One year after Donald Trump's return to power, country music finds itself at the heart of America's deepening political and cultural divide. In this second episode, arts24 explores how a genre once seen as a unifying symbol of tradition and shared values has become a battleground for competing visions of America.
Eve Jackson takes viewers inside a music scene increasingly shaped by polarisation, where artists often take sides. For some, country music remains a bastion of conservative values, patriotism and tradition. For others, it is a space for reinvention, protest and social change.
Conservative artists Waylon Hanel and Julie Roberts speak about their attachment to country music's roots and their belief that the genre should preserve its traditional identity. They discuss faith, family and national pride, and explain why many of their fans see country music as a refuge from rapid social change.
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On the other side of the spectrum, progressive artists Lizzie No and Adam Mac challenge long-standing norms within the industry. They reflect on inclusion, representation and the struggle to make space for marginalised voices in a genre historically resistant to change. Their music pushes boundaries, both musically and politically, questioning who country music is for and what stories it should tell.
Through raw, revealing conversations and powerful performances, this episode exposes the cultural tensions reshaping country music today. More than a musical divide, it becomes a lens through which to understand America's ongoing struggle over identity, values and the meaning of tradition in turbulent times.
English (US) · 