Roland’s two-pronged -> three-pronged analysis is actually pretty astute.

That said, I think the rise of things like Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, etc. will keep Traditional Country music alive and it’s artists will be able to carve out a decent niche for it with the still large Traditional fan base that exists. Maybe it means less Traditional artists overall, but I bet it means we get better, more serious ones as well. There wont be any fad chasing “neo-Traditionalists” like we had in the 90′s.

It sucks, I hate to sound negative, but I think at this point it’s just the reality of the situation.

“Historically, every time the pop end of country has pushed the genre over the edge, a wave of traditional acts has provided a counterbalance. But with fewer decision-makers involved, one or two executives who dislike steel guitars, fiddles or waltzes can have a much greater negative impact on the traditional end of country by simply not playing them on large blocks of stations. That makes traditional music’s ability to bounce back somewhat precarious.”

The article talks of the three pillars holding up country music’s “big tent”: traditional country, pop, and rock. Personally I think the traditional sound pillar has a severe lean and it wouldn’t take much to get that part of the tent to collapse for good. Its tough to “bounce back” when you’re on the mat and the ref has already counted you out…

Music City Roots is on tonight and will feature Robin and Linda Williams, who are well kinown to all fans of A Prairie Home Companion. Other artists featured include Tiller’s Folly, Dylan LeBlanc, The Whiskey Gentry, Scott Miller with Rayna Gellert, and Tomi Fujiyama.
Link: http://www.musiccityroots.com/shows

And let’s not forget “Nashville” on ABC! I propose a drinking game where you take a shot every time Juliette seduces someone! (lol)

Link Title Above: “From Billboard: “Is the Rock-and-Pop-ification of Country Good or Bad?”
Gosh, that’s gonna a tough one to answer…(lol)