Youth Works, The New York Times Concludes
"The Taylor Swift Playbook is making the rounds." That's what The New York Times has to say about the influx of talented, young, blond singer-songwriters getting their collective feet in the door in Nashville. It lists some up and comers like Veronica Ballestrini, Jesse Lee, Whitney Duncan, Jennette McCurdy, Jessie James, Mallary Hope and Katie Armiger. And while the writer admits that youth used to be a bit of a liability in Nashville because country music leaned so heavily on life experience, things have changed and now fans' arms are more open. That videos fill the gaps. And that "the radio industry has lost its position as the genre's reliable indicator of success." Check out the videos from a few of these rookies mentioned by The Times.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Love CMT says:
i don’t get it…
Jenny says:
It means a whole new crop of talentless singers like Taylor Swift will soon be taking the stage in Nashville and not for country music. Just anything that will sell.
Karen says:
If all those girl singers were mentioned in the new york times then that means they will probably become famous.
Love CMT says:
i see
T J says:
What a great bunch of up and comers - I said a couple of years ago that Taylor was inspiring many young girls to get into singing country music. Now, it looks like we are seeing the sprouts of the seeds that Taylor planted.
Youtube is still packed with wannabes that have all been inspired by Swift.
Jenny - I don’t see your name up in lights - so before you point the finger you should give thought into how hard it actually is to get into popular music and do well at it.
Meg says:
I hope that from these younger singers many will notice that Taylor can’t actually sing. Taylor may be famous now but it will end with someone younger taking away the spot light that she clearly doesn’t deserve.
S says:
Country music used to lean on life experience. Now it leans on high school experience.
Love CMT says:
being in high school is still part off life and for some it’s harder than for others
hotelmotel says:
I agree with Love CMT — the experiences of high school are no less experiences than those out of high school. And in many cases, the high school years are among the most confusing and emotional.
High school is certainly a legitimate topic for a pop-country song.
Redmaz says:
“S” says…”Country music used to lean on life experience. Now it leans on high school experience”. “S”, you don’t know enough about today’s country music to make such a ridiculous statement. Anytime you’d like to debate/discuss, I’m ready.
Kate says:
Yes except highschool experience is not all about boys…there’s so much more going on between the ages of 13-18… emotional and physical development and all that that entails and I can asure you it’s not all about boys.
The most poignant mature song about some of a teen’s tribulations are in an oldie from Janis Ian, ‘Seventeen’.
S says:
Redmaz — You know good and well that I wasn’t talking about all country music but just most of the stuff that Taylor puts out.
Love CMT says:
well if you haven’t noticed quite a few people like what she’s put out
Redmaz says:
Then say what you mean. You know I will challenge you mainstreamers every chance I can. Stick with the hate, and leave the music to people who love it. Unless of course you’re ready to open your mind and learn something. I’m ready for that too..
S says:
You talk about hate, but you seem to be the most hateful, judgemental person on the message board.
K says:
I know I’m a little late chiming in on this, but I happen to know a few of these new singers and to say they are all just like Taylor is a mistake. Taylor has opened a door up for these young ladies to have a good chance in this industry which is very hard to get into. I can’t speak for all of them but the ones I know write their own music and can sing very well. Please take the time to find out who they are before you put everyone in the same box. Some of these girls have been working longer than Taylor but are just now getting their break.
Summer says:
K:
I agree completely with what you’re saying. I myself am not a huge fan of Swift’s but I do think that she is a very talented songwriter. And whose to say that people who are older and have more “life experience” are the only ones who are aloud to have songs to relate to? I think it’s a very good thing that she has opened that door for country music to reach a younger audience on an emotional level.
Also, people should not be so quick to negatively categorize some of those artsits with Taylor Swift. Just because they are also songwriters does not mean that they are a generic imitation of Swift. Mallary Hope for example has a voice that could blow you away and for the record is a BRUNETTE (not that it matters). She has loads of talent and potential and should not be labeled as another cheap attempt by a record label to mock Swift’s success until you give her music a fair chance.
Pravin says:
LOL. Hey, some dresses work that way the slamler the bust, the better. Good, ’cause I’m getting robbed from exercising. I sound like that lil’ animated lady from the Slimquick commercials. Anyway, nice dress.