This week the number 1 album on the Billboard Country charts is by an artist that many of you have probably never heard of. Aaron Watson, a veteran in the Texas Country/ Red Dirt music scene, released his 15th album this week. It’s called The Underdog and it’s living up to it’s scrappy name.
So how is it possible that a record that is number one on the charts isn’t being played on the radio so often that we’re all sick to death of the song? It’s simple, the folks in charge down in Nashville have decided for you that you won’t like his music. Choice no longer exists on mainstream country radio.
With people like Gary Overton, the CEO of Sony Nashville in charge, you probably never will get to hear something truly different. Instead, when you tune into your local country station you’ll be served up whatever fits a few Nashville’s exec’s ideas of what will sell, and that’s a shame.
I obviously don’t know Aaron Watson, but from what I can tell from his Instagram account, he’s an awesome Dad and Husband and a strong Christian and that’s pretty refreshing to see. Again judging from Aaron’s Instagram, despite what Gary Overton has to say, Aaron does in fact seem to exist even if he is The Underdog.
I am a dairy farmer, that makes me a small subset of the 2% of the US population that is actively involved in production agriculture. By numbers alone, I am The Underdog and I am OK with that. When it comes to our music and our food, choice is good. Don’t get stuck on a station that tells you that one way is the right way. Listen to the variety of voices and decide what you like Meanwhile, I will keep doing my thing and sharing my story for the people who will step out of the box and take a listen.
Read more #TheUnderdog blogs-
Janeal Yancey- Mom at the Meat Counter.
Taysha Reitzel- Dirt Road Charm.
Brooke Haney- Rural Gone Urban.
David Hayden- Feeding America.
Aaron Watson is an awesome guy! I seen him at the State Fair last summer and he is again coming to Sioux Falls, SD this weekend. He came out after the show and hung out with the crowd until everyone was gone! I used to play Red Dirt Music when I worked at the local country music station, but when I left there, they dropped all the Red Dirt music. (Red Dirt aka Texas Country) because it was Nashville Country. Too bad.
*wasn’t Nashville country