Country music originated in the Southern United States, combining Celtic folk music and old-time music. It typically uses a simple three-chord structure and a verse-chorus form to tell narrative stories. Country artists often dress casually like cowboys and use costumes and rhinestones. Country music videos commonly feature rural settings and traditional imagery with the artist playing a role. Country music draws inspiration from everyday lives and challenges to create emotionally engaging stories for listeners.

1. Genre: Country
Music
By Stephanie Willmott
Media Stuides
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xg3vE8Ie_E
Country Music Video by Country Artist Taylor
Swift: “Love Story”

2. Origins
 Country music originated with Celtic Folk
and old- time music. It has been said
that Country music first originated in the
Southern United States of America.

3. Song Structure
 Most country songs are simple and easily
memorable, commonly featuring three
chords and a verse-chorus-verse
structure.

4. Stories
 It has been known that many country songs
take the form of a narrative, that includes
characters, dialogue, plot twists and
climaxes. Sometimes rather than being
sung, action will sometimes be spoken.
While sometimes country artists will be the
stars of their stories and sing them from the
first person, other times they will function
and simply take the role as a narrator.

5. Costumes
 Country and western singers dress very
casually and relaxed in the style of
cowboys and cowgirls. A prime
example of this would be Dolly Parton
and Jimmie Rodgers.
 Rhinestones are often used to enhance
country and western singers costumes.

6. Forms and conventions of
country music videos
- Tend to have a strong narrative aspect
- Set in very stereotypical locations, such as
rural areas
- Mise-en-scene tends to be very traditional
or set in an elder generation, e.g. Victorian
- The artist usually features within the video

9. Dolly Parton Cd
Cover Analysis

10. Country Inspirations
 Lastly, country music has always been known for the
memorable stories that are told within its verses. Most
country songs are written by individuals raised in rural
areas, exposed to the economic and social challenges of
the world, or have been motivated by an individual's
spiritual foundation, and therefore the story within the
song can prove to be emotionally moving, personally
inspiring, and easily identifiable by anyone exposed to
the same life experiences. This links to the “Uses and
Gratifications” Theory which states that people engage
with media texts e.g. music for social interaction and to
feel like part of a community, being in the same situations
and circumstances as the artists writing the songs.

11. Reasons why I would choose Country Music as
my potential genre for my music campaign?
 Country artists are very talented and the music is very catchy and
inspiring.
 Many people like the instruments associated with country music.
 Country music has a very serene music style.
 Many people like acoustic sounds and vocals e.g. singers like
Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn.
 Clear, meaningful and understandable.
 Unique and distinct sounds .
 Successful genre of music that is known to be: captivating and
engaging.
 Country music is considerably stimulating and fascinating to listen
to.