Chicago is known for its blues and jazz beginnings, its home to various hip-hop and rap artists, and the birthplace of several indie rock bands. Despite this, an unexpected genre of music is moseying its way into the city and into Niles North: country music.

While country music has always been big in the southern and western parts of the US, many pop and hip-hop artists have dipped their toe into the genre in the past few years. Artists like Post Malone and Lana Del Ray announced country albums in the past year, and Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album debuted at number one in April.

Nick Henderson is a longtime country fan.

“In the past, country was slow, maybe just guitar,” Henderson said. “Maybe violin or fiddle, banjo. Now it’s more guitars, drums. There’s rock involved. There’s rappers involved. Post Malone with Morgan Wallen last year for two songs, and you had a whole other group of people singing along to a Morgan Wallen concert, and they got involved in other [country] songs. So definitely a nice combo.”

Country’s also seen a rise in new stars over the years. Zach Bryan, Megan Maroney, and Morgan Wallen are seemingly on every chart, every radio station, and at every music fest. These artists mark a change in country music; its shift from the classics, such as Dolly Parton or Johnny Cash, to a more pop-based vibe?? This country-pop fusion attracted many new fans to the genre. 

Junior Adela Hanic was once a country hater. But ever since hearing country on her TikTok page, she’s recently converted to a country fan.  

“[Country music is] becoming a lot more pop-centered,” Hanic said. “We’re kind of straying away from that, ‘guns, beer, America’ type of country, and [to a] more happy level.”

Country performances have certainly changed as well. What once used to a be a cowboy and a guitar transformed into eccentric productions with sparkly cowgirl boots and back up dancers. 

Love it or hate it, country music is here to stay and change.