As country music continues to evolve, a new wave of artists is bringing fresh perspectives and styles to the genre, promising a bright future for British country acts.
The Rise of Country Music in the UK
The recipe for a good country track is simple: just combine three chords and the truth. However, over the past year, a growing number of artists have been adding their own unique twists to the genre.
A New Take on Country Music
Pop stars like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter have been leaning into country music, with Chappell’s song ‘The Giver‘ reaching number two in the UK charts. The self-proclaimed Midwest Princess wanted to give country music a new take with her unique style.
Chappell Roan is an American singer-songwriter and musician.
Born in California, she rose to fame with her debut single 'Crybaby' in 2020.
Her music style blends elements of indie rock, pop, and electronic genres.
Roan's lyrics often focus on themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery.
She has gained a significant following online and has toured extensively in the US and Europe.
A Growing Interest in Country Music
Figures from streaming platforms suggest that cooking up a country song has been a recipe for success, with listening time increasing by 25% over the past year in the UK. British artists are hopeful that this trend will act as a catalyst to get more people interested in their music.
‘I only benefit from it because more people are listening to country music,’ says Neeve Zahra, a 20-year-old singer from Manchester. ‘Hopefully, it means they’re going to take an interest in what we’re doing.’
Neeva Zahra is a Lebanese singer and songwriter.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, she began her music career at a young age and rose to fame with her unique voice and style.
Zahra's music often blends traditional Middle Eastern melodies with modern electronic elements, creating a distinctive sound that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Country Music’s Roots and Authenticity
Neeve’s love for country music comes from her grandad and Hannah Montana, played by Miley Cyrus. She believes that authenticity is key to British country music, saying ‘You’ve got to stay real to yourself.‘ The genre is all about storytelling, which resonates with artists like Lauren Byrne, who tells Newsbeat, ‘Storytelling is so important to us.’
Embracing Change and Diversity
As country music grows in popularity, it’s essential to acknowledge the differences between the traditional US scene and the UK version. Country music is no longer associated solely with male artists; women are driving the genre into the mainstream.
‘We’re in the year of women in general for music,’ says Neeve. ‘I think now it’s time for the country women.’ The next step will be to see British country artists headlining bigger festivals, embracing different perspectives and styles.
Women have been a significant part of country music since its inception. Pioneers like the Carter Family and Kitty Wells paved the way for future generations. In the 1990s, artists like 'Shania Twain' and 'Faith Hill' achieved mainstream success, earning numerous awards and accolades. Today, women like 'Carrie Underwood', 'Miranda Lambert', and 'Kacey Musgraves' continue to push boundaries and dominate the charts. According to a 2020 report, female country artists accounted for over 40% of all chart-topping singles in the genre.
A Bright Future Ahead
The rise of country music in the UK is an exciting development that promises a bright future for British country acts. With more people taking notice of their music, it’s possible that we’ll soon see recognition at the Brit Awards. As Neeve dreams, ‘That’s definitely the dream.’
