For fans of Beyoncé’s country-inspired album COWBOY CARTER
BY FIONA FLETCHER REID, IMAGES VIA ALBUM COVERS
“This ain’t a Country album,” declared Beyoncé, ahead of the release of her now record-breaking album COWBOY CARTER.
The Grammy-award-winning artist took to social media to dispel the notion that she’d be going full country and instead, paying homage to the genre while maintaining her unique sound. She meant it when she said: “This is a “Beyoncé” album.”
Following its release on 29 March, COWBOY CARTER became Spotify’s most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far. It also debuted at number two on the Apple Music chart.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that country music is having a moment thanks to Beyoncé’s new album, but Billboard had already reported country music consumption was up 20.3% year-on-year in the first half of 2023.
As one of the most influential musicians of her generation, Beyoncé has consistently used her enormous platform to advocate for LGBTQIA rights and representation. COWBOY CARTER features country legends Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, but notably, also highlights lesser-known Black artists such as Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts, underscoring Bey’s commitment to celebrating marginalised voices.
If bangers like TEXAS HOLD ‘EM and JOLENE have got you itching to dive into the country genre through a queer lens, here are some artists we suggest you add to your playlist.
Brandi Carlile
Widely considered to be one of the best Americana and country artists of all time, Brandi Carlile is also a lesbian icon. Alongside releasing seven studio albums and winning nine Grammy awards, Carlile is a voracious activist who regularly donates profits to LGBTQIA causes. Her music is a catchy blend of folk, country, pop and rock, and is hallmarked by her powerful vocals and gospel harmonies. Some of Carlile’s most well-known songs include The Story, The Joke, Right on Time, and Cannonball.
Brooke Eden
Brooke Eden sings about love and relationships from a queer point of view. One of her most popular songs, Outlaw Love, featured on her EP with the same name, talks about the fear that comes from being in a secret relationship. Speaking to Country Now about the record she said: “I hope these songs empower you to live your life out loud, even if it makes you an outlaw.” For a taste of contemporary country with some sassy lyrics, check out songs like Act Like You Don’t, No Shade, and Sunroof.
Harper Grae
Raised in Alabama, Harper Grae was surrounded by music in the form of her grandpa’s band and Sunday morning choir sessions. She got her big break on the reality show The Glee Project before claiming her place in the country music scene. She released her first album Break Your Crowns in 2017 and put out her second album Confessions of a Good Southern Lady in 2022.
Amythyst Kiah
Amythyst Kiah brings a powerful blend of Americana, blues, and alt-rock to the country scene. Her banjo playing, fingerpicking guitar and soulful vocals serve as the perfect backdrop for her unflinching lyrics. Kiah tackles themes of identity, race, and social justice, giving voice to marginalised experiences with a raw energy that is hard to ignore. With two albums, an EP and a Grammy nomination for her song Black Myself, her genre-hopping sound offers a body of work that reflects her true artistry. Check out her debut album, Wary + Strange.
Joy Oladokun
Joy Oladokun’s music is an uplifting blend of country and folk. Inspired by Tracy Chapman at just 10 years old, Oladokun picked up the guitar and began honing her voice. Exploring themes of faith, self-discovery, and the complexities of existing as a queer Black woman in America, her vocals and catchy hooks have won critical acclaim. For a dose of LGBTQIA joy, listen to the track Sunday, or her latest album, Proof of Life.
Lil Nas X
While most of his music is hip-hop and pop, Lil Nas X’s first hit was a country crossover track called Old Town Road. The country rap song reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot Country chart before it was disqualified for not being “country enough.” The song is a blend of hip-hop and country with a dash of western twang, which sparked a major controversy with many country fans. Lil Nas X’s unapologetic response and the song’s subsequent success challenged traditional definitions of the genre and ignited much-needed conversations about race and inclusion in country music.
Lily Rose
Lily-Rose brings a contemporary edge to her country songs, citing influences like Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Bruce Springsteen and Katy Perry. Her rawness and vulnerability shine through in her breakthrough song, Villain. Although firmly rooted in country, her music incorporates elements of pop and rock, with a hook-driven songwriting style that gives her tunes a modern twist. In 2022, Lily Rose became the first country singer to win the GLAAD Media Award for Breakthrough Music Artist. Check out her latest singles True North and Parking Lot to hear more.
Orville Peck
Orville Peck is an openly gay, elaborate mask-wearing country singer originally from South Africa. Peck blends classic country with influences like Elvis and Roy Orbison through soulful laments. Initially met with scepticism in the country world, he has built a loyal fanbase, especially among LGBTQIA fans who feel represented by his visibility. Though an outsider artist, Peck is regarded as ushering more acceptance and spaces for queer artists in mainstream country music. Check out his two albums, Pony and Bronco.
Katie Pruitt
Praised for her honesty and nuanced vocals, Pruitt uses her platform to speak openly about issues facing LGBTQIA youth. Her music blends rootsy folk with modern Americana vibes, and in 2018, Rolling Stone named Pruitt as one of 10 New Country Artists You Need to Know. Her debut album, Expectations, explores the intersection of being gay and religious. The song Loving You is a self-acceptance anthem about loving who you love, no matter what.
Allison Russell
Allison Russell is a groundbreaking Americana artist whose 2021 debut album Outside Child was a critical smash, earning Russell her first two Grammy nominations including Best Americana Album. Russell’s poetic, emotionally raw songwriting captures human experiences with striking intimacy. Her 2023 album The Returner continued her artistic growth, winning four more Grammy nods and winning Best American Roots Performance for Eve Was Black. Russell brings vital representation to the genre and performs with creativity and conviction, so it’s no surprise that LGBTQIA fans find catharsis through her music.
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