Disney shocked everyone and prompted laughs out of a lot of the country music industry when they announced their new country radio station. Some country artists like Kelsea Ballerini and April Kry had already received a bit of airplay on the classic Radio Disney station, but the Radio Disney Country station was all country music, and they opened the station saying that they would play the younger country music generation, including artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett, Hunter Hayes, Danielle Bradbery and many others.
But as the station has grown and has become more popular, they have expanded their airplay to include some newer women of country that haven't been so successful when attempting to get airplay on normal country radio. Newer artists like Lacy Cavalier, Megan & Liz, Kalie Shorr, and some females who have gotten a taste of country radio like Maren Morris, RaeLynn, Danielle Bradbery, Maddie & Tae and Kelsea Ballerini are all regularly spun on the radio station. And those incredible men who aren't getting given a chance on country radio yet, like Mo Pitney and William Michael Morgan are regularly spun as well. It's different than country radio because it's not as male heavy, and also is a bit more family friendly country. There's not many crude euphemisms that are found in a lot of radio country. Maybe that's censoring, but it's also bringing country back to its roots and away from the heavy pop and hip-hop influence.
A major criticism of the station is that it doesn't expose children to true country music. And that's partially true. But along with the Granger Smith, Cole Swindell and Sam Hunt they play, young country music listeners are also getting introduced to incredible country songs like "Arms Length" by Lacy Cavalier, "Fight Like a Girl" by Kalie Shorr, and "Fly" like Maddie & Tae. The songs may not be traditional country, but they're a good evolution. The increased exposure this station gives to women may be good for the future generation of country music listeners. With this station, younger music listeners get used to hearing female country artists on country radio, and will be more likely in the future to help women fight to have more airplay. If I were a parent, I'd gladly let my child listen to Radio Disney Country over mainstream country radio, given they listened to a little Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn as well. It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction, and I applaud Radio Disney Country for showing people that country music is for women too.
A major criticism of the station is that it doesn't expose children to true country music. And that's partially true. But along with the Granger Smith, Cole Swindell and Sam Hunt they play, young country music listeners are also getting introduced to incredible country songs like "Arms Length" by Lacy Cavalier, "Fight Like a Girl" by Kalie Shorr, and "Fly" like Maddie & Tae. The songs may not be traditional country, but they're a good evolution. The increased exposure this station gives to women may be good for the future generation of country music listeners. With this station, younger music listeners get used to hearing female country artists on country radio, and will be more likely in the future to help women fight to have more airplay. If I were a parent, I'd gladly let my child listen to Radio Disney Country over mainstream country radio, given they listened to a little Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn as well. It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction, and I applaud Radio Disney Country for showing people that country music is for women too.
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