While there has been a steady rise in traditional-leaning country music — complete with fiddles and steel guitars — another trend is picking up steam in Nashville. Country music seems to be flirting with electronic dance music (EDM), leading to a fascinating evolution within the genre.
What Is Country Electronic Dance Music?
Country electronic dance music represents a captivating blend of traditional cowboy tales and cutting-edge electronic sounds. Though the classic core of “three chords and the truth” will likely remain untouched, genre experimentation is becoming increasingly common. Historically, country isn’t a stranger to pop influences, and many artists have dabbled in styles like hip-hop and trap — with Morgan Wallen leading the charge with his boundary-pushing tracks.
The trend of merging dance music with country has gained notable traction, particularly during festivals like Stagecoach. At this renowned event, DJ and producer Diplo has hosted a dedicated Honky Tonk stage, where he and fellow producers remix existing country tracks, infusing them with new life. This crossover not only captures different audiences but also showcases the evolving landscape of country music.
Country Music’s History With Electronic Dance Music
While some may view this blend as a fleeting trend or a festival gimmick, the relationship between country and dance music has deeper roots. Consider “Cotton-Eyed Joe” by Rednex, a song that transformed a 1920s folk tune into a club sensation in the 1990s. Its infectious energy still resonates in dance circles today.
As time progressed, artists began to push boundaries even further. Diplo’s shift into the country realm became official with the release of his 2020 project, Chapter 1: Snake Oil. Featuring collaborations with names like Wallen and Thomas Rhett, this project signaled a significant embrace of country among EDM producers. Beyond Diplo, the likes of Avicii with “Hey Brother” and Tiësto, who collaborated with Alana Springsteen on “Hot Honey,” reinforce this intriguing mix.
Further examples include Marshmello’s partnerships with Kane Brown and Thomas Rhett, as well as the newly launched collaboration between the electronic duo Two Friends and Dustin Lynch titled “Save a Little Love.” Their upcoming country-EDM festival, Big Boots Land, scheduled for December in Nashville, showcases the increasing sophistication of these cross-genre projects.
Will Country EDM Become a New Genre?
The short answer to whether country EDM will emerge as a widely recognized genre is no. Each genre maintains its distinct attributes, deeply rooted in cultural narratives and sonic characteristics. Rather than entirely replacing country music, EDM influences enrich the genre’s tapestry, similar to how rock, pop, and hip-hop artists blend their styles with country.
16 Hip-Hop and R&B Stars Who’ve Gone Country
These out-of-genre talents range from mildly country-curious to full-blown genre swapping. Here are 16 instances when hip-hop and R&B superstars boldly ventured into the country music landscape.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
