Not one big happy family, eh?
For years, the narrative of country music has been that it’s like family. The artists love one another, always support each other, and welcome anyone and everyone with open arms. It’s always seemed that country music is not as cutthroat and does not have the mean-spirited souls that some associate with different genres.
However, recently, with many pop artists making their crossover into country music, a few cracks have begun to show in that narrative. While many artists remain neutral in their stance and keep a smile on their faces, others have voiced their displeasure with some artists establishing roots in country music. Since the majority of artists still act like there are seats at the table, the narrative still stands for the most part.
That is until Brooks & Dunn completely ripped the tablecloth from underneath it on their sit down with Theo Von on his This Past Weekend podcast. The hit ’90s country duo snapped on the lens of reality for listeners, letting them know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
Sure, every artist will have close friends and collaborators they truly get along with, but the competitiveness needed to make it in this industry can lead to the formation of enemies. The conversation started with Von asking if any duos have reached out for tips on success, to which Ronnie Dunn said no.
“But no, no. As friendly as they say the world of country music is, it’s so darn competitive. Everyone hates one another. They act like they don’t on TV.
Big-time competitive. One of my favorite things is Dolly Parton in an interview year and years ago, they were talking about somebody. And she just goes, ‘Oh honey, there’s room for everybody.’
No, there’s not. You want to get down to it? No, there’s not.”
The group laughs, but Von wants to learn more about what part of the industry is competitive. Whether fighting for the best song, working with top producers, or getting an award-winning public relations firm to represent you, Von wants to know what aspects that help one rise to fame are worth fighting for.
“I think just by nature to be here and be in this game, in your game, there’s a competitive dynamic that runs through it.”
Ronnie Dunn uses the analogy of number one hits as a way for competitiveness to emerge. As much as you can sit back and say that you are in it for the fans and the love of music, you’re hungry for a number one because that equates to success.
“But that’s also what keeps you going.”
While Ronnie tells folks everyone in the industry isn’t kissing each other on the cheek, Kix Brooks steps in to remind listeners that you do still make great friends. It might not be everyone you cross, but there are strong friendships among artists as well.
“Well, we do make some real friends along the way… We got real friends, the competition… I can’t say, I don’t know maybe it does go away (the competition) or something. At some point in your life, you have success; you still want to succeed. But you’re just not so ferocious.
It’s like when you’re starting, everything matters, and not that everything doesn’t matter anymore, but it’s like everything…just turn down the heat a little bit and simmer… You build confidence, too.”
The addition of what Kix said to Ronnie’s statement makes perfect sense. When you are fresh on the scene, you are trying to establish your roots, and that might not mean becoming best friends with everyone you encounter. But, once your career is more than making rent money, you can let your hair down a little, kick back, and maybe have a beer with one of the guys you used to see as “competition.”
Of course, not everyone is going to everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s nice to see Brooks & Dunn shed some light on this narrative country music consumers have been fed for years.
Not everything is as it seems to the eye…
