Change of Tune...

Well, those of you who know me know that I couldn't go long without posting about the CMA Awards last week and what a shocker it was. Before I get into that, let me say that I did enjoy little parts in the broadcast, like Jamey Johnson singing his song "Between Jennings and Jones" (which is an homage paid to country music, Waylon and George) as well as the tribute paid to Barbara Mandrell, featuring Martina and George Strait. There were other moments that reminded me of the past in face and music, but there is no doubt that times have changed, in more ways than one. First of all, I do not like including so many rock or pop acts in the show just to attract viewers. If you don't like country, we don't care if you watch or not. Not everything in life has to do with ratings and if Daughtry or Dave Matthews was the only reason you cared to watch, then move on ahead. Secondly and Thirdly and so on, I do not agree on how they go about choosing their winners. We here in Music City know that the awards are bought and that they are not voted on. The Country Music Association is about to go bust and so if you want your artist to win, you have to pay a healthy price to get them the trophy. I don't know if its always been that way (since in the past, the winners made more sense) but today, it is very true. On that note, Big Machine Records robbed the show. Stole the show is too positive. Taylor Swift is only music for the youngsters and too pop for country. She is a terrible singer and her moves on stage are a laugh. Entertainer of the Year is the highest honor given to someone who has toured for years and that has proven themselves in the industry. Taylor just started headlining this year and she has certainly not proven herself at 19. Even Female Vocalist was too much of a stretch for me since she can't sing her way out of a wet paper sack. Needless to say, everyone I knew was flabergasted and disgusted by the way the show turned out. And so was I...

But, when something goes 100% one way, like a pendulum, it only has one choice but to swing the other way. Starting from when the awards went off the air last Wednesday, there was the beginning of a new path being formed in country where country songs were being recorded and country singers were being signed. A revolution was being formed out of the ashes of what once was and what will be. In truth, only 5% of true country music listeners still listen to country radio. All the Taylor Fans are 15 year old, Jonas brothers, Hanna Montana lovers not over-25--yr-old-tried-and-true-Strait-or-Reba-fans. I was sickened by the CMA's but more hopeful since I realized that there has been a change of tune in town. A change that has been in development for a few years, since the signing of Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Gretchen Wilson, Ashton Shepherd and a few others. Keith Stegall has formed a new label which will be nothing but country and so many more are following suit. I'm glad to say that it is an exciting time and I'm glad to be apart of the scene. So I will let Taylor have her moment just know that a change is coming and this time, it will be for the better.