In Nashville, ‘Outlaw’ Musicians Challenge Tradition with ‘Country’ Genre

When one thinks of “Tennessee,” the mind often goes to “Music City” – the renowned nickname for Nashville, the state capital. Nashville is famous for being the hub of country music, home to the Grand Ole Opry and a symbol of the genre. However, the music scene in Nashville is currently undergoing a transformation that challenges the traditional “bro country” sound. Emily Nussbaum explores this shift in her article for the New Yorker, shedding light on the emergence of “outlaw” country music performers who are vying for recognition alongside more conservative, mainstream artists like Jason Aldean and Morgan Wallen, despite facing numerous obstacles within the industry. These alternative performers often identify as female, Black, liberal, and/or LGBTQ+, and are typically classified under the umbrella term “Americana” – signifying country music that exists outside the mainstream, as described by Nussbaum.

Unfortunately, many artists do not aspire to be labeled as “Americana” due to the limitations and marginalization associated with the term. Those who are associated with this label often face exclusion from Nashville’s Music Row and receive minimal airplay on country radio stations. In the past, even women in country music had to conform to specific gender expectations and cater to male gatekeepers at local radio affiliates to have their songs played on the radio. However, the representation of women on country radio has significantly declined from 33% in 2000 to a mere 11% today (with Black women accounting for only 0.03%). Nussbaum highlights that the music scene in Nashville, considered a “blue bubble within a red state,” operates within a larger political turbulence that has engulfed Tennessee in recent years, ranging from right-wing opposition to abortion rights and gun laws, to controversies surrounding drag queen performances and medical care for transgender youth. Despite these challenges, resilient performers like progressive singer Allison Russell persevere with a mission that extends beyond party politics – to let their fans know that they are not alone in these uncertain and potentially dangerous times. Read Nussbaum’s full article here. (Discover more Longform stories.)