What Radio Station Plays Country Music?

Looking for a radio station that plays country music? Check out our list of the best stations in the US and Canada.

Introduction

If you’re a fan of country music, you’re probably wondering what radio station plays country music. The answer is that there are many radio stations that play country music, but the specific station that you’ll want to listen to depends on your location. In general, most cities will have at least one radio station that plays country music, so you should be able to find something to suit your taste no matter where you are.

The Different Types of Country Music

There are many different types of country music. The most popular type of country music is probably contemporary country, which is what you typically hear on the radio. Other types of country music include traditional country, Honky Tonk, Cowboy, and Western Swing. Each type of country music has its own unique sound.

Traditional Country

Traditional country music is a subset of country music that originated with the southern folk music of the early 20th century. It takes its roots from the Appalachian folk music of the region and relies heavily on British and Celtic influences. Instruments commonly used in traditional country include acoustic guitar, fiddle, banjo, and harmonica. The sound is characterized by simple, twangy melodies and sparse arrangements.

Artists who have been influential in traditional country include Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family, Hank Williams Sr., and Patsy Cline. Traditional country is often contrasted with “pop country” or “bro-country,” which is a more modern, commercial sound that has heavy influences from rock music.

Contemporary Country

Contemporary Country is a catch-all term for the various sub-genres of country music that have developed since the 1970s. Because it is such a broad category, contemporary country can be difficult to define, but it generally includes any type of country music that isn’t considered to be “traditional.”

Contemporary country music is often characterized by its use of electric guitars, drum machines, and synthesizers, as well as its incorporation of elements from other genres, such as rock, pop, and R&B. Contemporary country artists often deal with more modern themes than their traditional counterparts, such as love and heartbreak, life on the road, and the struggles of working-class Americans.

Some of the most popular contemporary country artists include Garth Brooks, George Strait, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood.

Outlaw Country

Outlaw country is a subgenre of country music that began in the late 1960s and gained popularity in the 1970s. It takes its name from the “outlaw” movement of the 1970s, which rejected the constraints of the Nashville sound. Outlaw country artists are often considered to be rebels who embrace an anti-establishment attitude.

Notable outlaw country artists include Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash. The genre has also been associated with southern rock bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers Band.

Pop Country

In the 2010s, “pop country” music, that is that with a more polished sound that is influenced by pop music, became more popular with country music audiences. It has been referred to as both “country-pop” music and “bro-country”, and peaked in popularity in the early 2010s. The likes of Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban and Brett Eldridge are some of the artists who have been classified as pop country. Pop country tends to blend the sound of mainstream popular music with that of country music. It also takes influence from hip hop/rap.

The Most Popular Country Music Radio Stations

There are many popular radio stations that play country music. Some of the most popular ones include Kix Brooks Radio, The Highway, and Sirius XM The Highway. All of these radio stations are available to listeners across the United States.

WKLB-FM

If you live in the Boston area, then you have probably heard of WKLB-FM. This country music radio station is one of the most popular in the area, and it is known for playing a mix of both new and old country music. If you are a fan of country music, then you will definitely want to tune in to WKLB-FM.

WXTU-FM

WXTU-FM (“92.5 WXTU”) is a radio station licensed to Philadelphia, PA. The station is owned by Entercom and broadcasts a country music format. The station’s studios are located in Bala Cynwyd and its transmitter is in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia.

The station has been assigned the call letters WXTU-FM by the Federal Communications Commission since July 1, 1983.

WMZQ-FM

WMZQ-FM is a country music radio station in Washington, D.C. The station is owned by iHeartMedia and airs a contemporary hits radio format branded as “98.7 WMZQ”. The station’s studio is in Rockville, Maryland, while its transmitter is based on Cedar Knoll in Arlington, Virginia.

WSIX-FM

WSIX-FM (97.9 FM, “The Big 98”) is a country music radio station in Nashville, Tennessee. The station is owned by iHeartMedia and broadcasts at 97.9 MHz with 99,000 watts of power from a transmitter in Brentwood, Tennessee. The station also broadcasts an HD2 signal which carries a classic country format branded as “Willie’s Roadhouse”.

Conclusion

That pretty much sums up the best country music radio stations that you can listen to! No matter what format you prefer, there’s bound to be a station on this list that will suit your taste. So, go ahead and give them a try the next time you’re in the mood for some good ol’ country tunes!