(and why you should too)
I love country music. There. I said it. There’s something irresistible about the storytelling, humour, heartbreak, and sheer strength that comes through in today’s country hits. I am determined to visit Nashville—the ultimate dream destination for any country music fan—next year. I just love it all.
When people hear “country music,” their minds often wander to the older, classic country and western vibe—Tammy Wynette’s Stand by Your Man, for instance. Now, while I respect that era (and Tammy’s powerful voice), it’s not really my thing. I mean, standing by your man when he’s clearly an unpleasant arsehole? No, thank you. Not for me.
What I do love is modern country music. Artists like Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Caylee Hammack have redefined the genre with their sharp wit, strength, and refusal to take nonsense. Their songs still have plenty of heartbreak—let’s face it, what’s country music without a bit of crying into your moonshine? But these women also bring humour and revenge to the table… and I’m here for it.
Miranda Lambert’s Way Too Pretty for Prison is hilariously sharp, and Megan Moroney’s He Made Me Do It hits that perfect mix of sassy and savage. Lainey Wilson’s Ring Finger and Caylee Hammack’s Just Friends are both go–to tracks for me. These songs have me singing at the top of my lungs, imagining myself strutting on stage in Nashville with a rhinestone microphone and a pair of killer cowboy boots. (Leave me alone, it’s my fantasy!)
Nashville is, without a doubt, one of my ultimate bucket list destinations. This year, I’m heading back to New York, but Nashville is firmly pencilled in for next year. Unless I hit the lottery or land a Netflix comedy special (once again, leave me alone!), I’ll need a bit of time to save up for that trip. But next year, it’s happening. Nashville isn’t just a city—it’s the beating heart of country music culture. Honky–tonks, the Bluebird Café, the Grand Ole Opry, Dollywood… it’s where the magic lives.
When I’m driving across the UK for comedy gigs, I love to imagine myself performing in Nashville, belting out my favourite country hits. It’s not just the music—it’s the energy, the community, and the unapologetic celebration of life’s ups and downs that I adore.
Country music’s popularity in the UK is on the rise: the storytelling, the humour, and the relatability of modern country artists make it hard to resist. Yes, some UK artists have adopted that southern drawl—even though they’ve probably never been within 1,000 miles of a cowboy—but you know what? I love it. It’s all part of the charm.
I recently went to see Megan Moroney, live, with my daughter, who’s also fallen for country music. It was an absolute blast. There’s something about the atmosphere at country music gigs and festivals that’s so infectious. Everyone’s there to have a good time, and it feels like you’re part of one big family.
For me, country music is also about the journey—quite literally. Whether I’m cruising down the M6 on my way to a gig or just dreaming about life on the open road, country music is my soundtrack. Despite being a committed atheist, and even though I loathe guns, one of my favourite songs right now is Ashley McBryde’s A Bible and a .44. It’s soulful, powerful, and perfect for belting out in my best (and broadest) Texan accent. There’s just something so freeing about singing your heart out to country rock while speeding along the motorway. It’s like being part of a road trip movie where you’re the star. Sure, I might be in a tiny Hyundai i10 rather than a shiny pickup truck, but in my head, I’m living that country dream.
Then, of course, there’s Dolly. Dolly Parton is—and always will be—the queen of everything. Her music, her charisma, her sheer fabulousness—she’s a global treasure. I’ve seen Here You Come Again, the musical inspired by her life and songs, twice. I’d go again! Honestly, I think Dolly should be in charge of the world. Imagine how much happier we’d all be.
Country music is about life—messy, imperfect, funny, heart–breaking life. It’s about drinking moonshine, driving trucks, and dancing in honky–tonks, sure. But it’s also about resilience, independence, and laughing about life’s shittier moments. Whether it’s Lainey Wilson’s sass, Miranda Lambert’s fire, or Dolly Parton’s undeniable sparkle, country music has a way of lifting me up.
Seriously, I can’t recommend it enough. Stick on a cowboy hat, turn up the volume, and just go with it.
See y’all in Nashville.
Listen to my Avoid Excessive Cleavage podcasts.