The rise of country music in the UK
By Harris Little
Breaking the UK: Country artists like Morgan Wallen are becoming huge in Britain.
“I know it’s cliche to sing Chevrolets, cold beers and Fridays” - a line from massive country artist Morgan Wallen's song ‘Ain’t that some’, in which he references southern life in the US, poking fun at individuals who only say they live a country lifestyle for clout without actually living that life. A song which was performed up and down the UK as part of his ‘One Night at a Time’ tour, to people who don't live that lifestyle.
Chevrolet hasn't sold cars in this country for over a decade. Our nightlife is more popular on Saturdays than Fridays, so what is a song like this, about the Southern United States way of life, doing in the UK?
By John Shearer via Getty Images
It's all part of the unprecedented rise of those listening to country music in the UK. The genre, typically only enjoyed by American blue-collar workers or fringe European fans, grew over 70% in the first half of 2024 alone and is currently the fastest-growing form of music in Britain. Large artist shows such as Wallen or Luke Combs regularly sell out venues such as the 50,000-seat Hyde Park Stadium.
But why do songs about things so alien to a UK listener seem to resonate now more than ever with our audiences?
Of course, part of the rise is due to streaming services and their adoption by artists which has allowed it to propagate outside of the mainland US much easier than before as previously country music was only ever played on local radios.
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In addition to streaming, country music provides a unique escape from modern mainstream music such as Taylor Swift or Drake by not falling into the same cliches but instead making its own, which can help to foster a subculture of fans.
Ultimately, UK listeners don't need to relate to country music to enjoy it, that’s not the appeal. Country music serves as an expression of freedom and living on your terms, ideas that are becoming increasingly popular in the UK and mean that country music will always have a home across the pond for a while to come.