TikTok Is Changing Country Music (for Better and for Worse)

[@GradySmith]

This is a different kind of video for me. I get into the business side of country music and look at how independent artists are using TikTok, and how the industry is adapting! Let me know what y'all think!

[@karenstarringveatrice9800]

I think it was a good idea because tik tok has really grown and now there's many different kinds of communtys on there

[@TheSnazzyMacGuy]

Very great video! I pay attention to all your videos as I live right outside of Nashville and listen country music a lot. Could you do a video or clip about The Bobby Bones Show and Bobby himself inviting a couple of tiktok stars on his morning country show? Also about his BobbyCast podcast having new or rising stars on it, like Morgan Wallen's podcast with him recently. I feel like when he has them on his show, and once that happens the record label's "might" look at them more, meaning that they become interested in them and look into them just like what happened with Priscilla Block. Not giving Bobby all the credit with her getting her record label, but since he is a very big radio host they pay attention to who he has on his show.

[@HotChiliCheeseFries]

I like it, you need to check out Ben Fugate.

[@GriswoldFarms]

I think In some.cases it can be good and it can be bad like you said

[@TheSnazzyMacGuy]

@@GriswoldFarms ​@UCGlVhMR3KF5beZ5gtzus90Q I agree with that. I would love to see Grady make a video about how he feels/thinks that certain country radio station host's have influence on the Nashville scene. Also on what/who the stations, not the host, pushes them to play the most of and make the artist a "big or legendary artist'. I really only say Bobby Bones since he is the biggest country music radio host around the country and the biggest in our area(Nashville area). I would truly like to see a video on him talking about and comparing the radio host.

[@treylewismusic]

Huge complement for me and my team. Definitely don’t have a deal. Just been grinding for years. Thanks for the mention. I still can’t believe this.

[@GradySmith]

Haha well then way to hustle and launch this thing right!

[@treylewismusic]

@LB 48 thank you!

[@fordtechchris]

Zane Williams- they call you an overnight success!

[@drewleevy5420]

Love the song. Being from the DFW area it's awesome!

[@Copyrightbreaker22]

That randy Travis is honestly really sweet and heart breaking.

[@kyles9320]

Probably the most wholesome part of this video

[@kalebbbbbbbbb]

Right

[@OutsideGalaxy]

Okay that made me tear up I'm not going to lie

[@willrowe6088]

Time takes it's toll on a body

[@dragonflyy000]

Oh that ripped my heart out.... Bless his heart. It must be so frustrating to know inside you're still the Randy Travis everyone loves, but because of a stroke, you can now barely sing the word Amen. Its so very sad to happen to such a good man. Man I feel so bad for him!

[@AndrewJannakos]

I’m thrilled you said my last name right 😂😂

[@GradySmith]

I texted Andrew Cohen before filming.

[@gabingston3430]

Wake up in the morning feeling like P. Did- Wait, wrong TikTok.

[@Epok97]

Wake up in the morning feeling like Conway Twitty.

[@gabingston3430]

@@Epok97 C. Twitty

[@madalynmikkelsen1045]

Me: liking and commenting bc Grady said on insta this video wasn’t going to do well and I don’t want him to feel that way

[@JeremyAlarie]

He got us with that reverse psychology xD

[@nikkigaudon7774]

Same haha I don’t even understand TikTok

[@karenstarringveatrice9800]

Your like my country music teacher. If only it was a subject I would take that class I love country music

[@MrNiccholas]

He is so knowledgeable and obviously spends a lot of time and effort to bring us quality insight! His passion for County music is so refreshing!

[@Joshua-qc4vl]

Randy's AAAAAAAAMEN was sooo sweet and heart warming

[@cooperalanmusic]

Thanks for the mention man! Awesome video!

[@darinvanhorn9415]

Dicked Down in Dallas has been my ringtone on my phone since a few days after it got released, I had to wait till someone made it a download able ringtone before I could get it

[@victoriaogle9625]

I'd be interested to see a video about how Grady's predictions have turned out, & also how he thinks the current threat to TikTok will impact things.

[@kadenjames177]

Dude I am saying this right now you're changing the country music community and we are noticing these new and alternative artists we would never hear on "country radio" and Nashville is starting to listen and man you should be proud and keep putting out more content!

[@kaylinherren]

As soon as i saw the notification i stopped listening to DDID and clicked hoping to hear you mention it lmao

[@dragonkfg]

Immediately clicked and liked! Less than 2 minutes in, and I recognize lots of the musicians!

[@Awright121_]

I don’t do tik tok but I listened to dicked down in Dallas after watching this video and now it’s stuck in my head

[@jamesr620]

people forget luke combs started blowing up on vine before it got deleted

[@hockeyislife2]

Really?

[@VideoGamesInTheAM]

@@hockeyislife2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXe7fK2pqLeJbKc

[@jamesonmantzel9039]

Yo, I'm a relatively new convert to country, just started listening this past year thanks to my grandparents. Really interesting to see how their generation and mine come together around the genre sometimes. Thanks for helping to open up this great new world of country music for me, it's been a blast.

[@michaels5917]

Zack Bryan did something similar to this without TikTok if you think about it. Especially with the part about using a cell phone lmao

[@maggie_monroe]

I really appreciated this video. I am a gen z singer-songwriter who is horrible at social media, so your analysis was really helpful. I’m starting to set up small goals for myself based off of your tips for new artists. Your videos have truly inspired my songwriting. I’ll occasionally find myself writing a song and hearing your voice in my head telling me to change a lyric because it’s too generic. I also am very grateful that you pointed me in the direction of a lot of my favorite artists to date including Lori Mckenna, Jason Isbell, and Gabe Lee. Your love of music shows in your critiques and I think that really separates you from other music reviewers. I don’t know if you’ll read this, but none the less your channel has made a meaningful impact on me. Keep up the great work!

[@GradySmith]

Hey this comment means a lot to me. Thanks for saying it!

[@RobertWestonNL]

Great video!!!!!

[@lukewilsonhere]

Dang it, I was 💯 waiting for you to add “...and whatever else I want to” at the end there!

[@jaimehernandez3104]

Love this video! So intrigued by the insider business/marketing side of country music. It's all fascinating to me!

[@darrenwildeman5276]

This video probably took me twice as long as the length to watch because I had to check out every artist you mentioned that I hadn't heard of and see how much I like them and if I want them in my rotation. LOL

[@comandermcgarrett7795]

The problem also with prerelease versions of songs like MW's, is that the official version is always different which is sad. I do love a lot of the songs I hear on tik tok. DDID is awesome lol. Tiktok also is helping Tyler Childers and Parker McCollum and Koe Wetzel become very popular. Also you need a specific video on your thoughts of Kidd G's Dirt road and Teenage Dreams.

[@angelinacurtis2129]

My favorite country artists are coming off of tik tok! DDID is so much fun and i you can’t help but dance and sing along.

[@mommad9863]

I was waiting for you you to mention Dicked Down in Dallas! 🤣

[@JamesDalpe]

Honestly you’ve got me hooked on your videos man. Even though I don’t always agree with you I love hearing people talk about music with passion and love and you are killing it. Thanks for your hard work

[@courtneykramer4679]

Love this video! I think it would be interesting if you did a deep dive into mainstream artists’ (both “older” and “younger”) social media accounts, particularly Instagram and Twitter, with an assessment of who is using it effectively and maybe who isn’t

[@kalebpolly5141]

I don’t use tiktok and I’ve found some of these on Spotify and love them (such as dicked down in Dallas)

[@kellyowen8630]

Grady I LOVED THIS VIDEO!! I absolutely love finding and supporting independent artist! I follow the 615 house because of Percilla Block. This was an awesome video! Keep them coming!

[@davidalanbell]

Great video!

[@bford71]

Great video. Funny, as soon as you started talking about established country artists adapting to new things, I thought Dolly Parton. And then you said Dolly Parton. 😂 She is amazing.

[@leeman5578]

I have been listening to Dicked Down in Dallas all day

[@Utoober67]

Hey, Grady. Hit the nail on the head there at 11:47 . At least from my perspective. I just can’t do it. It does feel kinda dirty and wrong. And I don’t know why, but there it is haha. Interesting video. Take care, Grady.

[@Treyton1212]

Hey Grady, i was the one who shared that video with you about the dude who reviewed country singers

[@GradySmith]

Oh nice! Thanks -- I love seeing all the random crap ppl tag me in on TikTok.

[@Treyton1212]

@@GradySmith haha. Yup. I gotchu

[@AndrewJannakos]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@jonjpbm]

Mr. Smith, this.was.great. Thoughtful, entertaining, and well made. I've been following you for what feels like quite some time and it's these kinds of vids that I follow you for. Very not what you would get from some mainstream country news publication. Cheers sir. I hope you're doing better mentally also, sir. Keep on keeping on.

[@maddykim9348]

I’m not on tik tok but I really think it’s so cool how these artists who might not have been recognized otherwise get a platform. I think that’s such a huge plus to the modern world where anyone can create content. I also thought it was super cool how you said some good artists to follow on tik tok. :)

[@annikajohnson2100]

i actually appreciate the hearing a bit about the business side, and i think your right theres definitely gonna be both really good stuff and a lota shit coming out of any platform at any time

[@cpouch870]

This Past Weekend is one of my favorite podcasts too! I just really enjoy Theo's unique ways to describe things or his own euphemisms

[@jennifergoetz4716]

I have been putting off getting tiktok for so long, think I finally have to bite the bullet. Thanks for the recs!

[@mopar3078]

I was wondering what tigirlily was up to. From a small town near me here in North Dakota. I knew they left but never knew where they went. Now I know! Keep up the good work!

[@michellegoble9323]

Great video Grady. A must watch for all new and developing artists. Results are in the “hustle.” Best, Michelle (25+years music industry executive)

[@robwasnj]

I love this presentation and I love your open mindedness to new platforms. This video has made me aware that tiktok might actually have content worth watching and another way to find more artists I will enjoy. Thanks for making these videos.

[@ladybocknite5120]

Ugh randy Travis had me tearing up. I grew up loving his music.

[@minervamariekirk5832]

Ik me too. ❤

[@kathastymusic]

You are such a genius. Your videos keep my interest throughout every video and spark my interest in artists and topics I usually don’t have any interest in. Thanks for all you do for artists and for all the knowledge you’ve given me in my short period of time subscribed to your channel!!

[@CharTheSloth]

Literally just put dicked down in dallad into my playlist moments before you mentioned it 🤣

[@lenacloos7668]

It’s so damn catchy! 😂

[@theginganinja-_-7695]

Thank you. I’ve been waiting for this one!

[@ryanvirgens]

Great video Grady, really insightful for people like me who don't have a Tik Tok...if you could score an interview with one or multiple of these people, that'd be really interesting!

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodsm4708]

The iTunes charts, though yes is an outdated metric in most cases, is good at gauging which artists are on the rise or have potential. And I'm really glad TikTok is shaking up the genre. I just wish they were artists that I would be more into but still. All the power to them. Stick it to Nashville

[@mbrownie22]

Great video, seems like you got your mojo back and you’re back to enjoying your work again, keep it up we’re here to support you.

[@GradySmith]

I think being sober has been good for me. And I appreciate the support!

[@MrNiccholas]

I really appreciated the comment about fans wanting to have direct contact with the artists. I know that I am in that category. when I got into country music, I leaned towards Blake Shelton as my favorite artist because of his work on the Voice. I felt like I had a greater connection to him over other artists because I got to see him for more than just a music video or advertisement. Then Granger Smith was on Demolition Ranch and I was like who is this guy and went and listened to his music. I wasn't a die hard fan or anything, but seeing him be more than just a music singer drew me. Once Granger started his podcast and KZbin Channel I really fell in love with his music and would definitely consider him my favorite artist

[@lukehall3486]

Enjoyed the video, like always, Grady. I enjoy making country music videos for TikTok

[@Spitfirethedragon]

Andrew Jannakos was on the Voice last year. He already had the name.

[@AndrewJannakos]

Eh

[@hollymobley1284]

I wondered when you were gonna make an in depth video about this.. super interesting stuff and I knew you’d make some sense of it

[@dillbob98]

Great video Grady! Well thought out.

[@hunterhanna3953]

Great video man! Really like how in depth you go!

[@kyledespain5247]

One tik tok “country” artist that I’m kind of relieved isn’t blowing up is Spencer Crandall. His music sounds nothing like country music

[@rcola8242]

Spencer is big on tik tok. He’s good pop country tho

[@alec7930]

Great insight. Spot on! You might also like David Lewis and Spencer Hatcher. As well as many others, but those two came to mind right away.

[@Treyton1212]

Gone too Soon - Andrew J. Is one of my guilty pleasures

[@amandaperkins4210]

Hi Grady! I love your channel! You have a super knowledgeable point of view and I enjoy watching your videos! Also, I Kinda Don’t by Alexandra Kay is a great song. Reminds me of mid 2000s country, and she has such a pretty voice! Hopefully she gets signed soon. 🖤

[@chikenydee]

I’ve been waiting for this video!!!

[@laurelpais]

*me sitting here still having yet to download tiktok*

[@ktthethrifty9425]

The business side of country music is almost as fascinating as the actual music itself it would be really cool to get a kind of behind the scenes look at the production of a popular country song!

[@josephsecker402]

Thank you. Love your videos. I get a lot of music from TikTok . Thanks for more choices!

[@blakleyjones7512]

This is fascinating! I don’t have tiktok but I may have to check these people out.

[@williamgallant5147]

Jon Wayne hatfeild is so under rated for “what a truck for” like this so that he can see this great artist if haven’t listened to it highly recommend it for high school and college people

[@PatrickBowmanRuns]

This is an interesting topic for sure, great video!

[@katelendley128]

I don't have TikTok so I enjoyed seeing some of the country scene artists who are "scrappy and hustling" on the app. Also, Dicked down in Dallas is very twangy and catchy. Definitely not appropriate for radio but certainly catchy and I didn't hate it.

[@cabekellywyatt]

someone finally said it... tik tok is the new wave, people need to accept that. good shit w this one Grady

[@anastasiag9759]

Hey Grady! It would be really entertaining for you to react to / give your opinions on the 3 songs Morgan Wallen released Friday and the entire album, when it comes out

[@annaprince4637]

Riley Thompson was on American Idol and was definitely one of my favorites!!

[@johnbumgardner3263]

Amazing video. Really appreciate the insight and analysis that you bring to the business side of things the same way you do to the actual music! #aheartbreaksslow

[@gabe_68]

I work in strategic marketing and this video was fascinating! Many markets are changing and those who don't adapt or lead the change, get left behind. Talk business to me 🤓

[@bradleymartinez272]

Please do a top 10 George Strait songs list.

[@jacobearnest2187]

Grady you have done it again

[@bigplay0840]

NO WAY HE SHOUTED OUT THEO!!!!!!!! What a G

[@travisburton164]

Good video Brodie

[@dk60ish]

This is a real help, thanks!

[@TerraHerr11]

I have found so many songs I love on that app .. I immediately go to Spotify and search for it to add to my playlist .

[@ourdesirevevo5746]

thanks for this video I love learning about new music

[@aleighaemilee]

As someone whose media is more geared away from country music, I saw a lot of interest in Cam's new album from what could be labeled as the One Direction and Harry Styles "side" of tiktok. Harry wrote on Changes (and his whistles from the demo were the ones chosen for the final track) and his lead guitarist Mitch Rowland wrote on Forgetting You and Happier For You. It was really interesting to see that demographic run with that song and Cam's music because of it. It also feels like there is also still a big interest in Kacey Musgraves from that group as well and it is cool to see my interests in musics combined in that way.

[@baileycorwine3736]

I downloaded TikTok after seeing Priscilla Block’s song go #1 and it seemed like everyone else knew who she was but me. TikTok has been awesome for discovering new music since concerts have shut down!

[@maximotorres4100]

I’d take a country music tiktok house over any of those other houses that just twerk all day.

[@RoryEllisMusic]

Loved it dude! Great video.

[@OsuFootball28]

I was excited for dick down in Dallas until I heard it for the hundredth time on TikTok

[@Crashme222]

This is an interesting video!

[@faithwobbeking8285]

I think a big part of a lot of these Tik Tok stars' success is the constant willingness to go live with fans. Whether they're doing song requests or just taking you into their lives, it's cool to connect with them. I think something as simple as an artist welcoming individual users to the live goes a long way to building a loyal fan base.

[@griffinreeve382]

My personal favorite country tiktoker is Warren zeiders. My mans voice is crazy good. He has a great rasp and roughness to his voice that sound amazing on his covers. And he just teased an original song on one of his most recent videos.

[@benijos1]

Grady! You a country music underground HITTER bbbbooyyy!

[@LucasHoltvluwer]

Squeaky wheel gets the GREASE! **Biden voice** Common man! (Love your stuff man - just had to say it;) - Keep the unique and insightful vids coming!)

[@skylerbeluk8835]

This is the earliest I’ve been. Do I have school. Yep. But that can wait

[@TheSnazzyMacGuy]

Very great video! I pay attention to all your videos as I live right outside of Nashville and listen country music a lot. Could you do a video or clip about The Bobby Bones Show and Bobby himself inviting a couple of tiktok stars on his morning country show? Also about his BobbyCast podcast having new or rising stars on it, like Morgan Wallen's podcast with him recently. I feel like when he has them on his show, and once that happens the record label's "might" look at them more, meaning that they become interested in them and look into them just like what happened with Priscilla Block. Not giving Bobby all the credit with her getting her record label, but since he is a very big radio host they pay attention to who he has on his show.

[@mnizzle01]

I’m all for it, not everyone has the money to have the big advertising. I agree that when the artist on tiktok make a #1 on the charts it means more than a signed artist, because you feel like you got to experience the hype and excitement with the tiktok artist

[@michaelmason6386]

Ayyyy Riley Thompson from American Idol.

[@chasehaynie879]

I came in 100% ready to jump on you about not including DDiD only for you to cover it. I'm not sure if I'm happy or mildly disappointed haha

[@CloroxBleach-cq7tj]

Yeah I still use iTunes - couldn't be bothered changing to Spotify now...

[@Cdyoung15]

I agree 100% about fans wanting to feel connected with their favorite artists. Muscadine Bloodline does a really good job of connecting with fans and being present in today’s new world

[@lukehall3486]

Go ahead on Saralisa! Proud of ya

[@annaprince4637]

Riley Thompson did a duet with Brett Young on American Idol and it was SO good!