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Are You Country Enough For Me?

admin — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

What happened to the “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Delta Dawn,” “Hello Darlin’” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today” type country songs? These classic country hits spoke to the heart of country music. Many of today’s efforts, while good music, just are not country. Taylor Swift is a good example of this phenomenon. She is country enough to have started on country music radio, but she has migrated to a pop music category while clinging to a country fan base. Many artists have done this same thing with varying degrees of success, including Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Shania Twain, Billy Ray Cyrus and Rascal Flatts. No list would be complete without telling you about the biggest crossover for country music: Garth Brooks. Garth was a huge success in country and pop music. He sold out countless venues worldwide. His music was grounded in country, but it started to have more and more of a pop feel to it. Crossover success, while exemplified by Garth, was not started by Garth. Dolly Parton enjoyed much success in the pop world, as did Kenny Rogers, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson and Dottie West. Later on in country music, artists such as Alabama and Eddie Rabbitt experienced a fond welcome on the pop charts. Although these artists have some good music, I would prefer my country radio stations to play country music more in line with “Crazy” and “There’s A Tear In My Beer.” When I want to hear pop music, I will tune into a pop radio station. Bring back the country!The information party rocks on: Quotable Country – 09/19/11 Edition

Making Country Music About Country Lives

admin — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Country music has long been picked at for being about losing your job, wife, dog and house. And nobody can deny there are songs out there that fit that bill. Country music has pretty consistently been a reflection of country lives, everything from farming to military service. If you took the time to count the number of country songs that mention dirt roads, swimming in the river, plowing the fields, walkin’ barefoot, Sunday dinner after church, the American flag on the front porch or the cheating spouse, you would be occupied for quite a while. Whether you are looking for a cheating heart melody or a gathering of rowdy friends, country music has always been reliable to get you through whatever torment you are going through. It also touches on daughters getting married and grandmothers, and even dogs, dying. Country music has never been afraid to touch on the topic of religion and how it impacts the soul. Whether there are songs illustrating a longing for forgiveness or praising how “Blessed” we are, country music has a definite spiritual undertone. Patriotism has become a theme in today’s country music with the war in Iraq. The economy and hard times, which is a classic country theme, also resonates hard during this great recession. Whatever topic of hardship, worship or revelation you seek, country music has it.

Singing Country To Audiences Outside America

admin — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Country music can speak volumes to many people around the world. Country artists can bring their style and “southern charm” to audiences outside America when they are touring to bring attention to their music to people around the world.
Past and present country artists want to reach as many people as possible and singing to audiences outside America is a perfect way to do this. When they want to promote a new album or an upcoming concert they will appreciate having an “new” audience and gain a larger fan base than by just performing in America.The full explanation can be found at http://www.roughstock.com/blog/taylor-swift-s-star-packed-sold-out-nashville-spectacle-/
Audiences outside America will enjoy having an American artist visit their country and bring their unique sound to everyone. It will provide a positive reflection on those who take their time to expand their fan base to include those who may not be aware of this type or sound of music.
New country artists are always up and coming. Even artists who have been in the music business for many years still love to perform to new audiences around the country and around the world. Singing outside America can mean the artist can reach many more people with their unique sound of singing and interpretation.

Top Country Music Artists Worldwide Today

admin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

You may wonder if country music is as popular overseas as it is in the US and Canada. A recent check of the most downloaded country albums in Europe, Australia, and Japan showed that Glen Campbell, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash are doing just fine. However, you-ll also see plenty of the names that are at the top of the American charts. Younger stars are like Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Shania Twain, Blake Shelton and Brad Paisley are all selling lots of music overseas.

Overseas fans no longer need to rely solely on albums and videos to see and hear their favorite artists. Nowadays they-re getting plenty of opportunities to see the stars in person. Glen and Dolly are both touring overseas this year. The man from Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett, is in Paris again. Alan Jackson sold out every show in Australia and Sweden. Toby Keith is heading over to Europe this fall. Fans in Australia will see Taylor Swift live onstage. Brad Paisley has scheduled overseas dates. Those over there that like a little Texas in their country music don-t have to worry. Steve Earle and Joe Ely are both headed outside the US to perform. Country is worldwide.