Country is becoming more popular in alternative music circles. But is it kitsch, cool or out of date?
There have been various resurgences over the years in country music and several voices have made themselves heard loud and clear in the Pop-Country world like Shania Twain, Kasey Chambers and Keith Urban but to some, including myself it's always remained just that little bit daggy. However there is a new surge of young Australian musicians pushing the boundaries in 'Alt-Country' trying to make their way into our living rooms and lives. Kasey Chambers has arguably been the most popular name to hit the mainstream airwaves in recent times, certainly setting the stage and more than likely inspiring a few kids to pick up a guitar and feel the music.
Over the last few years various bands and singers like The Audrey's and Bob Evans have been dropping singles here and there and keeping the ball rolling but it seems now more than ever similar bands and musicians are really hitting their stride. Until recently I've always fobbed it off and never given any country the time of day.
Events such as Brisbane's Big Sound or the upcoming Gympie Muster give these acts an opportunity to expose their brand to a wider audience. Now there seems to be a slew of musicians proudly wearing their country influences on their musical sleeves and making their way onto our TVs and radios like Bree De Rome from 'Australia's Got Talent' and the Triple J darling Thelma Plum. What they've managed to do is shake off some of that stigma and carve a new niche that is appealing to a more alternative audience and I'm listening.
We've picked seven of our favourite newcomers that SHOULDN'T be ignored:
The Orbweavers
Thelma Plum
Gina Rose Bruce
Bree De Rome
Henry Wagons
Ruby Boots
Steve Smyth
