Students at NDB are noticing country music now more than ever before. What used to feel like a small genre is suddenly everywhere.
It is not just a few fans either. Streaming numbers are up, concerts are selling out and the genre that used to be considered niche is now very popular. Part of the appeal is that the songs celebrate American life. Small towns, hard work, love, heartbreak. For many students, it feels familiar and even a little patriotic.
“I almost used to be like, when I was younger, almost embarrassed that I listened to country music because no one else did … but I feel like, definitely over the last … few years, I’ve noticed a lot more people just going to country music concerts and listening to more … stuff like that,” shared senior Lily Logan.
Favorite country artists vary across the school. Some common performers include Kacey Musgraves, Morgan Wallen, Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan. Each artist has a style that draws listeners in and keeps them coming back.
“[My favorite country music artists are] Morgan Wallen and Zach Top, probably because I saw them both in concert. So … every time I see someone in concert, I always like them more. But yeah, they both have super good music,” said sophomore Stella Slezak.
There is no doubt that social media has helped a lot with the resurgence. TikTok and Instagram have made it easier for younger audiences to discover both new and traditional country artists. On these platforms, a song can go viral overnight, introducing listeners to artists they may not have heard before.
Junior Arden Enright says, “I’ve found that social media has made country music a lot more like accessible for everyone. It’s definitely popularized one of my favorite artists, Tyler Childers, especially his song “All Yourn,” but I love that he’s finally getting the attention he deserves.”
Most students think this comeback is here to stay. New artists honor traditional roots while keeping the sound fresh. That combination is helping country music reach more people and stay relevant.
“I feel like [country music] will stay [popular]. I think … compared to … some older country music from … the 90s … it’s more like country pop … I feel like a new era of country music in terms of not only people listening to it, but what artists are producing,” explained Logan.
At NDB, students listening to country music are part of a bigger trend. The genre is more than just entertainment. It connects people to American culture, community and shared experiences, which may be why it is resonating so strongly today among listeners.
