Howdy! My name is Davis, and I’m the country music director at KZUU. I’m one of the only people at the station actively playing country on air, and I feel that the genre is underrepresented. So, here’s an article that I think might attract more people to the genre.

At the bottom of the page, you’ll find my big Ol’ playlist of country music should you ever be interested in listening! I also DJ once a week at KZUU and play a variety of music, including blues, soul, and country.

Why did I become the country music Director?

This story takes us back to 2020, right at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I had just quit my job in medical administration and made the decision to go back to school. But before I got started at community college, I felt that a vacation was in order. I didn’t know where I wanted to go; I had just been to Louisiana and fell in love with the Blues scene there, so I thought about other music hubs. I had a good friend in Nashville that offered me a place to stay, so I gladly accepted. A month before the trip, I started listening to more southern rock and country in preparation for what I might expect when I arrived.

Before my Nashville experience, I fell into that category of people who thought it was “hick music” and only revolved around trucks and drinking beer. To be fair, I grew up in the city, and wasn’t exposed to much music other than rap and Top 40. But being in Nashville and drinking at the country bars, going boot and hat shopping, listening to buskers… it changed me.

I remember on my second or third day there, sitting down at the bar with my friend at 10:00 AM. According to my phone’s Qualtrics, it was the Honkey Tonk Central Country Bar. I have a god-awful memory, but this one stands out. I ordered a lager, and my friend got me a slushie PACKED with liquor. Sitting there, a little buzzed, I listened to the band that was up on the stage. I was entranced by their sound, playing classic rocks songs and some newer country stuff too. In that moment of pure buzzed joy, I started to understand country music and its appeal. After sobering up, we walked around Broadway, visiting the Boot Barn and a few hat shops. In that city, a country music fan was born.

I got home about a week and a half later and dove straight into the genre, creating playlists and memorizing lyrics. Cut to two years later, I enrolled at Washington State University. By then, country music was in my normal rotation on Spotify. In the first week of classes, I applied as a DJ and got accepted at KZUU. A few months later, I became a music director and chose to moderate country music and disco (two genres that I hold dear to me). Today, I am striving to expose more students to the wonders of country music: and I hope this article can lead others to listen.

The way I see it, country music is like a good whiskey. It’s not fit for everyone’s pallet, but if you enjoy it, it’ll be damn good.

(Note: Looking back at it now, I wish I would have gone to so many more of the venues and bars. I mean, come on… bars named after Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Garth Brooks?! That’s dope.)

The History

So, where and when did country music begin?

Country music has its roots in various musical traditions in the Southern United States, particularly in the Appalachian region. Its origins can be traced back to the 1920s when rural folk music, traditional ballads, blues, and gospel music merged together. Traditionally, country music is known for its emphasis on storytelling, it’s rhythmic acoustic sounds, and raw vocals. Over time, country has evolved with influences from different regions and musical styles, becoming one of the most distinctive genres in American music.

More recently, country music has witnessed further diversification, incorporating rock, pop, and even rap into its sound. While some prefer a more traditional sound of country, I find that the incorporation of new genres keeps country alive and kicking — offering new sounds and bringing in more audiences.

SUBGENRES

As the country music director of the radio station, it is my job to learn the country music sphere inside and out. So, I have compiled a list of my favorite subgenres, their information, and some artist suggestions for anyone looking to explore new sounds!

Outlaw Country

Outlaw Country first emerged in the 1960’s and 70’s, with artists like Merle Haggard, David Allen Coe, and Waylon Jennings. When many people hear the phrase, they might suspect that it has something to do with criminals and breaking the law. In actuality, Outlaw Country focuses on the defiance against standard country norms and sounds. Outlaw Country is defined with its rebellious sound, often including raw and gritty vocals, simple arrangements (acoustic guitar, banjo, harmonicas), and its blue-collar storytelling.

My favorite artists in this subgenre: Whitey Morgan and the 78’s, Cody Jinks, David Allen Coe.

Southern Roots

Southern Roots (in country music) pays homage to the deep cultural and musical traditions found in the Southern United States. These sounds are characterized by a fusion of musical styles, most notably country, blues, soul, and rock. The genre captures the essence of Southern life with poetic and heartfelt lyrics. You can usually tell a song if it’s southern roots by the singer’s vocals: just listen for that twang in their voice.

My favorite artists in this subgenre: Brent Cobb, Marcus King Band, Tyler Childers.

Honky-Tonk

Characterized by its upbeat sound and lyrics that describe the bar fly lifestyle, Honky-Tonk is a subgenre that doesn’t get much attention. Honky Tonk first emerged in the 1940’s with artists like Hank Williams and Kitty Wells, and grew in popularity in the 1950’s. Today, you can find most Honky-Tonk songs being played in dive bars and dance halls, as the fast tempo and relatable lyrics fit the scenes perfectly. If you love twangy songs about relationship struggles, staying at the bar too long, or drowning your sorrows, you’ll love Honky-Tonk.

My favorite artists in this subgenre: Summer Dean, Ellis Bullard.

Retro Country

Retro country, also referred to as vintage country, is a subgenre that draws inspiration from the sounds and styles of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Characterized by its nostalgic sound, retro country utilizes classic tones with modern elements to mimic the great country sounds of the past. Lyrics mostly echo the stories of relatable and down to earth struggles but can also tell amazing stories from the perspective of the artist. Many artists also put modern spins on classic country songs. This subgenre often attracts fans who enjoy both new and old music — as retro country bridges the gap between authentic sounds and contemporary storytelling.

My favorite artists in this subgenre: Midland, Sierra Ferrell.

Americana

One of my all-time favorite subgenres, Americana, celebrates the diverse roots of American songwriting. Americana’s sound is a mix of country, blues, rock, folk, and more, which gives its songs a unique and authentic feel. Americana is characterized by its authentic storytelling, blend of instrumentation, and cultural significance. Some of the most famous and well-known Americana artists include Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and The Lumineers. Americana also isn’t subjected to one specific area — artists from all over the United States use their culture and upbringing to create songs that fit the genre.

My favorite artists in this subgenre: Charley Crockett, Vincent Neil Emerson, Margo Price.

Non-American Country

As some of you might already know, country isn’t limited to just the Southern United States. Country music’s reach extends far beyond America’s borders, resonating across continents in diverse renditions. Foreign artists bring a fresh perspective to the genre, echoing its authenticity through heartfelt storytelling, twangy melodies, and raw vocals. Their contributions not only showcase a profound respect for country music but also underline its universal appeal, transcending geographical boundaries. All in all, the timelessness of country music knows no bounds.

My favorite artists in this subgenre: Colter Wall, The Country Side of Harmonica Sam.

My Country Playlist:

This is a collection of my favorite songs (in no particular order). If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment below and I’d love to check it out!