Lana Del Rey’s recent comments about the state of the music industry have sparked interest and debate, especially her suggestion that “the music business is going country.” Known for her nostalgic, Americana-infused sound, Del Rey’s take on industry trends offers a unique perspective on shifts in mainstream music. But does this claim hold water, and if so, what might be fueling this shift? Let’s dive into the factors that may be pushing the music industry toward a country revival and how different artists are embracing, redefining, or even reinventing what “country” means.
One of the most notable shifts in the music industry is the blending of genres. Artists like Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift, and even hip-hop acts like Lil Nas X have embraced country influences, creating a genre-blending effect that’s hard to ignore. Musgraves’ Golden Hour won a Grammy for Album of the Year, showcasing how country music can cross into mainstream pop territory while still resonating with both pop and country audiences.
Lana Del Rey’s comment may reflect this transformation, as her own work has often crossed between alternative, pop, and Americana sounds. By incorporating elements from multiple genres, artists are reaching wider audiences and proving that country music isn’t just for traditional country fans anymore.
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are changing how fans discover music. Country music, which historically had a stronghold on U.S. radio but less reach internationally, is now reaching listeners across borders and demographics thanks to curated playlists. Many listeners might stumble upon country music while exploring their favorite pop, indie, or folk playlists, ultimately leading to a broader appreciation of the genre.
The themes of country music—stories of love, loss, resilience, and identity—have always resonated with people from all walks of life. In today’s world, where personal connection and authenticity are increasingly valued, the relatability of these themes is gaining traction. More and more listeners are craving raw, emotional storytelling, and country music delivers that in spades.
Take, for example, how Taylor Swift’s Folklore and Evermore albums, though not strictly country, drew from folk and country influences to create storytelling-rich narratives that fans embraced wholeheartedly. Many listeners discovered the appeal of country-style songwriting through Swift’s work, suggesting that these themes have a timeless appeal that transcends genre labels.
American culture has seen a rise in nostalgia for simpler times and traditions, which has impacted music trends as well. The Americana aesthetic—think Lana Del Rey’s visual and sonic style—celebrates the heartland’s beauty, values, and rustic charm. This fascination with “retro” America has given rise to a wave of artists who draw inspiration from country music’s past while infusing it with modern appeal.
Shows like Yellowstone have also contributed to the rising popularity of country themes in pop culture. With the success of Americana-centric TV shows, people who might not have considered themselves country fans are discovering the genre in new, exciting ways. This interest in Americana values resonates strongly with Del Rey’s aesthetic, likely influencing her observation about the music industry.
As the country genre itself becomes more inclusive, artists from various backgrounds are reshaping the country sound and breaking traditional boundaries. Artists like Orville Peck and Mickey Guyton are broadening the narrative around who belongs in country music. This expansion is making country music appealing to younger, more diverse audiences, something that wasn’t always the case in the genre's history.
With its growing appeal, country music is certainly making its mark on mainstream pop, but whether it will come to dominate the music industry is still up for debate. Lana Del Rey’s observation, however, highlights an important trend: the industry’s appreciation for raw, authentic storytelling, which country music delivers effectively. It’s clear that the lines between genres are continuing to blur, and country’s influence is likely here to stay.
Lana Del Rey’s perspective may be a bit of an exaggeration, but she’s certainly onto something. The music business isn’t fully “going country,” but it’s embracing elements of the genre like never before. With the genre’s themes of authenticity and its adaptability across styles, country music is moving toward the center of the industry.
One of the most notable shifts in the music industry is the blending of genres. Artists like Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift, and even hip-hop acts like Lil Nas X have embraced country influences, creating a genre-blending effect that’s hard to ignore. Musgraves’ Golden Hour won a Grammy for Album of the Year, showcasing how country music can cross into mainstream pop territory while still resonating with both pop and country audiences.
Lana Del Rey’s comment may reflect this transformation, as her own work has often crossed between alternative, pop, and Americana sounds. By incorporating elements from multiple genres, artists are reaching wider audiences and proving that country music isn’t just for traditional country fans anymore.
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are changing how fans discover music. Country music, which historically had a stronghold on U.S. radio but less reach internationally, is now reaching listeners across borders and demographics thanks to curated playlists. Many listeners might stumble upon country music while exploring their favorite pop, indie, or folk playlists, ultimately leading to a broader appreciation of the genre.
The themes of country music—stories of love, loss, resilience, and identity—have always resonated with people from all walks of life. In today’s world, where personal connection and authenticity are increasingly valued, the relatability of these themes is gaining traction. More and more listeners are craving raw, emotional storytelling, and country music delivers that in spades.
Take, for example, how Taylor Swift’s Folklore and Evermore albums, though not strictly country, drew from folk and country influences to create storytelling-rich narratives that fans embraced wholeheartedly. Many listeners discovered the appeal of country-style songwriting through Swift’s work, suggesting that these themes have a timeless appeal that transcends genre labels.
American culture has seen a rise in nostalgia for simpler times and traditions, which has impacted music trends as well. The Americana aesthetic—think Lana Del Rey’s visual and sonic style—celebrates the heartland’s beauty, values, and rustic charm. This fascination with “retro” America has given rise to a wave of artists who draw inspiration from country music’s past while infusing it with modern appeal.
Shows like Yellowstone have also contributed to the rising popularity of country themes in pop culture. With the success of Americana-centric TV shows, people who might not have considered themselves country fans are discovering the genre in new, exciting ways. This interest in Americana values resonates strongly with Del Rey’s aesthetic, likely influencing her observation about the music industry.
As the country genre itself becomes more inclusive, artists from various backgrounds are reshaping the country sound and breaking traditional boundaries. Artists like Orville Peck and Mickey Guyton are broadening the narrative around who belongs in country music. This expansion is making country music appealing to younger, more diverse audiences, something that wasn’t always the case in the genre's history.
With its growing appeal, country music is certainly making its mark on mainstream pop, but whether it will come to dominate the music industry is still up for debate. Lana Del Rey’s observation, however, highlights an important trend: the industry’s appreciation for raw, authentic storytelling, which country music delivers effectively. It’s clear that the lines between genres are continuing to blur, and country’s influence is likely here to stay.
Lana Del Rey’s perspective may be a bit of an exaggeration, but she’s certainly onto something. The music business isn’t fully “going country,” but it’s embracing elements of the genre like never before. With the genre’s themes of authenticity and its adaptability across styles, country music is moving toward the center of the industry.
