Eric Church is awfully proud of how country music has continued to grow over the years, and rightfully so. The “Record Year” singer has helped contribute to the genre’s ever-increasing popularity with hit songs such as “Springsteen” and “Talladega.”
While speaking to the Las Vegas Sun, Church explained why he believes that country music’s popularity only continues to grow while other genres have lost fans over the years. He thinks it all has to do with the fact that country music is essentially an “American” genre, which is why it is able to speak to so many people.
“Maybe it’s not the No. 1 choice, but they listen to country,” Church said, referring to music listeners. “Consistency, as well. In the 1980s, it was all about rock and roll, and it died. Guns N’ Roses is still on top because their throne hasn’t been challenged. Country has become a bigger umbrella.”
However, part of the reason country music has developed this larger umbrella over the years is due to the increase of pop influences and collaborations. While some country fans enjoy this more “modern” style of country music, others prefer more traditional-sounding artists.
For Church, he says that the whole issue is sort of a double-edged sword. While he’s happy to see country music becoming more popular, he doesn’t necessarily like how it’s changed since obtaining such popularity. He believes the genre has started to lose its original spark, and fears that it could become too bland over time.
“Country has become too homogenized and too commercial,” he expressed. “It has lost what makes it special. It’s great that it’s popular, but then it starts to become watered down.”
While Church is a modern artist, he looks up to one of the most popular classic country singers as a source of inspiration, none other than the King of Country Music himself, George Strait. Church has the highest level of respect for what Strait has managed to accomplish over his career, citing his over 60 number one hits. “Some labels don’t have that!” Church remarked.
Although Church may be worried about country music becoming too formulaic, his own music continues to stand out. His latest single, “Record Year” is proof of that, and the fans responded accordingly. It claimed the tenth spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the 11th on the Billboard Hot Country songs chart, and was also a top ten hit in Canada. You can watch the song’s music video in the clip below.
What do you think of Church’s opinion on modern country music? Do you agree with him?