Why Country is Cooler Than Ever in 2025
Discover why Country music is making waves, with chart-topping collaborations and social media propelling the genre to new heights.
- By Bryony Louise
- blog
- Updated: 18th December 2024
Country, It’s Cooler Than Ever in 2025.
This aint Texas. Or is it? Has Beyonce single-handedly caused a soar in the popularity of Country music in the UK this year? I certainly don't think we can blame it all on her, but statistics show there has been a staggering 67% rise in popularity for Country artists according to the Official Charts during the first half of 2024.
So, if you’re in the midst of party planning and an all-American Country theme sounds tempting- I think 2025 could be your year.
Last month, versatile artist Post Malone, who usually dabbles in hip hop/rap unexpectedly teamed up with the ever-popular Morgan Wallen on Number 1 radio play chart-topper ‘I Had Some Help’, showing how truly genre-spanning his success can be.
With Beyonce’s album ‘Cowboy Carter’ already gaining rave reviews and nationwide success, Malone & Wallen couldn't help but triumph with this record. We’re lucky enough here at Bands for Hire to have several country acts that include Tenessee country star Wallen and others in their repertoire.
So Why The Sudden Popularity?
Social media seems to have a lot to do with the huge surge of new Country fans in recent months. Acting as a cliche for so long, the Country music scene felt somewhat stagnant and lacking in fresh ears.
With sites such as TikTok and Instagram offering Country music stars the perfect platforms from which they can reach a far wider audience than ever before, Country fans are now younger, more open-minded, and far more willing to branch out into this once-stereotyped genre.
We have also seen a sharp rise in songs dubbed Country-Pop, Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song (tipsy)’ and of course Beyonce’s aforementioned ‘Texas Hold’em’ for example. Barriers have been broken down by the freedom of streaming, with Spotify plying us with eclectic choices in suggested playlists daily and artists using social media to share new music with us in viral videos.
This is all a far cry from the days of just a few niche Country singers dominating the scene. The work Taylor Swift has done also can't go unnoticed here either. Morphing herself seamlessly from a young rising Country star into the pop world’s biggest superstar, with no less than 12 UK number-one albums, Swift has put Country firmly on the map for today’s young music audience.
Your Americana-themed Country Wedding
If Country music has your heart after its rise in popularity over the past few months, then it should be part of the most important day of your life too. An all-American Country wedding is one filled with life, dancing, romance, and love. Think ranch-style decor- a barn ceremony, natural seating made from hay bales during the drinks reception, and laid-back Western-style attire.
You’d also be looking to hire a country band or duo to liven up the evening and keep your guests dancing. You could opt for a country act like Country Nights - a four-piece who perform well-known pop & rock songs with a classic Country twist - or a stunning duo such as Songbirds to perform beautiful harmonies and melodic guitar rhythms. A great accompaniment to a very special event. Contact Bands for Hire here to enquire about all of the Country acts we have on offer.
Yee Haw, Cowboy!
A stunning acoustic Country duo would be the perfect accompaniment to the drinks reception at a wedding, but what if you’re simply planning a party, perhaps for a big birthday, or corporate event? A western-style barn dance or backyard American festival-style event could be a great option.
To keep your event feeling super current, hire a band that play tracks from the most popular artists touring this year. Classic tracks from Taylor’s back catalogue, Country-adjacent pop songs from Sheryl Crow (who is performing across the UK this June), and the iconic sounds of the UK’s very own Country duo - The Shires.
Combine this with a Western dress code for your guests inspired by the likes of Pharell Williams who has recently designed a Country collection for Louis Vuitton, or unexpected Stagecoach festival guests Kendall Jenner and Megan Fox sporting chaps, cowboy boots, and Daisy Duke shorts.
Must-See Country Events in the UK!
Country to Country
C2C takes place across three city sites; London, Glasgow & Belfast in March each year, and is Europe’s largest & most successful Country music festival. Expect three days of the world’s best Country stars straight out of Nashville along with rising talent from across the UK.
You may have missed this year’s offering, with headline sets from Kane Brown, Old Dominion, and Brad Paisley, but this event is one worth keeping on your radar as the standard is consistently high. For Country fans nationwide, this is one not to miss.
Black Deer Festival
This event classifies itself as a celebration of Americana & Country music. An open air, family-friendly long weekend of Country, Folk, Bluegrass & Blues situated in the most stunning location at Eridge Park, Kent.
The festival takes place mid-June each year so this is another one you’ll need to wait for, but keep a look out for earlybird 2025 tickets. So if you’re planning to transport yourself to the Deep South for a fully immersive weekend of storytelling, musical talent and community spirit, why not secure your entry now.
The British Country Music Festival
Something for those in the North- the impressive British Country Music Festival takes place at Blackpool’s famous Winter Gardens in August/Sept annually. There are still weekend tickets available for 2025 but you’ll need to be quick.
Focus here lies on UK singer songwriters championing Country music this side of the pond. This relatively new (flagship year being 2019) independent festival has gone from strength to strength and now pulls in impressive crowds each year.
The Long Road Festival
Taking place at the end of August in rural Leicestershire, The Long Road Festival offers us the perfect mix of music & lifestyle from the Country & Western world. This year two huge names - Don Mclean and Russell Dickerson are headlining the event, which also offers plenty more than just music.
The activities line up boasts eating contests, dog shows and square dances. If Americana culture and a taste of the deep South is your bag, Long Road may well be the one for you this year.
BST Hyde Park Morgan Wallen
Every year, British Summer Time at Hyde Park offers us the most incredible names in the current music world, including SZA, Kings of Leon, Stevie Nicks and the one we simply cant miss- chart topping Country sensation Morgan Wallen.
As previously mentioned our Country acts here at Bands for Hire adore Wallen and he’s a regular feature on many of their impressive repertoires.
If you’re planning a Country-inspired event and would like to hire a band, musician or duo to liven things up, this is where we come in. At Bands for Hire, we offer a bespoke service, helping you every step of the way.
We’ll recommend the perfect act for your event and work with you throughout the planning to ensure everything goes smoothly and your event is as memorable as possible.
Contact us today to enquire about hiring a band, DJ or solo act.
