UK Country Music: What You Need to Know
Contents
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about UK Country Music. From its origins to its current popularity, we’ll give you all the information you need to get started with this genre of music.
Introduction
Country music has been around for centuries and has its roots in a variety of different cultures. The genre has evolved over time, but the core elements remain the same: simple, heartfelt lyrics set to a catchy tune.
In recent years, country music has surged in popularity in the UK. Thanks to the success of artists like James Blunt and Ward Thomas, more and more people are tuning in to this exciting genre.
If you’re new to country music, here’s what you need to know…
What is UK country music?
UK country music is a genre of country music that is influenced by American country music. The genre first developed in the United Kingdom in the early 21st century. UK country music is characterized by its use of American country music instruments and themes, as well as its British lyrical content.
The roots of UK country music
UK country music has its roots in the folk music of the British Isles. In the early twentieth century, American country music became popular in Britain, and British performers began to adopt the style. UK country music has since developed its own distinct sound, blending elements of traditional British folk music with American country and western.
UK country music is most often associated with the regions of England and Scotland, although it is also popular in Wales and Northern Ireland. The genre has been particularly influenced by the music of the English countryside, as well as the Celtic traditions of Scotland and Ireland.
There are many different subgenres of UK country music, including traditionalists who maintain a strong connection to the roots of the genre, as well as more contemporary performers who have incorporated pop and rock influences into their sound. Whatever your taste, there is sure to be a UK country artist that you’ll enjoy.
The British Country Music scene today
Though it may not be as widely known as the US country music scene, the UK has a thriving community of country music lovers and artists. In recent years, the British country music scene has undergone a resurgence, thanks in part to the popularity of shows like BBC’s ‘The Voice’ and ‘The X Factor’.
Today, there are dozens of British country music artists making a name for themselves both at home and abroad. From up-and-coming talents like Jake Bugg and Ward Thomas to established acts like The Shires and Rascal Flatts, there is a wealth of talent to be found in the UK country music scene.
If you’re looking to get into UK country music, or simply want to explore what the scene has to offer, then check out our list of 10 essential British country artists.
Who are the leading UK country artists?
Country music is a genre of popular music that originated in the Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from a blend of traditional American folk music, Celtic music, and blues. Over the years, country music has become one of the most popular genres in the UK, with a number of leading artists.
Ward Thomas
Ward Thomas are a British country music duo consisting of twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas. Originally signed to Sony Music UK, the sisters released their debut album in 2014 and have since released two additional albums. They are the first UK country act to achieve a number-one album on the UK Albums Chart.
The sisters were born and raised in Hampshire, England and began writing songs together at a young age. They attended college together and after graduating, decided to pursue a career in music. Their first break came when they were featured on BBC Radio 2’s Country Show with Bob Harris. This led to them being signed by Sony Music UK and they released their debut album, titled “From Where We Stand”, in 2014. The album was met with critical acclaim and peaked at number one on the UK Albums Chart, becoming the first UK country album to do so.
The duo have since released two more albums, 2016’s “Cartwheels” and 2018’s “Restless Minds”, which both reached the top 10 on the UK Albums Chart. In addition to their success in the UK, the sisters have also seen success in the US where they have been nominated for two Grammy Awards.
The Shires
The Shires are an English country music duo composed of singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes. The duo’s debut album Brave was released in 2014 and reached No. 3 in the UK Country Music charts, making them the first ever UK country act to break into the Top 10 of the UK Albums Chart.
Their follow-up album My Universe was released in 2016 and topped the UK Country Music charts, making them the first British country act to have a No. 1 album on the chart.
The Shires have been nominated for multiple awards, including a Grammy Award, two Brit Awards, and an Ivor Novello Award.
Molly Tuttle
Molly Tuttle is a 28-year-old American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Nashville, Tennessee. A former member of the bluegrass band the Goodbye Girls, she released her debut solo album Rise in 2017. She won the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Guitar Player of the Year award in 2018, becoming the first woman to do so in the award’s 35-year history. In 2019, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance for her song “Mama Tried”.
What are the key characteristics of UK country music?
UK country music is a form of country music that is particularly popular in the United Kingdom. It is a relatively new genre, having only emerged in the late 1990s. UK country music is characterized by its use of traditional country instruments, its focus on stories and characters, and its use of British accents.
Lyrical content
UK country music is known for being reflective and telling stories about real life, often with a sense of humor. The lyrics are often about topics such as love, loss, heartache, and family. However, UK country music is not limited to these topics, and the lyrical content can vary greatly.
Musical influences
UK country music has been influenced by many different music genres over the years, including folk, blues, pop and rock. This variety of influences has helped to create a unique and distinctive sound that is instantly recognizable to fans all over the world.
UK country artists often sing about personal experiences and stories, which gives their music a relatable and down-to-earth quality. The lyrics are often emotive and honest, dealing with topics such as love, loss, heartbreak and happiness. This emotional resonance is one of the things that makes UK country music so special.
The music itself is usually upbeat and catchy, with a strong focus on rhythm and melody. The instruments used are typically acoustic, such as guitars, banjos and fiddles. This stripped-back sound helps to create a warm and inviting feeling that listeners can’t help but respond to.
If you’re looking for something new to listen to, why not give UK country music a try? You might just find your new favorite sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UK country music is a genre that is growing in popularity. While it may not be as widely known as other genres, it has a devoted fanbase. If you’re a fan of country music, or are looking for something new to try, check out some UK country artists and bands. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
