Shifts in Nashville’s Country Music Landscape
In 2017, Chris Janson’s popular song “Fix a Drink” captured a sense of fatigue with party politics. The narrator expresses disillusionment with the media, singing, “I turn on Fox News and then CNN/But it’s the same dang thing all over again.” He laments, “The world’s in the toilet and the market’s in the tank/Well, I can’t fix that, but I can fix a drink.”
This upbeat track epitomized the feel-good style of country music that emerged during the early years of the Trump administration. The industry sought to navigate the heightened polarization stemming from the 2016 election, often embracing themes centered around escapism and civility. Kenny Chesney’s song “Get Along” served as a roadmap for unity, asking, “Can’t we all get along?”
Fast forward to 2025, and the messages from Nashville’s country music scene have drastically shifted. The MAGA movement, gaining traction post-Trump’s election wins, has permeated the industry. Many artists are now openly embracing MAGA sentiments, with Music Row swiftly adapting to this new cultural landscape.
For instance, Janson’s new album, set for release in Trump’s second term, features “I Don’t Give a Damn.” This track offers a stark contrast to “Fix a Drink,” where Janson declares, “I’m done apologizing/I’m standing for the flag.” In a TikTok video, he affirmed the sentiment, stating, “This is exactly the way I feel right now.”
Janson’s transformation is just one example of the rise of MAGA influences in Music Row since Trump’s second presidential victory in 2024. Artists like Jelly Roll have mingled with Trump and showcased their support for him at public events. Performances at significant political gatherings have further normalized this dynamic, as seen with Carrie Underwood and Parker McCollum at Trump’s inauguration.
In recent years, the political discourse among country artists has become more pronounced. New artists like Warren Zeiders and Nate Smith have shared their support for Trump, while established figures like Justin Moore have commented on how Trump’s presidency has emboldened many to express their views without fear.
The shift in Music Row’s direction is noticeable. Once characterized by songs about unity and social change, the industry now mirrors a more robust embrace of right-wing politics. This can be attributed to significant moments like Biden’s election and conservative anthems gaining popularity on platforms like Billboard. As country music and Christian themes intertwine, the industry’s trajectory indicates a long-lasting transformation toward a partisan alignment.
