THE HOEDOWN SHOWDOWN
Cast off thoughts of Cotton Eye Joe – country just got cool, y’all
WHO? Self-declared “gateway drug” for would-be country music fans, she is the genre’s rebellious younger sister, and the first female solo artist to win Best Country Album at the Grammys, not once but twice.
THE LOOK: Anything with a touch of retro (we’re talking crochet, sequins and dupes of Cher’s iconic ’70s wardrobe) or a frothy gown. See: Musgraves’ pink tulle Giambattista Valli dress at the Oscars (left).
IN THE CROWD: She bossed it at Coachella this year and counts Willie Nelson and Katy Perry as fans. It’s easier to say who isn’t in her gang. SING ALONG TO… High Horse, a disco-infused track with a galloping hook that’ll be stuck in your head all afternoon.
FOR FANS OF: Miranda Lambert (right), Taylor Swift and Ashley Monroe. PEAK COUNTRY LYRIC: “When a horse wants to run, there ain’t no sense in closing the gate. You can have your space, cowboy.”
WHO? A super-smooth goodtimer with music running through his veins – he’s the son of country legend Rhett Akins (right). THE LOOK: A fan of bomber jackets, checked shirts and graphic tees, Rhett’s at risk of being mistaken for a Topman mannequin when
stood still for too long. IN THE CROWD: Folk who listen to the Top 40 and just love to be in love. They’re big fans of using his lyrics as inspiring Instagram captions, too. SING ALONG TO... Look What
God Gave Her – ideal to have on while getting ready for a night out, it’s the (cleaner) country equivalent of Drake’s Fancy.
FOR FANS OF: John Mayer (below), Rascal Flatts and Filmore (who’s also well worth a listen). PEAK COUNTRY LYRIC: “Windows down, country sound, FM on the radio.” Ooh, we can already feel the breeze in our hair.
WHO? This Kentucky native is the most under-the-radar of the bunch, but with a voice so distinctive, you’ll recognise it from the first note.
THE LOOK: Anything your most stylish, vintage-loving friend is currently going mad for. Tea dresses, boots and tattoos. IN THE CROWD: Tumblr kids, Depop sellers and those who are always top of the guest list at secret warehouse gigs. SING ALONG TO... Runnin’, a scuzzy, hellhath-no-fury-likea-woman-scorned soundtrack. One to play as you set your cheating ex’s possessions on fire and watch them burn, baby, burn.
FOR FANS OF: Dolly Parton (below) and Emmylou Harris. PEAK COUNTRY LYRIC: “Singers come from Tennessee and poets come from Texas, and I’m hoping you’ll come back to me when you start feeling restless.”
WHO? Following in the footsteps of queen Shania Twain (right), this is Canada’s newest answer to country. His gravelly voice will give you chills.
THE LOOK: A big ol’ hat, plenty o’ denim and a pained expression. Imagine if Jackson Maine were a real-life person, but had a ginger beard. IN THE CROWD: Whisky-swilling down-and-outs who smell of Amber Leaf. Swoon. SING ALONG TO... Sleeping On The Blacktop. It makes us want to either spit on the floor or stand in a sweaty crowd headbanging with our eyes shut.
FOR FANS OF: Johnny Cash (below), Margo Price and the soundtrack to A Star Is Born. PEAK COUNTRY LYRIC: “Well, who will bring back my Johnny Boy’s Bones, to lay beneath the trees of his Tennessee home?” An important question, if ever there was one.