Radio country ('that Nashville sound') is not for me. Everyone has their own tastes, for sure, but radio country is not mine.
The bro-country that has evolved (an iota) into the snaptrack country is basically unchanged since ~2012. The hick-hop influences are much different than Garth and the other 90's influences, of course, but they are unchanging mostly. For example: both Kasey and Taylor got their start in that sound (kinda), but quickly moved on.
For me, internet streaming saved country. The neo-rebel country you can find online is much better than the radio, to me at least. Acid-country, IPA country, Texas music, whatever the hell John Prine is, etc. are all online now and at shows (were, hopefully we can get shows back again). Granted, it's not as profitable (cheap and fast).
The Nashville Sound has been, is, and will be the same: ca-ching, ca-ching, ca-ching.
As for rock, I'm glad that it's been left behind. We're starting to get really good rock again as people looking for a buck have left and the enthusiasts have stuck around. At least, that's my feeling. Rock, as well, is splintering, but in a good way. It's become more international and those influences are fruitful. The artists are smaller, but the good ones that have made the digital transition have a deeper support network.
You speak truth. That’s all. Living in Oklahoma and Texas I learned many of the flavors - and it was a nice break from my hard rock days in the 90s and naughts.
The bro-country that has evolved (an iota) into the snaptrack country is basically unchanged since ~2012. The hick-hop influences are much different than Garth and the other 90's influences, of course, but they are unchanging mostly. For example: both Kasey and Taylor got their start in that sound (kinda), but quickly moved on.
For me, internet streaming saved country. The neo-rebel country you can find online is much better than the radio, to me at least. Acid-country, IPA country, Texas music, whatever the hell John Prine is, etc. are all online now and at shows (were, hopefully we can get shows back again). Granted, it's not as profitable (cheap and fast).
The Nashville Sound has been, is, and will be the same: ca-ching, ca-ching, ca-ching.
As for rock, I'm glad that it's been left behind. We're starting to get really good rock again as people looking for a buck have left and the enthusiasts have stuck around. At least, that's my feeling. Rock, as well, is splintering, but in a good way. It's become more international and those influences are fruitful. The artists are smaller, but the good ones that have made the digital transition have a deeper support network.