Country music is experiencing a surge in popularity across Australia, with artists like Luke Combs attracting sold-out crowds and streaming numbers skyrocketing. This shift is driven by a fusion of traditional storytelling with modern pop and hip-hop influences, appealing to a broader audience, including 'concrete cowboys and cowgirls' in urban areas.
Two 17-year-old friends, Jazmine Harris and Alexina Milbank, stand leaning against a steel fence, their boots dusted from the annual cattle camp they're attending. They chat about their favorite music, gravitating towards modern, 'American' country sounds like Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs . This preference reflects a broader trend, with many young people discovering a passion for country music. Luke Combs ' recent sold-out stadium tour in Australia underscores this phenomenon.
It marks a significant cultural shift, as he becomes the first country artist to headline a full stadium tour in the country. Mark Scholtes, a contemporary music lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland, observes that while lyrical themes often remain rooted in the working class struggles, the musical style has blurred boundaries, incorporating pop music influences and hip hop elements. This fusion opens up the genre, attracting new audiences.The growing popularity of country music in Australia is evident in its streaming numbers. Spotify data reveals that Australia ranks third globally for country music streams, trailing only the US and Canada. Over the past two years, country music streams in Australia have surged by 73 percent, with 92 percent of streams originating from metropolitan areas. This rise of the 'concrete cowboy and cowgirl' in cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne highlights the genre's evolving appeal. Steph Liong, senior editor at Spotify AUNZ, attributes this growth to the power of storytelling, personalized recommendations, and the genre's willingness to experiment. As artists continue to push the boundaries of country music, the future looks bright for a more fluid and diverse genre
COUNTRY MUSIC AUSTRALIA LUKE COMBS STREAMING POPULARITY STADIUM TOURS MODERN COUNTRY
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