Genre (Country)

I have chosen the genre of Country for my music magazine; One, because I like this style therefore I can relate to it and know a rough idea of what the audience want; and two, because this genre of music has an interesting history too it as well as a long development of the style.

I was first introduced to country music because of my dad. He works as an IT manager in a music copy-write company, www.carlinmusic.com/, who own the rights for lots of country artists including; Dolly Parton, Jonny Cash, Elvis Presley and Frankie Laine. My dad often played these songs at home of his computer so I grew up with that sort of sound.

Our family has a home in Florida and we travel there for our holidays. Florida has a strong influence of country music, pubs and restaurants have live music playing that's quite often country. Usually the more modern country music is played such as Jason Aldean or Taylor Swift. But lots of tribute performances of the old stars are around as well. 

The Stars

Here are some of the most influential country stars in my life; 
All Stars are known for there Live performences.

Kitty Wells- single handedly bought women into the industry of country when she released her 1952 hit 'It wasn't god who made the Honky-tonk Angels'. Before she released the song it was presumed that women couldn't sell records. This song has a lot of meaning to me, it was my auntie's favourite song before she passed away. She used to play it in the car along with a collection of Robbie Williams and Nickel back.

Elvis Presley- also known as 'The King of Rock 'n' Roll', revolutionised the Country industry with his unique style and look. His well known songs consist of; 'Houndog', 'Blue swede shoe's' and 'Jail house rock'. I like Houndog, it's my favourite because it's upbeat and swingy plus it reminds me of my favourite restaurant, 'breakfast at Tiffany's' in Florida where they always play that song. 

Taylor Swift - One of 2012's biggest country/pop stars, Taylor swift has changed the way the English look at 'hillbilly' music. By mixing it with pop music she has created in my opinion some of country music's greatest hits starting with 'Love story' and 'Mean'. I love Taylor Swift, I went to see her live a year ago in the LG arena in Birmingham. She was fantastic, she mainly played country songs but mixed them with some pop. She played the guitar, Banjo (common in country music) and even the Ukulele. 

Here are some videos with the music from different era's of 'Country' starting with John Carson. This is one of the earliest recordings of 'Hill billy' music. This piece was recorded  in the 1920's. I like this piece of music but it's not something I would have on my iPod only because it's the old style country.

 

Through out the development of Country changed slightly; still sticking with the traditional lyrics, the music's mood has changed slightly. Here's a video of Jonny Cash singing 'American recordings'. This was recorded during the hight of his career in the 1950's. I love this song, it's one of my favourites that Jonny Cash had ever released.

Nowadays, country music is a lot more commercialised. Although the roots and traditions are still there (the lyrics are still about life and happenings), artists such as Taylor Swift have broadened there music to the mainstream market by mixing it with pop. This is My favourite song on her last album 'Speak Now'.

 

Another big influence of country in my life is a family friend of ours 'Lisa Mills'. She is a working artist that performs gigs in England and America. Her genre is a hybrid of country western and blues. Her gigs are very traditional country style with a her and 2/3 different guitars and usually a drummer and a double bass/banjo player. I love watching Lisa perform, she always tells us the story behind the song before she sings it. One of my favourite songs she's written is called the 'Oreo blues'.  

Here's a video of her performing in Alabama;

 

Country music is very distinctive. There are micro and macro elements that make it so distinctive. Micro are the small components like the cowboy hat and macro is the big element made up of the micro components i.e. Western Fashion style. 

 

 

 



Country music is very meaningful, simple and down to earth. In Media, according to John Pierce (Media practitioner), Genre's are 'in the manor that you expect them to be in'. For example, in country music you expect it to sound a certain way and that's what you will get. You expect cowboy boots and guitars. Some commercial country artists such as Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton have gone against this theory and gone for the dressing up the roots with the diamanté showy side of country to become more mainstream. But others such as Mumford and sons and Lisa Mills have stuck to the (Pierce Theory) country style roots and wear what people expect.

I'v always wanted to visit the Grand olé Oprey in Nashville Tennessee. It's the home place of the 'The Barn Dance' radio show. In 1925, It grew to become an instant success, Resulting in the start of some of the genre's biggest starts such as; Bill Monroe and Red Foley. Singer Bob Wills and his Playboys become Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. 

In conclusion, we know that Country music is popular with a niche audience and has a specific sound and style. Moving on with this research, I will use the Western style and refelect the traditions of country music in my magazine production.

For my planning stage I will look at the target audience and create a Demographic and Psycometric profile for them.