Is Country Music Becoming More Politically Charged? (Answered)

Yes, country music is becoming more politically charged because of new generation artists and their willingness to address social issues.

Long connected to traditional, down-home image and conservative beliefs is country music.

But this notion is being questioned as country music gets more and more political.

Using their platform, a new generation of artists is tackling social and political concerns including LGBTQ+ rights and gun control.

This change is a big step forward for the genre since country music starts to represent the many viewpoints and daily activities of its performers and listeners.

The political impact of country music will only increase as it develops.

Keep reading to explore some more things about it!

Historical Context of Country Music and Politics

Political and social concerns have long been addressed by country music, which has its origins in folk and blues music.

In the 1930s and 1940s, musicians like Pete Seegerand Woody Guthrieutilized their songs to promote equality and worker rights.

Country singers like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelsonbacked the battle for civil rights and denounced the Vietnam War in the 1960s.

Comment
by u/donemessedupthistime from discussion
in CountryMusicStuff

The 1970s smash “ 9 to 5” by Dolly Parton became a working women’s rights song. There are political overtones to even well-known country tunes like “ This Land is Your Land”and “ Okie from Muskogee.”

Hank Williamsand The Dixie Chicksalso made a song about dunking homosexuals and murdering an abusive spouse.

However, the conservative image of country music and the demands of the music business have frequently stifled its political voice.

The existing political charge of the genre has been made possible by the fact that country musicians have persisted in using their platform to discuss political concerns.

Modern Country Music and Politics

Political expression in country music has revived recently, with many musicians using their platform to discuss social and political concerns.

Significantly contributing to this change has been the 2016 presidential election and the consequent political polarization.

Previously avoiding political comments, musicians like Taylor Swift started speaking out against sexism and racism.

Tracks on Kacey Musgraves’ 2018 album “ Golden Hour” addressed the heroin overdose crisis and LGBTQ+ rights.

Songs by Chris Stapleton have addressed topics like racism and police abuse.

Together, the country music industry has supported political initiatives including the “ Voting Is Power” campaign to boost voter participation and the “ Country Rising” benefit event for storm recovery.

A polarized political environment has also seen the use of music by musicians like Zac Brownand Maren Morristo encourage tolerance and unity.

Even though some fans and business people have opposed the political shift in country music, many musicians are still dedicated to using their position to speak out against inequality and promote constructive change.

Consequently, the politically charged and comprehensive nature of country music reflects the many viewpoints and ideals of its performers and listeners.

Issues Being Addressed

The political charge of country music addresses everything from ecological issues to social justice.

Gun reform is a hot topic; musicians like Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift have spoken out against gun violence.

Additionally being brought to light are environmental concerns like sustainability and climate change, which musicians like Emmylou Harrisand Willie Nelsonare using to spread awareness.

In addition, country music is tackling topics like substance abuse, mental wellness, and women’s empowerment; performers like Miranda Lambertand Carrie Underwoodhave shared their own experiences and hardships.

Through discussion of these topics, country music is promoting societal change and crucial discussions.

Country Music and Politics Beyond US

The political impact of country music goes much beyond the borders of the United States; through the genre, audiences and performers from other countries interact with political concerns.

Canadian artists like Brett Kisseland Dean Brodyhave tackled topics including psychological well-being awareness and rights for Indigenous Americans.

Country music has always been a potent vehicle for social criticism in Australia; performers like Keith Urban , Slim Dusty, John Williamsonand many other artists have tackled topics like refugee rights and safeguarding the environment.

Country music has evolved in the UK into a forum for political statements, with performers like The Shiresand Ward Thomastackling topics like empowering females and Brexit.

Africa has also become more mainstream with political issues being included in the songs of musicians like Nigeria’s Tiwa Savageand South Africa’s Steve Hofmeyr.

The country music industry worldwide has also banded together to contribute to political causes.

One such event was the Australian “ Country for a Cause” benefit concert, which generated money for programs addressing regional mental health.

Further, festivals such as the “ UK Country Music Festival” and the “ Canadian Country Music Awards” have grown to be significant venues for musicians to interact their political views to a larger audience.

The worldwide popularity of country music also led foreign musicians to work together, producing music that cuts over national boundaries.

The song “ This Is Our Country,” for instance, by American musician Colt Fordand Australian singer Lee Kernaghan, encourages harmony and unity among the countryside throughout the world.

Challenges and Controversies in Country Music’s Political Shift

There have been difficulties and disputes along with the change in the politics of country music.

Due to the genre’s growing political expression, some fans and business executives say that country music ought to remain neutral and rely on entertainment and storytelling.

Co-host Brad Paisley was the target of criticism for his political humor and remarks at the 2018 CMA Awards, which included charges of being “too liberal” and “adamant.”

Similar contempt for their political remarks and lyrics has been thrown at musicians like Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves by some fans and republican commentators.

The political upheaval of country music has also sparked debate over the genre’s long-standing ties to conservative politics and ideals.

While some are convinced that country music’s political development is a denial of its origins and traditions, others view it as a logical development and a mirror of the shifting values and attitudes of the country music audience.

The political change in country music has drawn attention to censorship and free speech concerns as well.

Conclusion

1. The political charge of country music is a major change in the history of the genre as musicians use their forum more and more to discuss social and political concerns.
2. A new generation of artists daring to express their opinions and question the existing quo is driving this development.
3. These musicians are dedicated to using their music to start fruitful debates and achieve social change, even in the face of criticism from some fans and businessmen.
4. The political impact of country music is only going to boost as it develops, turning it into an effective weapon for cultural advancement.
5. The political awakening of country music is, in the end, evidence of the ability of music to uplift and motivate people and an indication that art can effect change even in the most unlikely settings.

Other Articles

1. Songs That Helped Normalized Weed (Weed Anthems)
2. A Split that Launched a Solo Career for Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner!
3. The Impact of Reality Singing Competitions on Country Music