Volume #21 | Country music is having a moment, so here's my moment for country music.
Mixtape. Chucking a u-ey, mate.
Country Roads, Take Me Home
Yeeeee haaaa! Country music is dominating. Have you noticed? I can’t say I’ve ever known country music to be as mainstream as it is today. According to Spotify, country music streams have grown 73% in the past two years. That’s hard to ignore.
Perhaps it’s because country legends Keith Urban and Lee Kernaghan have paved the way with decades of award-winning country music. Or is it the power of reality TV shows like The Voice that give country music artists a prime time platform? Maybe country music became cool for young users on Tik Tok, with enough momentum to rise from the dust like never before. However it has reached its peak, it’s exciting.
From Morgan Wallen to Luke Combs, The Wiggles to Chappell Roan. We are spoilt for choice. Here’s a couple of my favourite country tunes right now.
Country is in the spotlight and Australian artists are doing their bit. It feels unusual to mention The Wiggles in this category but they have brought their A-game with a new country inspired album titled ‘Wiggle Up, Giddy Up’. My little boy who is only two years old, demands their song ‘Wiggle Up’ every time we get in the car. In fact, it’s the only way I can get him in the car. Toddler life, you know? The album features Dolly Parton, Slim Dusty and Dasha. There are 32 tracks and all worth a listen with your little one. You’ll be boot scootin’ in no time!
Tamworth talent Lane Pittman was a feature artist on triplej this month. In the last couple of years, he supported Luke Combs on tour - not once, but twice. The story goes that he simply got an email saying “CONFIDENTIAL: Luke Combs Support Act Spot” and he actually thought it was spam. Can you imagine? What a surreal opportunity. Lane discovered a genuine love for country music and playing guitar when he was in high school. He auditioned for The Voice when he was 15 years old and made it to the semifinals with Keith Urban as his coach. This was the beginning of something really special. If you watch Lane’s audition, you won’t believe he’s that young with a voice so rich. And yes, he turned all four chairs.
Lane Pittman’s work is authentic and that’s what I appreciate most about his songs. I can also appreciate his good looks (hello trendy mullet), his humble country charm and his deep, earthy vocals. Honestly, he’s the guy you’d take home to meet your parents.
Genres constantly influence each other. Country music, for example, has a bit of blues and rock in its DNA. This era, however, feels like country married pop and made Generation Beta babies. If you listen to Chappell Roan’s new country inspired single ‘The Giver’, beautiful strings sew the melody together. This song style is much like Shania Twain, the mid 90’s country pop queen. ‘Any Man Of Mine’ is the song I thought of when I first heard ‘The Giver’. Have a listen to both tracks below and hear the comparison for yourself. Because just like fashion, what goes around, comes around.
As for our girl, Beyoncé. It seems not everyone is comfortable with her being recognised as a country music artist. But it’s time to let go of that narrow-mindedness. She won the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Country Album. She can do anything she sets her mind to. ‘Cowboy Carter’ is genius. Full stop.
There’s no doubt, it’s quite the cultural shift we’re experiencing. What we used to know as “dad music” is trending with cowboy boots in tow. We’ll see country music stay true to its storytelling roots, celebrating real life experiences and honouring the hometowns and communities that make them so compelling. That’s what makes it connect deeply with listeners too. And behind it all? Some of the best singer-guitarists out there.
Is it too early to predict a new Taylor Swift country album? Come on Tay Tay, take us back to where it all began.
How to listen to my recommendations and add them to your Spotify
In every Mixtape newsletter, you’ll see Spotify banners linking songs, albums or playlists. To listen or add to Your Library in Spotify, simply tap the round icon in the top right corner and the music will open in your Spotify app. It’s as easy as that!
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Yes! Here for Tay Tay Country Music comeback