Sexism Rampant in Country Music?

Sexism Rampant in Country Music?

Sexism

In a world which has coined the term “Bro-Country” should we surprised that there is not one female country musician who has reached a number hit in the last two years? This is especially surprising as we have seen many female artists break out. I’m in particular leaning towards the shockingly traditional Kacey Musgraves. The last female country musician to land a number one hit was Carrie Underwood who’s song Blown Away reached that status in November of 2012. In a world which was once dominated by female country artists it is sad to see how far the apple has fallen.

However I do not blame the artistry of the female musician for this fall out. In fact I would state the exact opposite. I believe the artistry that is found in artists like Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe, thePistol Annies, Lee Ann Womack, Carrie Underwood, and the reigning Female Vocalist Miranda Lambert is that of a much higher caliber than often times found in their male counter parts. In particular I enjoy themuch more traditional sounds coming from these country crooners. When Brandy Clark and Kacey Musgraves tackle gay rights in a very straight laced genre of music we see ‘Bro-Country’ artists singing about driving Chevy trucks and getting stuck in mud. On a side note why doesn’t anybody drive any other brand of truck?

So why have the women fallen off the map? I would point my finger at their persistence to create the highest level of art form they can. The modern “Country Music Enthusiast” has changed. Look at Tim McGraw who used to enjoy the spotlight with his “Bro-Country” paving hits such as Indian Outlaw and Truck Yeah. However when he matured and decided to show it in the studio and put out Sundown Heaven Town he fell offthe face of the earth. The project which I personally would label as the best album of 2014 was not recognized in any awards show and has barely been played on country radio.

I believe that the women of country music need a much higher appreciation than what the Maddie and Tae song Girl in a Country Song mocks. However I would urge these same women not to lower their standards. There is change blowing in the wind. With both Tim McGraw and Eric Church, two of the most dominate male country musicians, turning down the opportunity to make smash hits to instead make high quality studio albums we are not far away from the country music revolution which Eric Church calls for in his song Country Music Jesus. “We need a second coming worse than bad. A long haired hippie preacher preaching from the book of Johnny Cash. We need a Country Music Jesus to come and save us all.”

Blog By Karsten Bousfield

Image courtesy of Jayuzl Flickr License

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