Country Music Subgenres 101- A Beginner's Guide to Modern Country

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ค. 2024
  • Today's video is a beginner's guide to country music subgenres -- because there are A LOT of them, and it can be confusing.
    00:00 - Intro to Country Music Subgenres
    02:54 - Definition of Country Music
    03:41- Bro Country
    04:28 - Boyfriend Country
    05:00 - Neotraditional
    05:30 - Pop-Country
    06:13 - Everything Else in "Mainstream"
    07:02 - Red Dirt
    07:57 - Texas Country
    09:18 - Bluegrass
    10:01 - Appalachian
    10:34 - Americana
    12:08 - Southern Rock
    12:32 - Alt-Country
    12:53 - Country Rap
    13:52 - Everything Else in "Indie"
    14:44 - A Lesson I've Learned
    Patreon: / gradywsmith
    Merch: gradywsmith.threadless.com
    Spotify: open.spotify.com/playlist/5SB...
    Subreddit: / countrymusicstuff
    Discord: / discord
    Cameo: www.cameo.com/gradywsmith/
    Twitter: / gradywsmith
    Instagram: / gradywsmith
    Facebook: / gradysmithwriter
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ความคิดเห็น • 1.2K

  • @GradySmith
    @GradySmith  4 ปีที่แล้ว +336

    This was a freakin doozy to make, and I hope y'all enjoy it! This is a very complex topic, and I know it's only skimming the surface. If you're someone that wishes people weren't so worried about how we classify songs into genres, just stay tuned for the last 90 seconds. Love y'all. -Grady

    • @treyhaddon2004
      @treyhaddon2004 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Great video Grady!

    • @chrisinglis2383
      @chrisinglis2383 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Please do a reaction to Dean Brody's "time" or "tough people do" by Brett Kissel. They're both Canadian but are 2 country songs that most people know up here. Keep up the good work!

    • @azcoyote007
      @azcoyote007 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I’d be happy if Billboard split country into Contemporary and Traditional and radio stations only played one or the other.

    • @ladtx83
      @ladtx83 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I’m in the I care but at the same time don’t care about genre labels. I like a variety of music genres so the genre doesn’t have any real influence on if I like a song. However I go through moods where I really only want to hear a specific genre or sub-genre. For the most part I either like a song or I don’t, and I can normally find at least one song I like in every genre.

    • @SulfuricLime
      @SulfuricLime 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      React to Charley Crockett Welcome to hard Times

  • @aristotleasparaguspodcast1129
    @aristotleasparaguspodcast1129 4 ปีที่แล้ว +858

    Has anyone noticed how Red Dirt and Bluegrass have oppositional names by complete coincidence?

    • @brandigabriel6921
      @brandigabriel6921 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Yes! 😂

    • @elibryrob
      @elibryrob 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      You’ve never seen red dirt?

    • @innocentoctave
      @innocentoctave 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That's because when red dirt came along, bluegrass was already taken.

    • @FirstNameLastName-ri8gt
      @FirstNameLastName-ri8gt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Ever heard of red Georgia clay brother?

    • @bradynturner823
      @bradynturner823 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@cameronvelthuis1844 where the greeen graaaasssss growwwssss

  • @reidbrooks3951
    @reidbrooks3951 4 ปีที่แล้ว +647

    Where was the “I’m going to kill my husband” female country music genre

    • @paulgomez8679
      @paulgomez8679 4 ปีที่แล้ว +90

      It was right after I have a wife but I'm still going to sing about women sliding into my truck subgenre.

    • @taylerwilson1682
      @taylerwilson1682 3 ปีที่แล้ว +31

      That’s just Miranda Lambert

    • @scorpionic3599
      @scorpionic3599 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      Tayler Wilson Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood are the only women I can remember who sang about murdering their husbands lmao

    • @virgie4715
      @virgie4715 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Bronco Buster the Dixie chicks sang about Mary Ann and Wanda killing Wanda’s husband lol

    • @sheenakinman8506
      @sheenakinman8506 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@scorpionic3599 Martina McBride Independence Day

  • @JS-ix6rk
    @JS-ix6rk 4 ปีที่แล้ว +424

    There is a noticeable absence of Joe Exotic, Pioneer of the "Tiger Country" sub genre

    • @41Brother2
      @41Brother2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Blame that one on Carole Baskin

    • @manolo6605
      @manolo6605 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hahahaha

    • @thundertv1431
      @thundertv1431 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s not a country music genre

  • @djwarner_
    @djwarner_ 4 ปีที่แล้ว +393

    Not gonna lie this video gives me vibes of an online class assignment that was due online

    • @dragonkfg
      @dragonkfg 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Same

    • @GradySmith
      @GradySmith  4 ปีที่แล้ว +100

      The hard part about being a TH-camr is that you are the teacher AND the student in that metaphor, and you gotta force yourself to finish some assignments. (And this one was super ambitious and has been on my to-do list for over five months!)

    • @coffeestainedwreck
      @coffeestainedwreck 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      @@GradySmith Hope you gave yourself an A+, you earned it.

    • @PieYouTube314
      @PieYouTube314 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      SAME

    • @fieuline2536
      @fieuline2536 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I’m here for the online class man

  • @_cameraboy
    @_cameraboy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +310

    Country Music Community: Sub-genre's...there's an idea'r. Where do we start?
    *_The Metal Community has entered the chat._*

    • @davidlfort
      @davidlfort 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      As a former thrash head, I feel that many metal subgenres are a distinction with no difference. Can anybody really hear a difference between death and black metal, frex?

    • @_cameraboy
      @_cameraboy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      @@davidlfort Death Metal is known for more guttural vocals and a thicker tone and groove. While Black Metal has a focus on higher pitched shriek, and removes the elements of groove.
      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_genres
      Canadian Documentarian Sam Dunn did a feature film and a multi-part series on the history and evolution of Metal and it's sub genres: th-cam.com/play/PLAWTNv8tjLvhnbgkAnPAK0nhq1yeZLErs.html
      I'm sure for most people, they would not be able to pick apart and categorize either genre. The same could be said for the multitude of rap and hip hip genres. Even Orchestral and classical music has many different and distinct genres...jazz is jazz, nobody understands jazz.

    • @pips1257
      @pips1257 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      I think if anything black and death metal are one of the most general and most easily distinguishable ones. Maybe your avergae person doesn't know the difference but they will as soon as they listen to it. On the other hand, what makes something technical death metal or melodic death metal, or the difference between blackened death metal and war metal (deathened black metal) are quite small once you compare all artists of the genre are quite difficult to distinguish.
      Country seems much simpler classification wise and I'm glad lol, some regional distinctions can make sense in music so rooted with your home, but we don't need 70 different genres that classify country on wether it has 1, 2 or 3 mandolins like metal does.

    • @toyotaecw
      @toyotaecw 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      As a country listener in my youth who turned to metal, I think subgenres do as much to help unify people as they do divide people. Also, if a church is burning in the vicinity of the metal music in question it’s black metal.

    • @_cameraboy
      @_cameraboy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@pips1257 Any more than one mandolin, and you've entered symphonic folk metal territory.

  • @thomaslongo3735
    @thomaslongo3735 4 ปีที่แล้ว +184

    To me, there’s two genres of country music Tyler Childers and then everything else

  • @jessica_wi
    @jessica_wi 4 ปีที่แล้ว +229

    Grady Smith - "Ken Burns' 16 hour documentary on country music wasn't thorough enough, according to some people."
    Also Grady Smith - Makes a 16 minute video attempting to name all sub-genres of modern country and basically sum up one of the most confusing eras of country music in the history of ever, rife with countless marriages, divorces, disagreements, evolutions, protests, and whatever the heck Zac Brown keeps doing - what a lad!

    • @groton27
      @groton27 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      ZBB needs to get back to when they opened for DMB and was a Jam Country band lol (Before Zac had his midlife or what ever is going on there)

    • @mundaneamazing
      @mundaneamazing 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      He said this was just for general definitions and *some* people think that..
      I'm pretty sure you're joking, but we gotta give the man credit for helping breaking it down for peeps like me. 😊

    • @14gears55
      @14gears55 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah, wish Zac Brown would admit that his newer stuff isn’t working out so well. Needs to get back to his older stuff like Highway 20 Ride, Colder Weather, Good bye in her eyes and Sweet Annie

  • @Corgislarping
    @Corgislarping 4 ปีที่แล้ว +99

    Thanks for giving me a video to refer my non-country friends to when I try to explain country to them

    • @GradySmith
      @GradySmith  4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      That's the goal!!

    • @filianablanxart8305
      @filianablanxart8305 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Stopped and thought for a minute . I don't even try to introduce/ explain Country to people who don't already know .
      I do more frequently explain what * I * play ( very badly , for my own enjoyment ) . They are less confused by What ( the genres) than What ( the instrument ) .

  • @courtneyray6820
    @courtneyray6820 4 ปีที่แล้ว +98

    YES BLUES BROTHERS CLIP OMG my family says “both kinds country and western” ALL the time

  • @jimbeam1067
    @jimbeam1067 4 ปีที่แล้ว +94

    Texas and Red Dirt Country 🙌🏻

    • @j.liddle7580
      @j.liddle7580 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Amen to that, brother! Throw a little Bluegrass/Appalachian in there too though.

    • @seththomas9105
      @seththomas9105 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @09fx ¿ He left out legends like Jerry Jeff Walker and Ray Wylie Hubbard and the Lost Gonzo Band.

    • @cmath89210
      @cmath89210 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@seththomas9105 Robert Earl Keen, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers, Reckless Kelly, Stoney LaRue, Whiskey Myers. He left out a lot.

    • @seththomas9105
      @seththomas9105 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@cmath89210 Hell yes he did!

    • @johnp2521
      @johnp2521 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Kevin Fowler, Casey Donahew, Gary P. Nunn. . .does he even listen to Texas Country?

  • @jonathanbaker247
    @jonathanbaker247 4 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    The hallmark of country music is story telling lyrics. Regardless of how it sounds, the words of the song always reveal some of the singer's life experience, and it's authentic. That's why I love country music.

    • @RockinRita03
      @RockinRita03 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Yes! Exactly! That's why I'm still into Taylor Swift and Shania Twain in spite of the fact that neither of them were really full-on hardcore country.

    • @vincentreyes6154
      @vincentreyes6154 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Though I do agree to some degree (especially as a fan of singer-songwriters like Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Brad Paisley, Chris Stapleton, and Sturgill Simpson) you saying that country music is just "story-telling music" would qualify guys from many genres as "country artists" like Alec Benjamin and John Mayer and Ed Sheeran and Billie Eilish (pop) as well as Stevie Ray Vaughan (blues) plus the Good Kid Band and Scott Weiland and James Hetfield of Stone Temple Pilots and Metallica (rock) as country musicians as well (okay, "Mama Said" by Metallica is actually a country song, but most of Hetfield's stuff, though amazing, isn't really country even though it's all storytelling songwritten lyrics. Plus, John Mayer's "In the Blood" is country too.)
      A little counter argument, since these songwriters lack the rural/southern or Appalachian element that notable country artists possess.
      (P.S. I feel that Alec Benjamin and John Mayer and Ed Sheeran singing Zach Bryan's "The Good I'll Do" would be absolutely epic! Their voices would fit so well with the lyrics of that already amazing song.)

  • @Tsweezey90
    @Tsweezey90 4 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    I can't believe you said "my kinda night" without the "uh uh" clip haha

    • @dragonkfg
      @dragonkfg 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That would've been awesome!

  • @samuelteeple4967
    @samuelteeple4967 4 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    As a musicologist, this is the first time I've ever been so directly spoken to in a piece of media, lmao. I feel seen!!

  • @Jeremy-kn8cy
    @Jeremy-kn8cy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +74

    This video is precious for a newbie like me.

    • @crissydee3487
      @crissydee3487 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      ME TOO

    • @lunahetfield
      @lunahetfield 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Im a metalhead/rocker and i dont like country i have no intention to get into country, yt is recommending me weird shit again

  • @Coffee_Addict981
    @Coffee_Addict981 4 ปีที่แล้ว +81

    Country trap/Rap, I just call it tiktok country because, most of the songs in those subgenres are only popular because of tiktok. Great video man.

    • @velvet4299
      @velvet4299 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      And people with a shitty taste in music make it popular too

    • @thatbluebricknose
      @thatbluebricknose 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Yes Upchurch’s music is all from Tik Tok when most of it was made before Tik Tok! Obviously you’re a genius and rocket science should be your occupation.

    • @dylanholey6314
      @dylanholey6314 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@thatbluebricknose I think he mean more of Countey Trap bud

    • @onnimannimaki8846
      @onnimannimaki8846 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Country Rap is much older than Tik Tok country.

    • @greggethridge273
      @greggethridge273 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @Lucas Neef it would be called crap not country crap, also anybody who acts like it's trash doesn't listen to the correct artists. If you wanna search country rap then don't listen to Colt Ford because it's like mainstream country but rapped where it's the same shit over and over again but look up Struggle Jennings who is Waylon Jennings' grandson and Shooter Jennings' nephew or Upchurch who actually grew up as a country kid and raps about it unlike many others

  • @ethan-jy4ld
    @ethan-jy4ld 4 ปีที่แล้ว +103

    imagine we made radio stations for every single subgenre 💀

    • @_NotQualityContent
      @_NotQualityContent 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      As a Texas Country/Red Dirt fan... I support this idea!!!

    • @bagels377
      @bagels377 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@_NotQualityContent so do I 😂

    • @theoneandonlyravioli2985
      @theoneandonlyravioli2985 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I listened to country growing up, then around the late 2000s I basically quit listening to most new country at the time. Then my first job took me around the country for several months at a time. In kentucky and WV id listen to the bluegrass only stations. Once I got to southern kansas I found the texas country/red dirt station. Thats what really got me back into country music again like turnpike troubadours, josh abbott band, wade bowen, stoney larue, randy rodgers, kimberly dunn etc etc. Its now my favorite genre again like it was when I was a kid. Just wish here in NC our prominent country stations would play real country and not the new bs pop country. Luckily we have a station in raleigh that plays a great mix of music of all genres youll never hear on normal radio stations.

    • @bmak76
      @bmak76 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It’s called Spotify/Pandora.

    • @_NotQualityContent
      @_NotQualityContent 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@bmak76 not an option when you live and work in an area without cell service. Some of us need actual radio stations...

  • @TheCALIGIRL55
    @TheCALIGIRL55 4 ปีที่แล้ว +68

    Am I the only one that gets sad seeing any kind of negative comments onGrady’s videos? I just love all the work he does and his videos always make me so happy no matter what they are!
    Keep up the good work Grady!

  • @jeremyheartriter2.063
    @jeremyheartriter2.063 4 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    Yes, "Heartache Medication" is the very definition of neo-traditional country.

    • @jeremyheartriter2.063
      @jeremyheartriter2.063 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @countrygirl countrymusiclover1127 Don't listen to it if you hate it.

  • @TheGingerBeardGentleman
    @TheGingerBeardGentleman 4 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    As a Canadian i would love it if you added Canadian country to your videos.

  • @Tattbook
    @Tattbook 4 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    Yet the real question is when will Canadian Ranchera Trap catch on?

    • @LDLeDay
      @LDLeDay 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      That sounds like somethin you can get at Taco Bell.

    • @PassiveNights
      @PassiveNights 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Buck 65?

    • @crissydee3487
      @crissydee3487 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@LDLeDay HA

  • @mr.mr.3301
    @mr.mr.3301 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Whew. I liked bro country 10 years ago. Now only Texas red dirt and southern rock. For those who want to know I suggest whiskey Myers and Cody Jinks.

    • @southeast05
      @southeast05 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Don’t forget Josh Ward and a yeti full of whiskey

  • @Nomorehandlenames9230
    @Nomorehandlenames9230 4 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    Too bad you missed out on Cross Canadian Ragweed. They were the “it” band on the Red Dirt scene in the late 90’s - early 2000’s.

    • @jacobmerkle323
      @jacobmerkle323 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I miss Ragweed

    • @rosegroshek1218
      @rosegroshek1218 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Cody Canada is still carrying on their music

    • @austincosman2907
      @austincosman2907 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I'm tryna find a girl that misses ragweed like I do

    • @heatherkb2839
      @heatherkb2839 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Still listening to Ragweed today.. Miss them so much..

    • @garcjr
      @garcjr 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'd say their more like Alt. Country but yeah I can definitely hear the Red Dirt style in their music.

  • @percycardona
    @percycardona 4 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    ☝🏼"YOU FORGOT RANCHERA MUSIC!!" Ha ha! Relax Grady. You're doing a fine job. Great video as always. 😁👍🏻

    • @filianablanxart8305
      @filianablanxart8305 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well , Ranchera was heavily influenced by the influence of Germans/ Czechs who settled into what became Texas , who in turn have ever since also directly influenced Texas Music .

    • @des7406
      @des7406 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@filianablanxart8305 Isn't that Norteno music?

    • @filianablanxart8305
      @filianablanxart8305 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm not an expert . My understanding is they are closely related , and at times can overlap . ( Insert various examples of sub genres that have different terminology but are actually identical , and those widely assumed to be same thing that actually have important musical differences .)
      But please , any reasonably knowledgeable people out there educate me . Are there any Bright Lines of instrumental tunings , chord structures , song structure , etc that definitively set them apart ?

  • @gavinlangston603
    @gavinlangston603 4 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    "The Bones" is an example of good country pop. I love that song.

  • @denniscallahan6005
    @denniscallahan6005 4 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Ballad is the antithesis of Country Music. A starting place is Lead Belly then John Lomax's cowboy song collection. Be safe and stay COUNTRY Y'all.

  • @kagb86
    @kagb86 4 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    I've never thought about how multi-faceted country music is, and this was just fascinating to watch.

  • @bassbone9869
    @bassbone9869 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    the Canadian bluegrass scene is absolutely amazing

  • @catherinel.4280
    @catherinel.4280 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Another great Appalachian singer: Charles Wesley Godwin! I've been listening to 'Seneca' on repeat for months, thanks for the rec Grady!

    • @dejan.zivkovic.psiholog
      @dejan.zivkovic.psiholog 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for recommending 😊. Best regards from Serbia 🎉

  • @crystalrock18
    @crystalrock18 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    You forgot Cajun music as a sub genre, it’s all good man I enjoyed this video.

    • @PassiveNights
      @PassiveNights 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cocaine and Rhinestone's episode on it is insane, it starts from before the founding of Canada

  • @calebcolclasure1147
    @calebcolclasure1147 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I would throw in another indie sub genre called Plains Country. Colter Wall is leading the sound that will define plains country. I think those raw, scratchy ballads will see some growth in popularity. Great video!

  • @cstumpy51
    @cstumpy51 4 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    Any time he says “Appalachian”, all I hear is “Apple Action”

    • @GradySmith
      @GradySmith  4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Hahaha that's how you know I live there. Easiest way to spot a non-local is to hear them say AppaLAYcha. It doesn't bother me, but people get weird about it.

    • @parau6870
      @parau6870 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@GradySmith how bout an Apple Action T-Shirt?

    • @retrobeast2745
      @retrobeast2745 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Grady Smith sure as shit bothers me when folks say it wrong. My dad went to Appalachia University, he'll tell ya

    • @beardoggin8963
      @beardoggin8963 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That is because he says it correctly. Hell where I’m from we say it APP-Latchun

    • @kalebthomas5528
      @kalebthomas5528 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I heard the exact same thing

  • @Revex08
    @Revex08 4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    This video should blow up. Do you like Colter Wall? I was surprised to not see him pop up in Appapachian!

    • @cyberkinght18945
      @cyberkinght18945 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I am live 2 hours from where he grew up haha. Honestly seen him categorized as so many different genres. Though i was they woupld play him more on the radio in sask

    • @Revex08
      @Revex08 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@cyberkinght18945 that's awesome! Cyberknight! What would you classify him as?

    • @lazturner800
      @lazturner800 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I think a Canadian would possibly be offended being defined Appalachian 😂 to me, Colter is just pure classic Country music. He plays a lot of old cowboy songs and his originals talk of simple, country living. In the same vein as Childers and Simpson but without that "mountain music" vibe. It's darker and more stripped back. I guess what I'm trying to say is, Colter Wall is the absolute dogs bollocks.

    • @cyberkinght18945
      @cyberkinght18945 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Revex08 i would think probably neotradional or probably texas. Definitely has a interesting sound!

    • @retrobeast2745
      @retrobeast2745 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Larry Turner no based off his album Imaginary Appalachia(keyword) I doubt he'd take it as an insult, and he does have a fairly Appalachian sound

  • @wewantyourblo0d
    @wewantyourblo0d 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    There's a video of "Murder on Music Row" here on TH-cam that's super interesting to watch. Apparently they hadn't announced beforehand that they were going to play it, and not once do the cameras pan to the audience, because apparently it shocked a lot of people.

  • @chloegratsounas956
    @chloegratsounas956 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this video Grady! You really pulled together all the pieces I've been trying to put together in my head from a lot of your videos. Keep it up!

  • @racineapplegate1884
    @racineapplegate1884 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is one of my favorite videos you’ve ever made!! Loved hearing some of the names of great artists I’ve discovered since watching your videos.

  • @Corporis
    @Corporis 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    This must've been a bear to make. Great work Grady, some of your best work yet

  • @avitalarazi6456
    @avitalarazi6456 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I don’t know who you are. Where you came from. How I stumbled on this channel. I have a lot of questions. I somewhere fell down a four hour rabbit hole watching your channel and became an instant country fan and subscribed. I don’t know what you’re doing but keep doing it haha. This is amazing. Found so many cool songs

    • @shelbybrackett3860
      @shelbybrackett3860 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I relate to this comment so much. 😂
      Except I’ve always been a country fan. 😁

  • @mc39S686
    @mc39S686 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You covered so many genres and I love it! Cosmic country is fairly new but it’s one of my favorites

  • @truesweetness7244
    @truesweetness7244 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have been looking for someone talking on this subject for so long! You defined it so well. You sir, got yourself a subscriber.

  • @christinexjuly
    @christinexjuly 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for this Grady!!!! This might be one of my favorite videos you've ever made (along with the artwork commissioning)! I'm infinitely fascinated by the shifting identity of country music and all its sub-genres. When I tell people I like "country music" they usually think it's just one thing, but I'm like "no it's actually soooo diverse" and I love pretty much everything in this genre (with a few exceptions, i.e. boyfriend country, rap / trap) so I really appreciate you laying it all out :D also totally agree: the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know.

  • @gunnerman21
    @gunnerman21 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wonderful video, as always. Would love to see more content covering Southern Rock! Regardless, this is easily one of my favorite channels on TH-cam. Thanks for all you do!

  • @TheCraftBin
    @TheCraftBin 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    *clicks immediately because sub-genres are confusing and wondering keeps me up at night*

  • @RockstarBia
    @RockstarBia 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just stumbled on this video after searching “country for beginners” and for sure will explore more! Always been curious to understand a bit more but no idea really what to start listening first and didn’t want to just shuffle any playlist.. thank you for being so passionate and sharing with us! Will be exploring the other videos on this channel 😃

  • @oldbay2
    @oldbay2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    When’s the midterm and final? We need a part 2

  • @JonnyZye
    @JonnyZye 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Colter Wall is BADASS! Also...I'd love to see more Soul Country/Blues Country. Even mainstream stuff like "Tennessee Whiskey", "Rumor", and "You Make it Easy". Love those types of tracks 🔥

    • @hangar18megadethfan42
      @hangar18megadethfan42 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Listen too Ray Charles country album,!

    • @JonnyZye
      @JonnyZye 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@hangar18megadethfan42 I love Ray Charles' Country album. Would love to hear more of that type of stuff these days!

  • @kalebgonzalez3619
    @kalebgonzalez3619 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Though brief I love how you took the time to make a small side note about Koe Wetzel. He’s an artist who definitely does his own thing and strays away from not only the mainstream country music but also the mainstream Texas music scene as well

  • @ShakeyTailASB
    @ShakeyTailASB 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was an awesome breakdown! Ive gravitated towards specific sounds in "country music" for years and you really helped me pinpoint what I was actually enjoying the most! (Americana/Indie) I cant wait to explore these subgenres more and discover new artists/music

  • @dominicsecondo9357
    @dominicsecondo9357 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Billy Strings is definitely one of the best shows you could ever attend he’s so passionate about the sounds he creates with his band,and never fails to put on a great show I’d say that he’s one of the main heads of Bluegrass music today

    • @heatherking9974
      @heatherking9974 ปีที่แล้ว

      i love billy strings

    • @retroblue69696
      @retroblue69696 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      zach bryan too but hes more americana

  • @sk1ppercat912
    @sk1ppercat912 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Coltor Wall’s dad was the Premier (Canada’s title for a governor) of the province I live in for most of my memory. He recently left politics but it’s kinda neat seeing him rise up in sask even though the province is pretty divided on his dad. And seeing him move into more and more main stream is cool

  • @coltoncroskey9769
    @coltoncroskey9769 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video Grady, really well done! This kind of discussion fascinates me so thank you for making this video, one of my favorites so far!

  • @redhotdiscoboy
    @redhotdiscoboy 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Grady, great video and channel as a whole. It's awesome to see you reppin Virginia as well! This is the type of content that this genre needs. A little more mainstream coverage on very influential and important genre that typically doesn't get much. Keep up the great work, you just got a new sub!

  • @sallymaria
    @sallymaria 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thank you, that was really interesting. I can't claim to be a country fan, I'm a British Home Free fan who has found that I enjoy some other country music - but I liked being able to identify a bit more about the music of contemporary artists whose names I see being flung around.

  • @stephenbarcus5529
    @stephenbarcus5529 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Have you heard any of Vincent Neil Emerson? Very laid back voice with an older country sound. Would definitely recommend.

  • @lp.2262
    @lp.2262 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Grady Smith, thank you so much for this! As a non-American, I've been looking for a guide to look for good country music outside of Johnny Cash and Chris Stapleton, who are my favorites currently. More power to you, man, and I'm always looking for new recommendations!

  • @emilychacon9333
    @emilychacon9333 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was fantastic! So informative and well put together!

  • @awolfofchaos3211
    @awolfofchaos3211 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I would love to see a video on your top 10 best country songs that spread awareness or a positive message. Songs like "Alyssa Lies" - Jason Michael Carroll, "What If She's An Angel" - Tommy Shane Steiner, "The Little Girl" - John Michael Montgomery.

  • @natalie4973
    @natalie4973 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I loved this! I’d say there’s a huge difference between country (and all the sub group you mentioned) and Western music. Western music is heavily tied to cowboy poetry. It most just a long story with a guitar or a fun play on words. Even the modern western (think Corb Lund) still has these elements just more guitar and instruments. Awesome video!

  • @alanjacobs5215
    @alanjacobs5215 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I found your video very interesting. I got into country about 4 years ago and it's mainly all I listen to nowadays. Keep up the good work as you are a natural when it comes to narration and come across very well indeed. Well done.

  • @matthewpalikij6834
    @matthewpalikij6834 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the best video you’ve done! I watch it regularly to get new people to listen to and new sub genres to jump into.

  • @LeeAllanSpades
    @LeeAllanSpades 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My favorite subgenre is Southern Gothic. It is less a genre that people dedicate themselves to, but will usually have a single song on an album that fits this mood. Like "Maneater" by Blue Eyed Blondes or "Bottom of the River" by Delta Rae.

    • @evacody1249
      @evacody1249 ปีที่แล้ว

      Because at the end of the day the Goth subculture would never expect it because it has nothing tondonwith Goth music.

  • @ChefPleasure
    @ChefPleasure 4 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Should we be expecting a “Wild World” review soon

    • @courtney.22
      @courtney.22 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I hope so

    • @aliceroared
      @aliceroared 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      he tweeted last night that he started listening to kip's new music so i'd expect so!

  • @fieldysgrl98
    @fieldysgrl98 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm so glad i found your channel and subscribed. I had never heard of Colter Wall until this video. Didnt think i would like that type of country but i cant stop playing his music.

  • @stephaniezengler3715
    @stephaniezengler3715 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is so beautifully organized. That must have taken forever, and it looks so good!!

  • @paralykeet-
    @paralykeet- 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    "Early Sturgill"- you mean Sturg up until Sound and Fury- which I consider a pivotal moment in music in general. Highly influencial country artist cuts a heavy metal record, and it sounds amazing. Where would you pin Paul Cauthen?

  • @velvet4299
    @velvet4299 4 ปีที่แล้ว +263

    Country trap makes me want to set myself on fire

    • @ethan-jy4ld
      @ethan-jy4ld 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      same. it shouldn't even be a genre, what's the point of including country in it, it's not like it's trap with fiddle and steel, it's trap with little twang

    • @americanpig-dog7051
      @americanpig-dog7051 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Not me. It makes me want to set the people who make it on fire.

    • @brc050100
      @brc050100 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed

    • @aristotleasparaguspodcast1129
      @aristotleasparaguspodcast1129 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      I like Old Town Road. But all the white country artists (looking at you Sam Hunt) took it seriously and actually thought it was normal to fuse trap and country and it must stop

    • @velvet4299
      @velvet4299 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@aristotleasparaguspodcast1129 I enjoyed Sam Hunts debut album but this recent one is just bad. Its awful. Hard to Forget is just horrible

  • @JackMarshallAtSea
    @JackMarshallAtSea 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video, Grady. So glad to see Kelsey Waldon get a shout out, too!

  • @mattnatwhitt5082
    @mattnatwhitt5082 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I think you did a great job describing it. I would have mentioned Western Swing as it’s own genre but that’s probably because I grew up in Texas where Western swing has its roots. My great grandparents had a house with a breezeway. On Saturday nights they would clear out the furniture from the rooms and a couple of folks would play the fiddle and guitar in the breezeway while the rooms on either side were used to dance and serve food. They were all ranchers and farmers.

  • @melissaparsons3291
    @melissaparsons3291 4 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    I agree with most of the sub genres, but bluegrass is its own genre. It uses similar instruments as country, but it has a distinct storytelling style and sound. Similar to how jazz is not a sub genre of classical but its own genre.

    • @tennesseeguitar897
      @tennesseeguitar897 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Thank You. Yeah bluegrass was actually formed by the Scottish and African american slaves that came over. Most people don't know that the banjo actually originated from Africa. But bluegrass has always just been known as like the grandfather of country music. Country is a descendant of bluegrass, but bluegrass, in my onion, is hardly a sub genre to it.

    • @danielemarini7471
      @danielemarini7471 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Classical and jazz are actually opposites. The former is based on the adherence to a music sheet and the latter mostly improvised

    • @filianablanxart8305
      @filianablanxart8305 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Bluegrass is NOT generic generic Scott/ Irish mountain folk music , it is a specific style , invented by one man in 1947 . The Traditional Bluegrass community is very ruthless in maintaining their boundaries . In some ways that is confining , but it's justified in that if they didn't , they would be diluted to the point of non- existence within 5 years .
      For a fuller approach to what actual Mountain Folks played on the front porch in the 1700's , 1800's , and 1900's before the emergence of radio , would be Old Time aka Old Tyme . All but non- commercial , it would today be a sub- sub- genre of Americana if anything .
      From its invention thru mid 1950's Bluegrass co- existed with Country , but as Country evolved forewards , Bluegrass spun off to be its own seperate genre .

    • @filianablanxart8305
      @filianablanxart8305 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Bluegrass is rigid in its canonical instrumentation . : Fiddle , 3 Finger Banjo, Mandolin , ( Big body) Accoustic Guitar , Upright Bass , and Dobro . If there is any instrument Not one of those six , then by definition , it ain't Bluegrass . Most mainstream Country won't have any of those other than Accoustic Guitar . The semi- accepted variant is electric Bass , IF played in exactly same style as an upright Bass . Mainly because when a BG group would travel to gigs in one car , it was easier to put a Fender Precision Bass in the trunk , than to strap an Upright Bass on the roof .
      Y'all might think I'm exagerating . If someone would bring an electric guitar to a BG Jam , everyone else just packs up and leaves . I've seen the arrival of an accordion have half the room leave . A Dulcimer or Autoharp would be politely greeted and allowed to sit in . And the BG players would probably sincerely admire their instruments . But also nicely point out that while absolutely authentic to the olden days, that they probably wouldn't be able to be heard , and did they also play another instrument ?

    • @interruptor
      @interruptor 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jazz has nothing to do with Classical, other than both being listened to by cartoon metropolitan intellectuals. One was the music of the European elites, the other has its roots in Blues and Ragtime, the music of African slaves and their descendants in America.

  • @christophervaca7116
    @christophervaca7116 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The first Americana band was The Band. Their self-titled debut came out in 1969.

    • @eliberdinner4808
      @eliberdinner4808 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      "Traditional American songs that never existed, as played by Canadians," as my mother would say. (Four Canadians and one American, actually)

  • @adel1x875
    @adel1x875 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been so interested in these diff country genres and this explains a lot! thank you for this vid brother

  • @MadameLuna17
    @MadameLuna17 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You're talking about the Dunning-Kruger effect! Super common, glad to hear it mentioned!

  • @michelle.pearl.
    @michelle.pearl. 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Honestly, videos like this just prove people who say "I like everything but country" have no idea what music sounds like outside of the same three playlists on Spotify.

  • @justinwong4203
    @justinwong4203 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I feel like the more “country music” I listen to the less I’m able to categorize the subgenes. Especially differentiating country, folk, Americana, and Appalachia and colter wall. Lots of artists check so many boxes and share so many sub-genres that it’s almost been impossible for me to definitively put one artist in one category.

    • @maggiemcgee8487
      @maggiemcgee8487 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I definitely struggle with this too. Especially with more people becoming aware of this kind of music and music becomes easier to do without a big record label (think Zach Bryan recording in a barn)

  • @claraolson91
    @claraolson91 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Grady!! This video was amazing. I hope you consider doing more educational “Country 101” stuff. I’m new to listening to the genre and this really helped me appreciate the distinction between sub genres. More “noob-friendly” videos would be awesome

  • @kristopherunderwood4203
    @kristopherunderwood4203 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this video Grady!! Fantastic stuff.

  • @regoszep258
    @regoszep258 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Honestly there are some really catchy bro country songs that I love to listen! Even tho they aren’t very sparking lyrically. They have a great vibe!

  • @MultiRedWolf2
    @MultiRedWolf2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I’m suprised The Cadillac Three wasn’t mentioned for southern rock, or just in general.

    • @xchemicalxkilljoyx
      @xchemicalxkilljoyx 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      YES! I absolutely love them! Favorite band by far, but unfortunately, not as popular as Whiskey Myers, and other BIG names in southern rock. Hopefully they'll get there some day, they deserve it

  • @masonx54
    @masonx54 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is a great video, Grady! Nice work!

  • @TheNascarfan999
    @TheNascarfan999 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    The whole video was great, but that Knowledge/Expertise chart is spot on for so many things in life.

  • @fk4515
    @fk4515 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Ah but go back to the days of the Nashville Sound when there was so much control held in the hands of a few select producers and not much room for deviation. Go back to the days when crossovers only went one way, away from Country. And no one talks about the regionality in Country Music. I grew up with WJJD in Chicago and moved to Michigan just before I started High School listening to WITL. First job I worked after school was in Western Oklahoma, heard a lot more Western Swing and more music from Canada out there and some of the stuff I heard in Michigan was unheard of in Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. With Southern Rock and the outlaw movement of the 70's we saw borders get soft. Then look at specific albums like Bob Seger's "Against the wind" that was more country than rock but got no play on the country statins then look at Steve Earl's "Copperhead Road" the album that had the sticker on it telling the stores to display it in the rock area and maybe half of it was rock. Then consider bands like The Charlie Daniels Band that carried on a tradition of a little of something for everyone on their albums, a carry over from the early days when they were a house band and wanted to entertain who ever walked in the door.

  • @kubby6129
    @kubby6129 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I have to give it to you for splitting Red Dirt and Texas country. Bravo, I’m from Wichita Falls so I definitely find myself struggling between the divide

  • @PapaSmurf11182nd
    @PapaSmurf11182nd 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm a huge metal fan and it seems like country is a lot like metal in the fact that there's so much more complexity in the styles and sub-genres then people would think.

  • @donkeysaurusrex7881
    @donkeysaurusrex7881 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice video! This one will be an evergreen video and make it to million views even if it takes some time. Hope we get a sequel or two some day.
    Good to finally hear what this Appalachian country you talk about is. Long White Line is a classic, but I am iffy on everything else by Sturgill.
    I’m not sure there’s been a complete country and western merger as you allude to. Folks often do lots of country and some western, but the western songs are distinct.
    Hard to hear about Southern Rock without someone mentioning Capricorn Records, but it is also good to see someone else acknowledge it is bigger than Capricorn Records too.
    As you said there’s a lot more to cover, but even if it is dead and buried it would have been nice to see a shout-out for the Bakersfield Sound.

  • @Angryoyster
    @Angryoyster 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I just like music, if I like a song I listen to it don’t care what sub genre it is.

  • @thewordshifter
    @thewordshifter 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Whenever country wants to finally get into exploring tejano music, I'm here for it

  • @maconner99
    @maconner99 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    For the record, I’ve always viewed Reddirt/Texas as one sub genre. All of those artists tour with each other, in fact most of the Reddirt artists like Canada, McClure, etc. have moved to TX. I went to University in Stillwater, OK in the 80’s. I was at the Great Divide’s first concert. The bar seen in Stillwater was amazing.

  • @jamgrieve
    @jamgrieve 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was the video I was waiting for. Thank you.

  • @silenttempest7
    @silenttempest7 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    What about Southern Gothic, Dark Country and Western Rock?

    • @hangar18megadethfan42
      @hangar18megadethfan42 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hank Williams iii is a good example!

    • @PassiveNights
      @PassiveNights 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nick Cave?

    • @coleglaser5991
      @coleglaser5991 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Colter Wall

    • @evacody1249
      @evacody1249 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PassiveNights Nick Cave has nothing to do with country music nor does Goth or Gothic music.

  • @CavemanDan54
    @CavemanDan54 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    "Beach Country" I've always call Coastal Country, sounds better lol

    • @duboz2976
      @duboz2976 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That’s funny I’ve always called it “Tropical” but Coastal sounds better

  • @TimGarrisonMusic
    @TimGarrisonMusic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great Video Grady! Yeah, I hear ya, just skimming the surface. Never mind what I see in my area of expertise of the faith based side of things. You've got Southern Gospel, Christian Country, Country Gospel, Positive Country and so on which all can be very close or at least related. Great job with the video, keep it up man, great content!

  • @Treyton1212
    @Treyton1212 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Nice little context things on the timeline of this video

  • @wyattbarr2583
    @wyattbarr2583 4 ปีที่แล้ว +135

    Boyfriend country is easily my least favorite type of music ever. It’s so boring it literally makes me cringe when I hear it

    • @bagels377
      @bagels377 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Its the worst

    • @ebyas89
      @ebyas89 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Its garbage. I hate it

    • @rred8674
      @rred8674 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      It's very insincere. It feels like clear pandering for a dollar.

    • @trentopinto5
      @trentopinto5 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I totally agree. I'd rather listen to almost any other genre.

    • @davidlfort
      @davidlfort 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Bro country is mine. God how I hate it. Boyfriend country (I admit I only know about it because of Grady) at least harkens back to traditional country love songs, somewhat.

  • @smallvillefnf
    @smallvillefnf 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’m going to be honest here, but I really prefer the in-depth analysis like this.

  • @TheEagleEnigma
    @TheEagleEnigma 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    every time i watch one of your videos i feel like i learn something. as a very country beginner this is really helpful. keep on keeping on grady! PS, speaking as a fellow virginian, fantastic shirt :)

  • @janetclements8988
    @janetclements8988 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I agree that it's very hard to define, and you've done a great job describing all the categories. I liked your fluid definitions with example artists and songs. I also read and watched Ken Burns' description of Country music, and I loved it! It's a good reference to recommend. However, as a Canadian, I can assure you that it's just, "Country" music up here!

  • @songnotes
    @songnotes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    In the parlance of our times

  • @jonathanfranklinmiller3334
    @jonathanfranklinmiller3334 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    i like your shirt man your wearing my state the good ole aplachian mountians and he has my town on here good ole small town bristol

    • @GradySmith
      @GradySmith  4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Whoa, you're from the birthplace of the whole genre!

    • @monstertruckfan2324
      @monstertruckfan2324 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I noticed (and love) the shirt as well. I was thinking about posting something about the shirt but decided to read the comments first. I'm also from VA and have listened to country for so many years. I stopped for the most part basically because of the "new" stuff from a few years back. I still listen to my cds and mp3s of the good stuff though. Just found this YT channel and I'll be subscribing.

    • @Jess-ix8do
      @Jess-ix8do 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I noticed it too! Haha Appalachia is definitely a different sub genre and let’s be honest a different way of life. We even have our own way of speaking. I’m weird though in that my family is part Cajun part Appalachian so basically we butcher the English language all the time 😂😂😂😂

  • @manolo6605
    @manolo6605 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, although I did need to rinse my ears out after hearing those “Country Rap” snippets. Keep up the great work Grady, I love your channel. Greetings from Texas.

  • @kimberlyb33
    @kimberlyb33 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I enjoy watching your videos, they are always so informative.