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In a candid new vlog titledWhat I’ve Learned from the Music Industry So Far,Oliver Anthonydoesn’t hold back.
He tackles everything from the challenges of the music industry to Beyoncé’s recent cover of Dolly Parton’s classic hit, “Jolene.”
TheRich Men North of Richmondsinger, who burst onto the scene in 2023, pulls no punches as he shares his thoughts on the pitfalls of fame, the manipulation of artists, and the degradation of music.
Keep reading to find out more!
“Complete Trash”: Anthony’s Harsh Words for Beyoncé’s Cover
Anthony’s comments on Beyoncé’s cover of “Jolene” are blunt and cutting.
He dismisses the rendition as “complete trash,” stating that it exemplifies how far societal standards for art have fallen.
“It makes me want to throw up,” Anthony said in his vlog.
“It represents how degenerative our society has become that a Beyoncé version of ‘Jolene’ can come out and anybody actually listen to it and think that it’s not complete trash.”
His critique stands in sharp contrast to Dolly Parton’s endorsement of the cover, which the country legend praised.
The song is part of a collaborative album featuring artists likeWillie Nelson, Post Malone, Linda Martell, and Shaboozey, among others.
Still, Anthony remained steadfast in his disapproval, using it as an example of what he sees as the music industry’s prioritization of profit over authenticity.
Anthony first gained national attention in July 2023 when his acoustic performance ofRich Men North of Richmondwent viral on the RadioWV YouTube channel.
Within a month, the song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, propelling the previously unknown artist into thespotlight.
However, the sudden fame came with pressures that Anthony wasn’t prepared for—and didn’t want.
In his vlog, he detailed how industry insiders tried to control his image and decisions.
“Certain parties wanted to change me and urged me to move quickly so I wouldn’t waste the moment,” Anthony said.
He recounted an incident where someone from his team suggested he post positively about Beyoncé’sCowboy Carteralbum to set the stage for a potential collaboration.
Anthony flatly refused, saying,“I don’t need a bunch of nerds and coffee-drinking freaks in Nashville to tell me how to live my life.”
Source: Instagram/ oliver_anthony_music
Faith, Independence, and Industry Cynicism
Throughout the vlog, Anthony frequently returned to the theme of faith, emphasizing that his music is rooted in spirituality and personal authenticity.
“There is no way to create something that’s focused around God when you’re with people who are just focused on making money and using you for whatever they can,” he explained.
His debut album,Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind, released on Easter 2024, reflects his commitment to creating meaningful music outside the confines of industry norms.
Yet, his path hasn’t been without obstacles. Anthony hinted at nearly falling into industry traps, saying,“I almost got screwed really bad, twice.”
He credits country artist Jamey Johnson as a key ally in helping him navigate the murky waters of fame, introducing him to trustworthy collaborators who shared his vision.
The Problem with Live Performances
Anthony’s criticism of the industry didn’t stop at studio practices.
He also called out the use of autotune and backing tracks during live performances, which he views as a betrayal of fans.
At theCarolina Country Music Festin June 2024, Anthony claims he witnessed a performer using “six autotune modulators on a pedal board on stage” to maintain vocal pitch.
While he didn’t name the artist, the festival’s lineup—which included acts like Larry Fleet and Parker McCollum—suggests the incident wasn’t an isolated case.
Anthony’s commitment to authenticity extends to his own live shows, where he ensures affordable ticket prices and unfiltered performances.
He shared that despite charging a fraction of the industry standard, he earned enough in 2024 to live comfortably for the rest of his life.
CIA, Music, and the Manipulation of Emotions
In one of the vlog’s more unexpected turns, Anthony delved into the ways he believes music is used to manipulate people’s emotions.
He referenced a Russian music festival supposedly controlled by the CIA, although he provided no specific details.
The comment aligns with Anthony’s broader distrust of the industry and its motives.
He argued that music, a deeply emotional medium, is often exploited by those in power to influence and control audiences.
Shared Ground with Beyoncé?
Despite his harsh critique, Anthony andBeyoncéshare some unexpected commonalities.
Both artists have been regarded as outsiders in the country music world—albeit for vastly different reasons—and both have chosen to sidestep traditional country media.
However, neither has received significant recognition at country music awards shows, even as they boast loyal fanbases.
This shared outsider status, however, hasn’t softened Anthony’s stance on Beyoncé’s music or what it represents to him.
Source: Instagram/oliver_anthony_music
A Closing Conversation on Ticket Prices
Anthony wrapped up the vlog with a discussion onconcertticket prices, an issue he feels passionately about.
Unlike many artists who charge exorbitant fees, Anthony has made it a point to keep his tickets affordable.
“I still made enough money to live the rest of my life,”he said, emphasizing that fair pricing is possible without exploiting fans.
Oliver Anthony: A Voice Unfiltered
Anthony’s vlog paints a vivid picture of an artist determined to stay true to himself, even if it means alienating powerful figures and audiences.
From his blistering critique of Beyoncé’s “Jolene” cover to his broader frustrations with themusic industry, Anthony continues to defy expectations and carve out a path that’s uniquely his own.
Whether you see him as a truth-teller or a provocateur, one thing is certain: Oliver Anthony isn’t afraid to speak his mind—and he’s not backing down anytime soon.
Oliver Anthony: A Quick Bio
Category
Details
Birth Name
Christopher Anthony Lunsford
Stage Name
Oliver Anthony
Date of Birth
June 30, 1992 (age 32)
Place of Origin
Farmville, Virginia, U.S.
Genres
Country, Folk
Occupation
Singer-songwriter
Instruments
Vocals, Guitar
Debut Album
Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind (Released Easter 2024)
Billboard Achievement
Rich Men North of Richmond debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2023
Here’s a detailed table summarizing key aspects of Oliver Anthony’s life, and career
Conclusion
Oliver Anthony’s latest vlog is more than a critique—it’s a manifesto for artistic authenticity and independence.
His unfiltered commentary, from slamming Beyoncé’s “Jolene” cover to exposing the pitfalls of the music industry, underscores his refusal to conform to the norms of fame and commercial success.
Anthony’s journey from a viral sensation to a vocal critic of the very system that elevated him highlights his unwavering commitment to staying true to his values.
Whether he’s advocating for fair ticket prices, rejecting industry pressures, or championing faith-based creativity, Anthony remains an artist who prioritizes substance over spectacle.
In a world where many artists compromise for fame, Anthony stands firm in his beliefs—even if it ruffles feathers.
Love him or hate him, he’s unapologetically carving out a space for authenticity in the modern music landscape.
His message is clear: music should inspire, uplift, and stay true to its roots, not be reduced to a commodity for profit.
Check out Oliver Anthony’s new vlog What I’ve Learned from the Music Industry So Far
Last Updated: December 8, 2024
