Previously, the writer mischaracterizes the relationship between songwriters and record labels… now again in this sentence. Songwriters are not associated with or engaged in any contractual arrangement with record labels. Songwriters work with music publishers, who pitch their songs to the recording artist, often through label staff (A&R). So, the implication that there is some kind of strategy between tunesmiths and label execs to dumb down the message and/or deliberately stir up controversy for publicity sake is a fallacy. It doesn’t happen.


What does often happen in mainstream country, as this writer accurately points out, is a pervasive message about “tradition” and small town values aimed at country fans who don’t live in small towns and only ever wear cowboy hats to line dance at some slick Disney version of a honky tonk.

Certainly, Jason Aldean and his wife have revealed themselves to be genuine bigots. However, I’m confused by the comparison to Toby Keith and Allen Jackson, as neither has been intentionally divisive, as has Aldean and others (Hank Jr comes to mind). While Toby is hawkish and overtly “patriotic” he’s also a registered Democrat. And, I don’t recall Jackson ever pandering to the suburban cowboy market the way so many aspiring and successful country performers have (try Florida Georgia Line for a perfect examples of that lowbrow crapolla).

All in all, this is a thoughtful perspective on a hot provocative subject. Unfortunately, the inaccuracies diminish the credibility of the writer.