It’s late in the evening, and the familiar sound of an acoustic guitar fills the room. The melody is simple, but it tells a story – a story of longing, loss, and sometimes hope. Country music has this special ability to touch the soul, even when the words aren’t always made for everyone. As a queer person, I often sit between these feelings: I love the music, but it´s not always speak to me.
I keep still listening and searching for artists who carry me along, who show me that country music can be so much more. Because between slide guitars and harmonic voices, there is a room for change – and for new voices that deserve the stage.
Music with Attitude: My Place at MUSICSPOTS
For me, music is more than just entertainment. It is a space where stories are told, where I want to find myself. That’s precisely why I’m a part of MUSICSPOTS. It’s not just about celebrating music but also about questioning it. What value stays behind an artist? What story is being told – and which one is missing?
This is an important question, especially in country music. The hype sparked by stars like Taylor Swift or Beyoncé has opened the door to a new audience. But the old structures stay the same. At MUSICSPOTS, we aim to spotlight artists who challenge these structures. They stand for diversity and inclusion. It’s about amplifying the voices that are often unheard.
Country: A Genre with Shadows
Country music has its roots in the fusion of African American blues elements with European folk traditions. In its early years the genre had been dominated by whiteness. Black artists like Charley Pride or Linda Martell, who shaped the genre, were systematically sidelined. Instead, country music became a symbol of conservative values: traditional family imagery, a romanticized cowboy aesthetic, and often a latent rejection of anything that didn’t fit into these narrow categories.
For Black people, queer individuals, and women, there was little room in this world. Country music often felt like an exclusive club – warm and inviting for those who fit in but full of walls for everyone else.
It’s not just the genre’s past that’s problematic. Even today, rising artists start out promising but then disappoint. I’ve been excited to discover artists whose lyrics and performances initially felt like a breath of fresh air. Yet on closer inspection, the messages became questionable – often unironically homophobic, sexist, or tailored to a conservative market. It’s frustrating to see potential sacrificed to fit into an existing system.
Country Music in Transition: Voices of Hope
Yet, there are artists who show that country can be different. Mickey Guyton is one of them. Her song Black Like Me is a powerful statement against racism and for greater representation of Black women in country music. With her unique voice, which shifts between gentle, soulful passages and powerful, emotion-laden moments, she makes it clear: country music belongs to everyone.
Orville Peck, the masked cowboy, brings fresh air into the genre with his deep baritone and queer aesthetic. Songs like Dead of Night tell stories of queer love and longing, breaking with the traditional narratives of the genre. Not to mention his brilliant country covers, such as those of Lady Gaga.
Lil Nas X has shown by his mega-hit “Montero” how versatile and transformative country can be. With a mix of trap-inspired beats and classic country elements, he not only entered the charts but also sparked a discussion about how much space queer and Black artists should have in the genre. Nas X is not just a successful musician but also a symbol of how urgently country music needs new voices.
Young Foolie, a rising artist, also shows that country doesn’t have to cling to old patterns. With a mix of modern beats, traditional guitar sounds, and honest lyrics, she stands against classic stereotypes and brings a new, queer perspective to the genre. Foolie proves that country music can grow – if we create the space for it.
Platforms like Black Opry actively support this movement. They provide a stage for Black artists who are often ignored in the mainstream. It is initiatives like these that show how diverse and exciting country music can be when it’s pushed out of its comfort zone.
Why Country Music Moves Me – and Frustrates Me
I love the musical depth of country. The simple I-IV-V chord progressions, often enhanced by refined instrumentation and emotional lyrics, create a depth that continually captivates me. The dynamics in a single song – from intimate pianissimo to powerful forte – always draw me in as a listener.
But I don’t listen to country music uncritically. The stories often told can feel, as a queer person, like they weren’t meant for me. It’s as if I’m eavesdropping on a conversation where I’m not welcome. That’s why I consciously seek out artists who speak to me, who include me, and who show that country music can also be for people like me.
Why Representation Matters
Music is a mirror of our society. When a genre like country music excludes queer, Black, or female perspectives, it remains stagnant and one-dimensional. Artists like Brandi Carlile, Chris Housman, Katie Pruitt, Amythyst Kiah, Maddie Rean, Trixie Mattel, and many others show that country can be so much more.
Their stories, voices, and music bring a long-overdue diversity to the genre. Black Opry and similar platforms create space for these voices – and they show that country isn’t static. It can grow, adapt, and tell new stories that include everyone.
Country Music: Time for Change
For me, country music is like a guitar missing a fret. It sounds familiar and beautiful, but it’s not complete. Yet artists like Mickey Guyton, Orville Peck, Lil Nas X, and Young Foolie are retuning the instrument. They are creating a new harmony that has room for everyone.
At MUSICSPOTS, we want to accompany this movement. We want to amplify the voices that are changing the genre – not the biggest names, but the bravest. Because music is more than sound – it’s a message. And country music still has so much to say.
We’ve put together a YouTube playlist for you so that you can not only listen to our favorite country songs, but also watch the really good videos.
Fotocredit: Young Foolie
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