INTERVIEW: Mickey Guyton On New Album, Industry Obstacles, Lifting Up Black Women In Country Music + More
Sep 26, 2024
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Mickey Guyton, a trailblazing country music artist, shares her inspiring journey as a Black woman breaking barriers in the industry. She discusses her new album, 'My Side Of The Country,' while addressing systemic challenges and the vital role of representation. Guyton emphasizes the importance of supporting Black women in country music and the impact of diverse influences, including hip-hop. Highlighting her Grammy nominations, she advocates for uplifting unheard voices and fostering community support to create a more inclusive genre.
Mickey Guyton emphasizes the importance of recognizing and uplifting black artists in country music to address systemic industry biases.
She discusses the evolving sound of country music, advocating for genre-blending to better reflect America's multicultural landscape and enhance personal expression.
Deep dives
Mickey Guyton's Journey in Country Music
Mickey Guyton, a trailblazing black country singer, shares her struggle to find a place in a predominantly white genre. Initially discouraged, she faced numerous challenges including racism and rejection, but found motivation in her unique identity. Influenced by the historical roots of country music, which include significant contributions from black artists, she became determined to highlight these overlooked narratives. Her breakout song, 'Black Like Me', represents her journey and aims to create paths for other black artists in the industry.
The Evolution of Country Music
Guyton discusses the evolving sound of country music, which increasingly incorporates diverse influences from genres like hip-hop and R&B. She emphasizes that contemporary country cannot be confined to traditional definitions, as it continually borrows elements from various musical styles. This genre-blending reflects a broader cultural shift where musical borders are fading, allowing for personal expression tailored to individual artists. By valuing diverse influences, Guyton believes country music can connect with a wider audience and better represent America's multicultural landscape.
Challenges and Disappointments in Awards Recognition
Throughout the conversation, Guyton expresses frustration with the award recognition process in country music, noting how artists of color are often overlooked. She highlights the significant disappointment when Beyoncé did not receive nominations at the CMAs, despite her impactful work in the genre. Guyton points out that the voting body often reflects political allegiances and industry biases that can undermine deserving artists. This situation illustrates ongoing barriers and the need for systemic change to ensure a fair evaluation of all artists regardless of their background.
Support and Community for Black Country Artists
Guyton acknowledges the importance of community support among black artists in country music, emphasizing the need to uplift one another. She mentions her personal network of friends and fellow musicians as a source of strength, sharing the joy of seeing more black artists performing at industry events like the CMA Fest. With a focus on intentional consumerism, she encourages listeners to actively support black artists by attending their shows and streaming their music. This collective effort aims to pave the way for greater representation and equality in the country music landscape.
The Breakfast Club Sits Down With Mickey Guyton To Discuss Her New Album 'My Side Of The Country', Industry Obstacles, And Lifting Up Black Women In Country Music. Listen For More!