:01 am
Just a heads up, Billboard just posted an article called “Is Bro Country Dead and What Will Be Its Lasting Legacy.” It’s worth reading.
August 20, 2015 @ 11:41 am
Sometimes I wonder why I put so much effort into the scrolling news feed.
August 20, 2015 @ 11:57 am
That’s how I found the above article. I happen to like the scrolling feed. Although admittedly on my mx70 monitor I can barely read the dark red print.
August 20, 2015 @ 10:30 am
They need to split country into 3’s: classic country, modern country, and new country. Even separate the award shows and billboard and mediabase charts into 3’s.
August 20, 2015 @ 11:58 am
nah, they need to split Luke Bryan into 3s hahahahaha. Although admittedly we already have two of him, if you count Cole Swindle as one.
August 21, 2015 @ 6:14 am
Wait–both Modern, and in addition also New as well?
Isn’t that repetitive and redundant?
August 21, 2015 @ 9:07 am
I’m sorry I meant is Classic country, Alt country, and Modern country.
August 20, 2015 @ 10:44 am
I’m a little disappointed that at least one of these solutions wasn’t to take (insert modern country artist we don’t like) and burn them as a sacrifice like in Wicker Man.
August 20, 2015 @ 11:14 am
That is a great movie (British 1973 version)
We need a poll to determine which artist is most deserving to be placed into the wicker man and burned as a sacrifice.
August 20, 2015 @ 10:57 am
What’s a “radio”?
I jest.
Still, I suspect we’re approaching a paradigm where how artists or songs are categorized for performance purposes is increasingly irrelevant. I don’t think I’m alone in being someone who frequents other, worthwhile media (like this site) to learn about new music that suits my tastes and then seek that music out directly through streaming or from the artists’ own websites.
As for the awards shows…the sooner those things die, the better.
August 20, 2015 @ 11:17 am
Great ideas Kyle. Getting Country radio and major labels onboard with this program – now that’s another story.
August 20, 2015 @ 11:33 am
I would welcome a “classic country” terrestrial radio station in my city in addition to a “contemporary country” station.
I have a healthy mix of classic, classic-sounding and contemporary country in iTunes, so I’d enjoy having two country stations on the dial from which to choose.
While those options already exist on satellite radio, I’d rather spend that yearly subscription money buying specific country songs I like, essentially creating my own country radio station (in the car, I switch to my USB stick country mix whenever I hear a song or artist I don’t like on the one country station available).
August 20, 2015 @ 12:21 pm
Off topic but though I should share Corb Lund’s new single released today:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-corb-lund-mix-motown-and-honky-tonk-with-producer-dave-cobb-20150820
August 21, 2015 @ 2:18 am
Thanks for the link – good song! I’m looking forward to the album.
August 20, 2015 @ 12:40 pm
My favorite college folk station up has actually started pivoting towards classic country and Americana, which is awesome. They’re playing Lovett, Earle, Isbell and Parsons.
Anyone in the Boston area who doesn’t have 91.9 (and 91.7, if you’re getting a bad signal) as a preset needs to change that.
August 20, 2015 @ 1:27 pm
Do they have a streaming app?
August 22, 2015 @ 9:07 am
Who are the DJ’s the Acad of Western Artists are looking for DJ s to nominate.
August 20, 2015 @ 12:47 pm
#6 ?
What about encouraging more amateur country musicians to take up playing music they enjoy?
Your solutions are geared towards big time, professional artists having a place to flourish and achieve commercial success within a well defined genre, and I support that. But look at the widespread popularity of bluegrass, newgrass, old-time, Appalachian string band music, Americana, new acoustic, etc. These sub-genres are related to country, but in a big way they are DIY genres. They get no recognition or support from main media channels, but they persist because there are so many dedicated fans who attend festivals, fiddlers’ conventions, local jams, etc. They are self-sustaining.
Many festivals are equal parts spectating (watching “the greats” play on stage) and participating (jamming back in the campgrounds with friends and family, and the occasional “great” who stops by).
The DIY aspect is key to the long term persistence of these fringe sub-genres. Yeah, most people will never play mando as well as Sam Bush, flat pick like Tony Rice, play fiddle or sing as well as Alison Krauss, or tear up a dobro like Rob Ickes. But it’s not the point to be the best – they point is that it’s challenging, it’s fun, there is a great community spirit and an inclusive musical tradition that people can actually be a part of (not just passive consumption of mass produced media). It keeps the music alive, irrespective of the fad du jour in the mainstream.
Not everybody can be a Sturgill Simpson. But encouraging hordes of amateurs to take up playing authentic country music will build resilience for the genre that can weather bad times when the mainstream has lost its way in frivolity and vacuousness.
It could even be the basis for a protest movement – “Screw you mainstream country, we’re gonna go play REAL music!”
August 20, 2015 @ 2:36 pm
Wanna know why that’s tough? Because increasingly, the bars that hire upstart musicians want you to play top-40 country. As a result, you have to choose to stick to your guns (as some of us do) and fight AGAINST it (probably why TK’s isn’t booking me anymore), or play the game. If you play the game, maybe you come out ahead and build a touring base and infuse your own style in it later. But, if you’re playing top-40 for 4 hours a night… you’re going to end up writing songs that are influenced by it.
As for me, I’ll just keep making music I love, and looking for others who dig it to offer me about 75cents a pop after iTunes takes its cut.
Unless they buy direct…then it’s a whopping 99cents. YES!
August 20, 2015 @ 6:20 pm
Along these lines, but starting earlier, we need better music education in schools, camps, churches, or wherever. It doesn’t have to be in schools, but is the thread of families playing together being broken? Much formal music education focuses on band and orchestra music, and even that is being cut in many places. I was struck by the interview Jason Isbell gave to CBS about his middle school music teacher and his grandfather. He said the teacher’s passion led to several students becoming professional musicians. In a different part of the interview, he talked about his grandfather, who entertained him by endless hours of playing guitar together (making Jason play rhythm while he played gospel songs then rewarding him by playing the blues.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf68-3m7T0w
How many families and schools are passing on that passion and discipline? What other models might there be? Music camps? Informal apprenticeships? Those of you who are musicians, is there a young person you might take under your wing? Or even if you are not a musician, are you passing on your love of good music to youngsters in your life?
August 20, 2015 @ 7:25 pm
The official charity of Saving Country Music is called Modern Roots (http://www.modernrootsfoundation.org/) which is putting forth a lot of effort to fill the gap where public education is no longer encouraging or even offering music education of any capacity to students. I believe this is a very fundamental problem in America, and one of the reasons we’re seeing such bad music consistently dominate the mainstream.
August 21, 2015 @ 5:38 am
Thanks Trigger- I had heard of them, but had not contributed. I will now. I didn’t realize you were a sponsor. Good to get the word out. I do support a music camp that people from my religious tradition developed (it is not promoting one religion). It includes roots music… https://sites.google.com/site/friendsmusiccamp/
August 20, 2015 @ 1:04 pm
6. An extension on no 1. Don’t download or listen, illegally or legally, to Sam Hunt, Chase Rice, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, FGL etc etc. while they are ‘country’, do not interact with them. Do not follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook, don’t go to their concerts. Boycott the magazines and other media they appear on. If you lose the plot and find yourself listening to mainstream ‘country’ radio, and the above mentioned come on, disinfect the speakers and you ears and try to forget that you listened to that trash.
August 22, 2015 @ 12:35 pm
Okay! plus don’t buy their cd’s.
August 20, 2015 @ 1:14 pm
I like these idea, Trigger.
Going along with your idea of having different categories at the award shows, what about splitting the award shows entirely? For example, the CMAs can be for this “contemporary” country stuff, and the ACMs can be for more traditional country music, including Texas Country/Red Dirt music, and Americana.
August 20, 2015 @ 1:21 pm
I suppose this article is as good a place as any to comment on this, but last Saturday morning while driving and flipping through Sirius XM I heard them playing Lionel Richie’s Stuck On You on what is supposed to be their new country station “The Highway.’ Now normally I stick with the Willie’s Roadhouse, Prime Country and every once in awhile Y2Country. Rarely do I check out The Highway. But I saw this and thought what was I missing? I briefly thought it was a duet between Lionel Richie and a country star from that album he did a few years back, but no, this was the 1980’s radio cut.
Now I can understand a terrestrial radio station desperate for ratings throwing some current pop into their new country mix to appeal to the Luke Bryan fans who think they like country. But why the hell would a satellite network, who can offer any literally any specialized format play a mid-80’s pop song on a station that specializes in Current “Hot” Country singles. After looking at their Facebook page I noticed other people had commented that they’d played John Legend, and Prince’s Purple Rain recently as well. Seriously what is the thinking behind this.
August 20, 2015 @ 1:24 pm
Could be some of this going on:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/why-let-pop-steal-listeners-when-country-can-be-pop-too
August 21, 2015 @ 4:52 am
Hi Trigger, I read with great interest the Billboard article on the end of Bro Country. In the article it cites a number of radio programmers who state that Bro Country is good for the industry and that it attracted a lot of new younger listeners (18 to 34) and increased the listener numbers.
I know you disagree and have your own point of view and will give probably disagree with the statistics, but have you tried or would it be possible for you to interview one of these people who are pro Bro Country or the changing format of contemporary country?
Each discussion has two sides of the argument and I think it would be very interesting to read an interview between you and a representative from the other side so you can put your points to him/her and hear the response and vice versa.
What do you think? Is such a thing possible? Have you tried? Do they refuse? How about an interview with someone from the CMA or Grand Ole Opry?
August 21, 2015 @ 8:39 am
Well first off, I don’t do many interviews. I just don’t really think it’s what I’m best at. I’m not sure if access to some of these people would be possible or not.
Without question Bro-Country increase country listeners, especially in the most sought-after demographic. But those numbers have now been down across the board for the last 1 1/2 years. And not only are a lot of those listeners leaving because the songs sound exactly the same, but country has insulted so many of their core listeners who are leaving as well.
The simple fact is Bro-Country is dead, and has been dead for going on two years. They’re just blowing through excess song inventory, and holding on to the last vestiges of its popularity because they’re not really sure what to do next. This whole EDM/R&B craze will have the same life cycle. It is kind of hot at the moment (though not as hot as Bro), but will burn out quickly.
August 21, 2015 @ 9:20 am
Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my email. Great web site!
August 21, 2015 @ 8:26 am
Yeah, I mean I thought about that, and for a terrestrial radio station who’s revenue is based on selling ads, based on high ratings, I get why they would air pop songs to appeal to a broader audience. But in the satellite world there’s a specialized station for every possible niche.
Admittedly I don’t know that much about their business model but I thought their revenue was largely based on subscriptions. Now sure, some of the news stations, and the Howard channels have on air ads, but the music channels are pretty much constant streams of music and hosts. And there’s a special niche for every sub-genre of music you can think of. I wouldn’t think it’d be necessary to water down any particular genre to appeal to a broader mainstream audience, since specialization is part of the appeal of the channel line up in the first place.
I don’t know, something to keep an eye on I guess.
August 20, 2015 @ 1:42 pm
To me I think we also need Radio programmers and DJ’s who are Country Music FANS. More and more you see the Bobby Bones type d-bags and morons running stations which is a big reason you see people like Sam Hunt doing so well. If you don’t like Country music, chances are you arent going to care about the long term well being of the genre, it’s fans or it’s traditional minded artists.
August 20, 2015 @ 2:22 pm
Also, we also want country in general to release worldwide. Whether it’s classic country, modern country or traditional country, country music needs to go worldwide and streaming music/social media needs to pay attention to country music. So I suggest you to make an article on why country music like Carrie Underwood needs to go worldwide. That’s my suggestion. 🙂
August 20, 2015 @ 2:38 pm
1. Best point and the root of real problem
2. NASH is doing this
3. #1 should correct this
4. Agree but see #1 again
5. I do feel there is an emergence currently
August 20, 2015 @ 4:25 pm
Just let commercial country go. I listen to some while driving but I haven’t reviewed a major label album in 30 years because the real action in country music is with indie labels and self-releasing artists and has been for many years. Singer-songwriters like Amy Speace or Amanda Ann Platt of The Honeycutters are worth all the women talked about on savingcountrymusic put together. I compile a radio chart, Freeform American Roots, which is dominated by country DJs and they virtually never report a major label artist or act, but they still find plenty of excellent new country music to play on their shows, just as I find plenty of fine “real” country albums well worth the price of admission.
August 20, 2015 @ 6:09 pm
As always great thoughts, Trigger.
My qualm with a format split is that, while it looks good on paper, I think it will ultimately lead to more problems than it solves. If, hypothetically, Chris Stapleton put out a bro-country crap song, would it be played on the “classic” or “contemporary”? Or if FGL puts out a more traditional song? Or an artist like Chris Young who used to play more neotraditional type music, and now plays more on the overproduced pop side of things? Where do you put him? And whichever format is chosen, it would divide the listeners of said format.
Enforcing stricter guidlines on what country is or isn’t is the best one IMO
August 20, 2015 @ 7:28 pm
I would anticipate some overlap in the two formats, just like you have with every other radio format, including country and pop which play some of the same singles.
I agree the devil is in the details, but I also believe it is a better solution than nothing. It would be up to listeners to let their voices be known of how they want to new country format to take shape, and everyone would have to understand it would not be ideal to anyone’s standards, just a better option than what we have no, and a vehicle to get some worthy artists actual radio play.
August 20, 2015 @ 6:10 pm
I think it needs to split. Let them have their dreck and let us have the real stuff. We’d both be happy then. Problem solved. I think also that women would get a lot more airplay as well if it split. Like I said before, let them have their dbag crap and let us have real country regardless of the gender of the artist.
August 20, 2015 @ 6:19 pm
You’ll be glad to hear in Montgomery, AL they’ve already made an attempt to separate the Contemporary Country from the Classic Country. Despite having numerous ContemporaryCountry stations. We also have a Classic Country station called 103.9 the Possum (named after George Jones of course).
August 20, 2015 @ 6:23 pm
I wouldn’t know what a Sam Hunt was if he weren’t were he doesn’t belong.
You can’t just drive a semi into the side of a house and call it a garage.
August 20, 2015 @ 7:25 pm
Hmm. The more I see country radio losing all touch with its roots and the more GREAT music I hear from the Americana genre , the more I feel as though the situation will rectify itself .Sales and exposure of ” Americana ” music will increase by default and become the new /old country in vibe and tradition and integrity as more and more terrific writers, musicians and bands seem to be operating under its umbrella either intentionally or, again , by default . I think Lee Ann Womack , Isbell , John Paul White , stuff like AJ’s Bluegrass album , much of Miranda Lambert’s writing and arranging style , Ashley Monroe , Patty Griffin and so many others just seem tailor-made for a genre ( Americana ) which celebrates substance and MUSIC first …not ‘ artist as product ” . As fans of music with substance , we need to support and expose anyone and everyone to these honest artists to ensure they have long , inspired and inspirational careers. I’m not sure I want to hear Sturgil or Isbell ….ore even Kacey on mainstream radio cuz there’s a chance they will be railroaded into compromising to hang on to their seats there. They need to be ‘ flagships ‘ for another genre like Americana so they can inspire other artists and labels to go that route .
August 20, 2015 @ 7:31 pm
The problem is that Americana is a very weak commercial force, and most areas of the country do not have 24-hour Americana stations. Ultimately, the change has to occur within the country format.
August 20, 2015 @ 7:37 pm
Though the current models have the country format potentially splitting when classic country veers from contemporary country, the other way it could possibly happen is if Americana gets its act together seriously and becomes a viable mainstream radio format. I’ve been meaning to write about this. I think the chances of this happening are significantly less likely, but it is a possibility, especially if said Americana format decided to adopt some classic country into its playlists.
August 20, 2015 @ 7:40 pm
I love your ideas but on the other hand it’s sad that this is what the industry has come to.
August 20, 2015 @ 10:51 pm
No need 5 solutions….just one will do…
Bring back Taylor Swift.
August 21, 2015 @ 12:18 am
I’m confused Trigger. What genre is pop?
August 21, 2015 @ 1:41 am
Trigger, I do like the idea of any artist(s) who incorporate EDM, rap, hip hop and/ or r & b into their songs/albums to either not be in contention for Album of The Year, Song of The Year, Video of The Year, etc. OR to put them in a separate category, as you’ve stated. The current genre is so blurred that someone, somewhere, has to stop the bleeding. It’s as if the current stars are chefs and they’re being told to prepare an Italian dish. Some want to add ingredients meant for Japanese dishes, some want to add ingredients meant for Greek dishes….you know where I’m going with this. I’m all for creative freedom, but come on! Paint within the lines and use the colors that are given to you. FYI “The Wicker Man” (Christopher Lee/Edward Woodward/Britt Ekland) is a classic!!!!
August 21, 2015 @ 8:41 am
You’re going to have songs that incorporate hip-hop, EDM, and R&B in modern “country” songs. That ship has sailed. The question is, is the majority of the song still country, or is it better to be classified as something else? If it’s the latter, then it shouldn’t be up for awards, or included in country charts.
August 21, 2015 @ 8:08 am
I think if there were “reasonable boundaries” for radio airplay, awards, and whatnot, there’d probably be less of a need for a format split. And I question how well the format split would work anyway. Sure, there are modern rock and classic rock stations, but if modern rock radio nationwide is anything like modern rock radio in San Antonio, there’s gotten to be not that much of a difference in the two anyway. The classic rock station was all right the last time I listened, but the modern rock station played pretty much anything but. I remember thinking, that’s how you know when you know your modern rock station is broken ”” when it’s mostly filled out with 20-year-old songs from STP, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day, and the like. I wouldn’t be surprised if the “new country” format ended up being the same way ”” that is, that the format ends up mostly filled with songs from up to about 2011 with a smattering of new music here and there.
How does one draw parallels between the two? Well, the same thing is happening now in mainstream country that happened in mainstream rock ”” that is, the genre is more or less being defined out of existence as “music without any defining characteristics, made mostly by white people.” I mean, sure, they’ll call it evolution, but a horse shit by any other name…
August 21, 2015 @ 8:28 am
Well, that’s also because rock right now is completely broken, totally off its tracks, and should be a cautionary tale for the direction country is going.
August 21, 2015 @ 11:52 am
Could one not argue, though, that country music is there pretty much right now?
August 21, 2015 @ 2:48 pm
Unlike rock radio, country radio has maintained large-scale appeal across demographic groups. As rock’s fan base ages, you will see fewer and fewer new songs on rock stations.
August 21, 2015 @ 3:54 pm
But I’m not talking in terms of radio formats. I’m talking in terms of the genre itself. Formats and genres are not one and the same.
August 21, 2015 @ 8:34 am
I see change coming – at least in my neck of the woods.
In the last two or three months, three of our local stations have switched from today’s Top 40 country format in favor of one that plays today’s more traditional country songs/artists along with a lot from the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.
The most notable is WYN 106.9 in Jackson, TN – which traditionally is the measuring stick for the Northwest TN market.
Not sure if this is happening anywhere else, but I have noted being able to actually listen to the radio regularly in the last three weeks as Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, etc., have been dumped from the airwaves.
August 21, 2015 @ 8:55 am
How about classic country, alt country, and crap country.
August 21, 2015 @ 9:03 am
There is a ton of talent out there that just doesn’t get airplay. Texas has Roger Creager, Aaron Watson and Cory Morrow just to name 3, all who are country and really good.
August 21, 2015 @ 1:01 pm
Regarding point number two, I think the split is a good idea too. However, I would quibble with the name. Rather than “classic country” and contemporary country”, what it really ought to be is “country” and “___________(who gives two squirts of horse piss what they call it, as long as it is not country. Personally I think something along the lines of ‘suburban porn’ would work, though most likely without the porn part)”
August 21, 2015 @ 1:55 pm
What I like the most about your point of view is that you understand the importance of radio. Too many bloggers and music critics have dismissed its power.
That’s why I think #2 is the most important point.
But, “classic” is not the answer. “Classic” mostly just means old.
Somebody in commercial radio should embrace Americana. There are some great non-commercial radio stations out there, but if a solid radio company put some weight behind an Americana format in a few markets, it could work.
People are thirsty for acoustic-based music. When something like the ‘Oh Brother Where Art Thou?’ soundtrack gets real marketing, it becomes a smash hit. Mumford & Sons plugged in and their new album hasn’t sold anywhere near as well as their first two.
All a lot of our favorite artists need is more exposure.
If they can get exposure (and if we can maintain #5), it’s game-on.
August 21, 2015 @ 4:11 pm
You talk about pragmatism, but this list seems idealistic, using a lot of passive voice because the unstated subject that needs to perform the required actions are people who don’t do these things because they believe they will make more money doing what they are doing instead.
So I would suggest creating a list of actions about what your readers can do.
August 22, 2015 @ 9:41 am
I’ve seen this concern brought up now in numerous comments here and on Facebook, and a couple of times with a lot of anger behind it as if it’s insulting that I would care about what happens in the mainstream of country, and that’s somehow going against the spirit of Saving Country Music. I’m not sure where this sentiment is coming from. Of course there’s things fans can do, and I’ve probably written that blog a dozen different times and in a dozen different ways, just like I’ve written this one many times just in different contexts. And I will probably write it again at some point. But for whatever reason, I felt the need to lay out some ideas in a simple format to hopefully find some consensus where problems in he country music world could be solved. Everybody has a right to good music, not just independent fans, and showing concern for ALL of country music, including the mainstream, I believe is vital to the charge of Saving Country Music. I’m not sure why so many are finding that idea offensive, especially since it’s what I’ve been doing for the last eight years and is nothing new.
August 26, 2015 @ 12:48 pm
I totally understand the concern for mainstream country music. I am just pointing out that your list sounds more like wishful thinking instead of proposals for reform. The target audience for a proposal is the decision-maker, and a proposal typically presents reasons why it’s in the best interest for that person to follow the proposal.
On the other hand, if you can add, “It’d sure be nice if…” or “It’d be nice if there were…” in front of it, it’s not really a reform proposal. For example, “It’d sure be nice if Luke Bryan didn’t exist,” or, “It’d sure be nice if there were reasonable boundaries imposed on what is considered country for charts, awards, radio play, etc.”
August 21, 2015 @ 6:50 pm
All hope is lost. It will never be the same again. Even the artists that current artists that we hold up as the best in the genre pale in comparison to the greats. I’m sorry but Miranda and Kacey just aren’t the singers that people like Emylou, Tammy, or Dolly… not even fucking close. Isbell and Simpson are good but you can’t be serious that they are on the level of Merle, Kristofferson, etc. It’s our whole culture. Yes, these current acts are better than Luke Bryan and FGL but are they really acts that people will cherish 40 years from now? I don’t think so. Part of the problem may be that acts don’t have the chance to develop the way the did in the old days and they certainly don’t have the same dues to pay getting there. Just my opinion.
August 21, 2015 @ 9:27 pm
If you take a look at the four most important male country singers right now (Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, and Blake Shelton), they all reached their career peaks in their mid-30s, just like country stars of the past, and had to pay quite a few “dues” to get there.
August 21, 2015 @ 9:46 pm
But the next generation guys like Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett and FGL have achieved big success at a much earlier age. Guys like Jackson and Strait were around 30 before they even had their first hit. This is definitely a trend as we are seeing more and more acts breaking much younger in this younger demo obsessed environment.
Makes them sound pre-packaged and unfocused I think because they haven’t had enough time to grow and experience life’s lessons that have always made country music the ‘grown up’ genre of music, so to speak.
August 22, 2015 @ 1:24 am
Sam Hunt had his first hit last year at the age of 29, well within the historical norms of country music. As for Thomas Rhett, there is a strong case that nepotism is at work. FGL’s success has certainly come at a younger age than the historical average, though.
In my opinion, the biggest problem in country music is not these newcomers, but rather fact that the current “kings” of the genre are leading the trend toward the bastardization and degradation of country.
August 22, 2015 @ 4:58 am
It’s not just they age the make it big at, it’s the privileged lives they have that doesn’t build the same kind of character or view of the world which leads to less depth and perspective. Sam Hunt was a good looking star quarterback that decided to be a country singer. He had a wealthy man and an established producer decide to put him on the fast track. They had him writing with every big writer in Nashville immediately, having musicians teaching him how to perform, gave him a good guitar, paying him a writer’s draw before he had even written a handful of songs… and when he hooked up with Shane McAnnally, young Sam said “see ya assholes” to the guys that made him. The only thing that matters on Music Row is money… fast money, short term greed.
August 21, 2015 @ 7:03 pm
Not a popular idea, but since when have I been popular. Take the relatively small amount of real country OUT of “Americana,” put it back under country (water it and it will then grow), put the current country stuff anywhere else you want (cleaned that one up!), and either do away entirely with the label Folk and make it Americana or vice versa (comes under my “Americana as safety valve theory.”)
After a conversation I had with a rural gentleman at a cookout in rural Wisconsin, I have little faith in fixing this thing quickly. He made it clear that he likes country music — the kind on the radio. In such a social situation, I usual can calm things down with, “OK, but you like Merle Haggard, right?” His brief and simple answer: “No.”
August 21, 2015 @ 11:40 pm
Interesting thoughts. However are These suggestions are out of the listeners control? What are some ideas of what we, the fans, do to save CM.
August 24, 2015 @ 8:22 am
“They had him ( SAM HUNT ) writing with every big writer in Nashville immediately, …..”
The co-writing thing is a bit of a misleading concept . A young inexperienced writer or an older inexperienced writer MAY bring only a sketch of a possible idea of a song to the table . Maybe just a title and a line or two …maybe even just a title and a possible story or they may sing a title melody . The REAL writers do most of the heavy lifitng .fleshing out the verses , the narrative ( as seldom as it exists today ) the phrasing , the song structure , dynamics melodically ( as seldom as THAT exists today ), carefully choosing the right word and jettisoning the ‘dead weight ‘ etc … These are the things the industry would have us believe a new writer is actually capable of and taking a serious role in creating . George Strait never cultivated his writing skills the way Jimmy Webb or Don Schlitz did . Also , you will notice award show after award show after tribute show etc..the songwriter (s ) is RARELY if ever mentioned outside of that category . It is always the artist who is noted when a song is mentioned with the idea that MOST people will believe , by default , that the artist wrote “where-of he speaks ” . No it is not stated as such , but the fact is the average listener ASSUMES the singer is the creator and no one tries to dissuade that assumption with silly , inconvenient , unimportant details as it would undermine the artists stature unnecessarily . Certainly some singers bring more to the table than others as they develop a sixth sense about what works ” on paper ‘… but most new artists hav very little grasp of what works and why in a commercial song and at the cost of launching a single this is a HUGE factor which is not left to chance or ego by a label . The fledgling writer gets a credit the way the Monkees or Elvis would , by contract , get a writing credit to boost revenues long term regardless of their input or lack there-of . In the pop world , producers are given writing credits or ” points” ( percentages ) as well ….hell even Jack Nicholson got ” points” for any merchandise sold representing his JOKER role in Batman many years ago .
A young label signing/ writer is often not a writer at all , initially . This is why they are so easily coerced into recording the shit labels keep pumping out . If it SOUNDS like radio music to young ears , its probably a hit regardless of its merit as a song . And THAT is a powerful aphrodisiac to an up- and coming wannabe .
August 24, 2015 @ 10:31 pm
One does not need to be a writer to have a great taste in music. George Jones, George Strait, Waylon Jennings (during his peak), Tim McGraw, and most other country singers of the past rarely wrote their own songs. However, the combination of their vocals and their ear for great songwriting is what made them great.
August 25, 2015 @ 7:37 am
“One does not need to be a writer to have a great taste in music.”
……agreed…..Glen Campbell, Tom Jones, Celine Dion..etc
August 24, 2015 @ 10:56 am
Here’s a thought in regards to a radio format split: considering how defensive the Bros get when their music is referred to as “Bro-Country”, is it possible that the boys (Luke, Jason, Blake, etc.) might make better, more traditional music in order to be included in the “Classic Country” (or whatever it’s called) format??? Most of us agree that early in their careers some of these guys made some decent music…maybe I’m naive, but it sure seems to me that none of the current artists like being lumped into the “Bro-Country” category, and, given the opportunity, they may actually push away from it. The result would be the end of “Bro-Country” and quite possibly “Pop-Country” (at least the domination of the charts, awards shows, air waves, etc.).
August 24, 2015 @ 2:33 pm
That’s a really interesting thought! Perhaps they would! Perhaps they’d make the leap from releasing albums to releasing 2 EPs – one aimed at contemporary, one aimed at classic?
August 24, 2015 @ 2:17 pm
I think splitting into classic and contemporary is such a brilliant idea, Trigger! I can’t help but think this dichotomy is exacerbating the ‘female problem’ on radio right now. Are stations not playing females BECAUSE THEY’RE FEMALE, or BECAUSE THEY’RE SOUND IS CLASSIC? Part of me wants to argue the latter. Kacey, Ashley, Lee Ann – they’re all classic artists. Even Jana Kramer and Mickey Guyton couldn’t break top 20 with classic sounding songs. But in comes Kelsea Ballerini with that God awful contemporary song and she’s catapulted to number 1. She wasn’t held back because of her gender – she was celebrated for pandering to the contemporary aesthetic. Carrie and Miranda have maintained a contemporary sound, so radio play them. On the flip side of this, a classic artist like Mo Pitney can’t get played to save his life in the contemporary format. I think it’s the dichotomy that’s the problem, so perhaps this split would improve the gender equality in the classic setting, even if it remained unequal on the contemporary setting?
August 30, 2015 @ 2:44 pm
What? Restrict creativity to guarded parameters? Patrolled by whom? Good luck. Any way, who elected you arbiter of what constitutes country music? Taking this “Country Music Jesus” posturing too seriously can’t be a positive for your health. Drop the Gatekeeper/Savior crap. Just listen to what you like, turn off what you don’t like. Or how about creating and launching your own guarded Country Music category? Call it “Personally Inspired Songs & Singers”. (Fitting acrynym, too).
August 30, 2015 @ 3:36 pm
“Restrict creativity to guarded parameters?”
I don’t remember seeing this as one of the 5 solutions.
“Any way, who elected you arbiter of what constitutes country music?”
Who said I was? I’m just sharing my opinions.
August 30, 2015 @ 4:28 pm
Trigger, seriously… what solutions? Solutions are and can be applied only where soluble problems exist. Music, creativity, art, are not comprised of elements that require or are subject to solving. It’s all a matter of taste, like, dislike, the marketplace. And you are not just “sharing opinions”; cloaked in your “Savior” mantle, your campaigns tell how much you’d relish the power to draw and quarter, (maybe not hang, but) hogtie and banish singers and songs you personally dislike, wanting all country music fans to march in step with your narrow eye-of-the-needle standards. It’s just music, dude; not divinely ordained; just simple recreation.
August 31, 2015 @ 10:56 am
Les,
Look, we can respectfully disagree on music matters. Like you say, opinions can’t be argued. But I don’t appreciate you characterizing me as thinking I’m country music’s “Savior,” put in quotes like it came from my mouth. “Divinely ordained” are YOUR words, and they are based off of wild-eyed assumptions about my motives that are completely untrue. The word I used in the title of this article was “simple.” I have gone out of my way to make sure this business is not about me, but about the music, and am on record saying may times that the music and the artists is where the leadership must come from, not from music nerds like me.
You want to say I’m unqualified to speak on these matters, then that’s fine. But please don’t characterize me as some ego-centric guy filled with megalomania, thinking he’s the “savior” of country music. I’m just doing my part to give back to the music that has given to me so much in a lifetime of listening.
October 24, 2022 @ 8:08 am
Hi all of you country fans out there, I just had one question for all of you right now? If you had to listen to your most favorite country artist, who would you listen to and why? For me, I would listen to Thomas Rhett & Luke Bryan as well and maybe even a little bit of Blake Shelton along the way as well. Why Did I Choose Thomas Rhett & Luke Bryan? I chose them because they are very country to me and both of them are very good to listen to and I went to both in concert and their concerts were soooo good and I enjoy every single song that both Thomas Rhett & Luke Bryan did at the concert and the one I liked the most is probbaly Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett as well I guess >:) And fyi the one country artist you should really listen to is Luke Bryan or maybe even Jason Alden even, maybe, just saying, that’s all. So answer that one question that I typed out and answer it and tell me why. Thanks. 🙂 btw this is Ashley. Thanks. 🙂
October 24, 2022 @ 9:15 am
Ashley, I think you’ve stumbled into the wrong crowd here! Not to be cruel, but most fans here have a generally negative opinion of Thomas, Luke and Jason’s music and how “country” those artists are, which you might discover if others continue this thread. Don’t take it personally!
November 8, 2022 @ 9:05 am
Hi Howard, This is Ashley, I like listen to Thomas Rhett and even Luke Bryan as well and I first started to listen to country music back in 2017 and I started to listen to Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan and I like to listening to both of them on the radio and on my computer and like I said in the last reply I enjoyed both of their concerts and I like every single of their songs at their outside concerts, Howard. And I might take this a bit more personally, but If think that I considered both Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan country just for me and no one else, then you might not as well listen to either Thomas Rhett and or Luke Bryan for that matter of your life, Howard. I am going to watch the CMA Awards Wednesday night on ABC from 8:00pm to 11:00pm and the two host are Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning and I am going to enjoy watching the awards that night on ABC starting at 8:00pm and yes I do call Luke Bryan (Lukei) because I still like him and he is really good and if you don’t think so Howard, then don’t start listen country artist then Howard, just saying Howard. So yes I did take that a bit more personally just a little bit so you would understand what I am saying is really true about country music/artist that I considered listening to on the radio rather that would be Thomas Rhett and or Luke Bryan. Thanks for your precious time and effort Howard. Again, this is Ashley, btw, Thanks.
October 24, 2022 @ 9:57 am
If I only got one – Cody Jinks, if I got a second pick – Turnpike, a third – Whiskey Myers.
November 10, 2022 @ 9:04 am
Hey you other country fans out there, I have just one question for you country fans? Did any of you country fans watch the CMA Awards last night? I did and it was amazing and my favorite part of the CMA’s was when Thomas Rhett did a duet with one judges from American Idol which that was Katy Perry and both Thomas and Katy did amazing last night and Thomas’s song was called where we started and that is probably the title track to Thomas Rhett’s new album where we started and I liked the song and the duet that Thomas did with Katy Perry and better yet from the CMA’s I saw all three judges from American Idol Included Luke Bryan as well and the other two judges are Katy Perry and Lionel Richie from that show and I can not wait for next year’s season of American Idol in 2023 and its going to be on Sunday, Feb 19th 2023 and I have been watching American Idol since when I was watching it of March of 2018 and the three judges has always been the same as always like for an example (Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and my guy that I still like: Luke Bryan AKA Lukei) and I am so excitied for next year season of American Idol in 2023 starting on Sunday, Feb 19th and I think Idol starts at 8:00pm next year and about the same time as it was this year at 8:00pm on ABC 33 next year of American Idol with the same three judges and my guy is still Luke Bryan and I always thought that my Luke is a great judge on American Idol and guess what, he still is and I can’t wait to see my Luke next year on American Idol in 2023 and along with the other two judges (Lionel Richie and Katy Perry & my Luke as well). So going back to the question that I asked at the begning about the CMA’s last nigt, Did any of you country fans watch the CMA’s last nigth on ABC? If so, how did it go at the CMA’s and who was your favorite winner from that award show on ABC? The two host were Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning and I thought one of the host was funny at the CMA’s last night which was probably both of them and I had a good time watching the award and I was singing along with Luke Bryan the whole time and I even got up and started to singing along with my Lukei guy from the CMA’s and I like every second of it from that award show last night and It was amazing from the start to the end of the award show from the CMA’s from 8:00pm to 11:00pm on ABC. So answer those couple of questions that I had on this comment thing and tell me what were you thoughts from that award show from last night at the CMA’s. Please And Thank You.
March 16, 2023 @ 9:41 am
Good afternoon guys, How is everyone doing? And by the way, this is Ashley speaking, I am doing just fine and for those who are in country music like I am, great, and for those who are like, I am not really into country music, boo boo so sad for you :(, you should considered yourself getting into country music like I am, and maybe even listen to some country artist that you know and that you like listen to on the radio (aka) or on TV, I will give you guys a couple of good examples of country music/country artist that I enjoy listen to all the time, Examples # 1.) I like listen to Thomas Rhett and even Luke Bryan and I do watch American Idol for that matter and I do not mind watching that show at all, Example # 2.) You guys should really be into country music even if you are not, you should be, JUST LIKE ME :)!!!!!!!! and like I said in the comment to guys, you should really get into country music like I am and really get into listen to some other country artist that you may or may not know in that type of music, for an example, I listen to other country artist that I don’t know, but guess what, they are still good country artist to listen to rather you want to listen to them or not and but guess what, I still do now in 2023 and I still like Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan, but guess what, I still listen to them 24/7 and I like sing along with both Thomas Rhett And Luke Bryan and Luke on the other hand, he is still a good country artist to listen to on the radio, no matter where I listen to him at, and again guys, He is still good (aka) even though he is 46 yrs old and he still can sing and same with Thomas Rhett, he is also a good male country artist to listen to on the radio or even on my computer at night or during the day even, With Thomas Rhett And Luke Bryan and yes, I still call him Lukei because I like him and he is my Lukei and I don’t mind listen to him at all, he is still my guy to this day, and same goes for Thomas Rhett as well. Thank you guys so much for listen to me talk about country music and my two favorite country male artist of 2023, thank you so very much. Again, this is Ashley Latta, (btw). Bye Guys. Talk to you real soon. Have A Great Day. Bye.