"I Listen To Everything EXCEPT Country"

Summary

The script explores the growing intersection of country and alternative music, highlighting how artists like Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers are influencing the genre. It discusses the historical connections between country, folk, and rock, noting the shared roots in blues music. The narrative also touches on the '90s grunge movement's similarities to country, with artists like Eddie Vedder and Nirvana incorporating Southern elements. The script suggests a cultural shift towards embracing a stripped-back, raw approach to music, moving away from the commercialized pop-country of the past. It also mentions the impact of aesthetics and themes in songwriting, pointing to Lana Del Rey's upcoming country album as evidence of this trend. The script concludes by examining the broader cultural impact, including the blending of Southern aesthetics with alternative culture, and the rise of a new alternative identity that reclaims Southern culture while maintaining an online, alternative ethos.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The blending of country and folk music with alternative genres has a long history, sharing common roots in the blues.
• 🤘 Grunge music from the '90s has notable similarities with country music, influencing artists like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam.
• 🔥 Southern sounding elements have been a part of alternative music, as seen in the works of artists like Stone Temple Pilots and Nirvana.
• 🤠 The influence of country aesthetics and songwriting themes is becoming more prominent in alternative music, with artists like Zach Bryan and Colter Wall gaining popularity.
• 🎵 The term 'country gaze' has been used to describe the fusion of country and alternative sounds, indicating a cultural shift.
• 🌐 Lana Del Rey's upcoming country album signifies a broader acceptance of country influences in alternative music circles.
• 👗 The adoption of Southern aesthetics by alternative culture is not new, but it's becoming more nuanced and intertwined with modern trends.
• 🧢 The alternative scene is embracing a mix of Southern and alternative aesthetics, creating a new cultural identity.
• 🎧 Artists like Adrianne Lenker and her band Big Thief have been influential in the alternative folk scene, gaining popularity on platforms like TikTok.
• 🌟 The cultural shift towards embracing country and folk influences in alternative music is driven by both sonic elements and broader cultural aesthetics.

Q & A

What is the relationship between country and folk music?

Country and folk music have been intertwined since the beginning of rock music, sharing the same ancestor in the blues. Both genres have influenced each other over time, with artists like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams often being referred to as early rock stars due to their innovative contributions to music.

How did grunge music relate to country music in the 1990s?

Grunge music, which was a significant alternative music movement in the 1990s, had many similarities to country music. Artists like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and others incorporated Southern-sounding elements into their music, which was characterized by grunge vocals and instrumentals that resembled country.

What role did Southern elements play in the alternative music of the 1990s?

Southern elements were prominent in the alternative music of the 1990s, with artists like Rob Zombie and Pantera fusing heavy music with Southern sounds. This created a recognizable and influential style that was distinct from mainstream music of the time.

How has the influence of country music on alternative music evolved recently?

Recently, there has been a resurgence of country and folk influences in alternative music, with artists like Zach Bryan, Colter Wall, and Tyler Childers gaining popularity among fans who typically wouldn't listen to modern country music. Their stripped-back and raw approach to music contrasts with the pop-infused country music of the past decade.

What is the term used to describe the fusion of country and alternative music?

The term 'country gaze' has been thrown around to describe the sound of artists who are fusing country with alternative music. This new genre is characterized by a blend of country music with elements of alternative and indie styles.

How does Lana Del Rey's music relate to the country and alternative music movement?

Lana Del Rey, known for her Southern bell Americana aesthetics, has been a cornerstone of alternative music for years. Her upcoming country album 'Lasso' is seen as evidence of a cultural shift towards country influences in the alternative music scene.

What impact do aesthetics and themes have on the alternative music movement?

Aesthetics and songwriting themes play a significant role in the alternative music movement, with artists like Ethel Cain and Lana Del Rey influencing the scene with their Southern and Midwestern aesthetics and themes, which resonate with a broader audience beyond just the sonic elements of their music.

How does the alternative music scene in the South differ from the mainstream?

The alternative music scene in the South is characterized by a blend of traditional country and folk elements with alternative aesthetics and values. This has led to a unique cultural movement where Southern artists and fans reclaim parts of their culture while maintaining their alternative identities.

What is the term 'neopunk' and how does it relate to the alternative music scene?

The term 'neopunk' refers to a subculture that embraces alternative music, aesthetics, and values. It is associated with chronically online individuals who may feel like 'black sheep' in their communities but find a sense of belonging in the alternative music scene, which often includes elements of punk and indie music.

How is the alternative music scene influencing broader cultural trends?

The alternative music scene is influencing broader cultural trends by incorporating Southern aesthetics and themes into fashion, music, and lifestyle choices. This has led to the creation of a new aesthetic that combines elements of traditional country culture with modern alternative styles, reflecting a cultural shift towards a more diverse and inclusive representation of Southern and alternative identities.