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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Megastars bring new life to 'aging' country music

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Country music is experiencing an unexpected resurgence, with sold-out shows and mainstream fashion embracing its style.
  • Once considered uncool by younger generations, the genre is now attracting new fans, particularly young women, and seeing increased streaming.
  • Australia ranks fourth globally in new country music discoveries, with metropolitan listeners driving much of the growth.

Country music, once facing fears of decline, is experiencing a surprising boom, with artists like Taylor Swift leading a new wave of popularity.

Country wasn't cool.

— Zara LindemanMusician Zara Lindeman described the perception of country music during her childhood.

Just five years ago, the genre's future seemed uncertain, with aging audiences and dwindling festival attendance. However, 2026 has seen a dramatic turnaround. Shows are selling out, cowboy boots have become a mainstream fashion statement, and country hits consistently reach number one on the charts.

Musician Zara Lindeman, who grew up with country music, noted that it wasn't considered "cool" during her youth. "We had wide-brim hats to shelter from the sun and the boots to protect from horses," she recalled. However, she has observed a significant shift, with more young people embracing country music, especially after the pandemic. "I just feel so much more comfortable getting around in my boots and my hat, because it's cool again," Lindeman said.

We had wide-brim hats to shelter from the sun and the boots to protect from horses.

— Zara LindemanMusician Zara Lindeman recalled the practical attire associated with country life.

Lindeman highlighted the genre's storytelling as a powerful element. "All music can be very relatable but country in particular, the storytelling … can be a powerful message to people." This relatability is resonating widely, as evidenced by Spotify data showing a 115% increase in country music streaming in Australia over the past three years. Australia now ranks fourth in the world for listeners discovering country music for the first time.

I just feel so much more comfortable getting around in my boots and my hat, because it's cool again.

— Zara LindemanMusician Zara Lindeman expressed her comfort with the renewed popularity of country fashion.

Interestingly, the genre's resurgence is not limited to rural areas. Spotify data reveals that 92% of all country music streams in Australia over the last two years originated from metropolitan listeners. "There's a lot of younger people that probably haven't grown up around the country lifestyle but are still singing about hunting and fishing," Lindeman observed. The success of American artist Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" and Taylor Swift's recent country-pop hit "I Knew It, I Knew You" further underscore the genre's widespread appeal. Lindeman's decision to move to Townsville reflects the region's strong country music scene, with Queensland hosting the most country music festivals in Australia.

All music can be very relatable but country in particular, the storytelling … can be a powerful message to people.

— Zara LindemanMusician Zara Lindeman explained the appeal of country music's narrative style.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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