Nashville's music industry is experiencing a growing divide as musicians distance themselves from those with differing political viewpoints.
While cultural disputes have always been a part of the music scene, both online and onstage, the current climate is causing a noticeable shift in the dynamics of the industry.
"It really is weird right now," said an anonymous country music manager in an interview with Rolling Stone. "Country music has always been this kind of neighborhood where everyone gets along. We had everyone's back. But it doesn't feel that way anymore. The heels are dug in more than ever. It's pretty heavy."
According to the manager, backstage interactions have become standoffish, and public feuds on social media have further pulled the industry apart. These strained relationships are a direct result of opposing ideologies and societal beliefs that have deeply divided the United States.
"I've always enjoyed seeing people in the hallways backstage," the manager explained. "But it's not like that anymore. You tend to avoid people because everyone talks politics backstage. Everyone used to leave their dressing room doors open. The doors are shut now."
R.J. Romeo, President of Romeo Entertainment Group, acknowledged that the music industry is not immune to the larger concerns of the country. "There's more divisiveness in the country now than ever before. That's going to show up in opinions on music and everything," he said.
In recent years, several controversies have erupted within the country music scene, often pitting entertainers against one another. Last August, Jason Aldean's wife, Brittany Aldean, made a comment on social media that sparked backlash. Singer Cassadee Pope and Maren Morris accused her of being "transphobic."
Aldean faced further criticism when he released the song "Try That in a Small Town." Other artists, including singer-songwriter Jason Isbell, took to Twitter to express their disapproval. Isbell tweeted, "Dare Aldean to write his next single himself. That's what we try in my small town."
These conflicts have led industry professionals to consider the political leanings of artists when making booking decisions. R.J. Romeo admitted that his team recently hesitated to book a liberal country singer in a conservative-leaning area of California. This kind of consideration was rare in the past but now factors into the conversation.
The unnamed manager echoed this sentiment, stating that the culture wars now have a significant impact on booking decisions. "Are we going to get along with these people? And what are they going to put on their socials that might affect the tour? What are they going to put on Twitter where all of a sudden you're on CNN having to defend them or not? You have to be careful who you associate with now," he said.
The divide between country music fans and artists has even permeated into music festivals. Rendy Lovelady, the producer of Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach, Florida, noted that the sense of camaraderie among festival attendees has lessened over the years. People now tend to stay within their own communities, avoiding interactions with those who hold different views.
Lovelady also revealed that artists often avoid mentioning fellow entertainers in the lineup whom they wish to avoid. "Nobody said, 'I don't want to be around them because I don't agree with what they're saying.' But they kind of just do it," he said.
Despite the growing tension, Lovelady believes that the culture wars and politics have not interfered with his business. Selling tickets remains his top priority, and he is willing to overlook any animosity between artists as long as they can keep their problems to themselves.
Login