And that’s not all: Gen Z users have created nearly 90 million playlists containing iconic songs from this genre.
Among the most-shared songs by these young listeners are Shania Twain classics like “You’re Still the One” and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman”, but also “Amazed” by the band Lonestar, and Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee.”
Spotify isn’t the only platform seeing a new country music craze as TikTok has seen a similar phenomenon. In recent months, numerous country music-related dance challenges have popped up on Gen Z’s favorite social network.
The most recent? The #NeonMoon challenge – a name well known to country music fans, since it refers to the American duo Brooks & Dunn’s hit of the same name.
While the original track was released in 1991 on the American duo’s first album, it has returned in force on TikTok thanks to a remix by DJ Noiz. This new version has already amassed more than 105.9 million views, while the #NeonMoon challenge counts more than 9.8 million.
And this comeback is a boon for Brooks & Dunn, who are in the midst of their major United States “Reboot Tour” after more than a decade away. “It’s crazy cool to see all your videos, keep ’em coming!,” said the band via their official TikTok account.
Country comfort
Why is it that young people are suddenly so into country music, a genre that is more often associated with older listeners? Maybe it’s because current times lend themselves to this kind of music.
Indeed, in light of the pandemic, many have found comfort in the repertoire for its calming, comforting qualities.
“Country music is authentic, relatable, and gives you comfort,” says Brittany Schaffer, Spotify’s head of artist and label marketing in Nashville. “You want to be in a place that feels like home at a time when the world feels uncertain.”
Another reason could be that more and more country artists are getting on social media and other digital platforms to reach a wider audience.
A case in point is George Birge, former lead singer and guitarist with Waterloo Revival. The singer from Texas has found something of a following on TikTok with his latest single, “Beer Beer, Truck Truck”.
It all started with a parody video from another TikTok user, Erynn Chambers – Rynnstar to her followers – making fun of how most country songs are about “beer, trucks and girls.”
It’s a cliché Birge sought to challenge in his latest ballad.
“The whole point was to say that, yeah, the country lifestyle may not be as flashy or as fast-paced as the city, but there’s more to it than meets the eye – and if you give me a chance, I’ll show you how good it can be,” the artist said.
And it seems to have worked: “Beer Beer, Truck Truck” was released as a standalone single in June and has over 462,500 views on YouTube. The song also helped Birge bag a contract with a record label in Nashville, Tennessee.