Nashville’s musicians have a habit of engaging in cultural disputes both onstage and online.
“It really is weird right now,” one anonymous country music manager told Rolling Stone. “Country music has always been this kind of neighborhood where everyone gets along. We had everyone’s back. But it doesn’t feel that way anymore. The heels are dug in more than ever. It’s pretty heavy.”
The manager claimed that online feuds and backstage distances between artists have slowly ripped the industry apart. The manager said that the standoffish interaction is unquestionably a result of the opposing ideologies, societal beliefs, and political views that have engulfed the U.S.
He said, “I have always liked seeing people backstage in the halls.” But it’s nothing like that. You avoid people when they are talking politics behind the scenes. Previously, everyone left their dressing room doors open. “The doors are closed now.”
Romeo Entertainment Group’s President R.J. Romeo said that the industry was “not immune” to the concerns of the country.
There’s more division in this country than ever before. He said that this would show in the opinions of music and other things.
The majority of notable entertainers undergo extensive media and PR training. Their responses are often controlled and measured. However, the temptations that social media and heated debates have brought to artists have led them to show their “less polished” or true selves.
Over the past year, the country music industry has been roiled by several controversies that have pitted entertainers against each other.
Brittany Aldean posted on Facebook in August that she would like to thank her parents for not changing her gender when she went through a tomboy phase.
Cassadee and Maren Pope, both singers, slammed Brittany’s comments as “transphobic”.
Aldean received backlash after releasing the song “Try That In A Small Town” from other musicians and some media members.
Dare Aldean to compose his own next single. Jason Isbell, a singer-songwriter from a small town, tweeted: “That’s what we do in my little town.”
Romero acknowledged that he and members of his team expressed reluctance when booking a liberal singer for a conservative area in California. Romero stated that these ruminations were rare in the past, but “factor” into the conversation today.
The unnamed manager also stated that culture wars have a greater impact on decisions regarding booking artists.
Are we going to get on with them? What will they post on social media that could affect the tour, and what is their plan? What will they post on Twitter that you suddenly find yourself on CNN defending them? “You have to be very careful about who you associate yourself with,” he said.
This icy attitude between fans of country music and the artists is also evident at festivals such as Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach.
Rendy Lovelady said that 10 or 15 years ago, people from all walks of life would gather in circles to sing old country songs. They would also pull out their instruments. Today, “comradery” has decreased.
Lovelady stated that “they tend to stay within their own communities.”
A producer claimed that artists do not mention other entertainers they want to avoid in their lineup.
Nobody said that they didn’t want them around because they disagreed with their views. He said, “But they just kind of do it.”
Lovelady, despite the controversy, said that he did not think the culture wars or politics had interfered with his company. According to him, the most important thing is selling tickets. He doesn’t care if the actors hate each other. If they keep their issues to themselves, everyone has a chance on the stage.
