Today, Apple Music unveiled a brand new hub called “Country Wide” as well as a new playlist of the same name. As the boundaries of country music continue to extend far beyond its historical epicenter in Nashville the genre has become a global commercial juggernaut in recent years with a new generation of country stars popping up from different parts of the world. The new “Country Wide” playlist on Apple Music elevates and celebrates the genre by highlighting some of the most exciting local Country stars from unexpected places like Ireland, South Africa, Canada Australia and more. With a heavy focus on the developing artist community in particular, this playlist is lovingly crafted and programmed by Apple Music editors around all the world with the singular motivation of raising awareness and facilitating the global progression of country music. Currently being featured on the Country Wide playlist is Ireland’s Catherine McGrath, who fell for Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” at 12 and cites Rascal Flatts as a major influence, as is evident on her debut album <I>Talk Of This Town</I>. Boasting more twang than brogue, the 21-year-old’s polished sound will resonate with fans of contemporary country. Likewise, South Africa’s Roan Ash, Canada’s Tenille Townes, and Australia’s Missy Lancaster all use big, familiar songwriting styles to make the world feel a little smaller, while Nashville four-piece traditionalists The Wild Feathers show that country music’s capital isn’t ready to relinquish its title just yet.
The “Country Wide” playlist will be updated regularly with new artists and music for fans to discover.
VISIT APPLE MUSIC’S NEW COUNTRY WIDE HUB HERE: apple.co/CountryWide
PLAYLIST DIRECT LINK: apple.co/CountryWidePL
Artist quotes:
“So excited to be sharing my debut album ‘Talk Of This Town’ and for it to be featured on Apple Music’s Country Wide! It’s so exciting to see a spotlight being put on country music and to get to be a part of the country community at a time when it’s growing so much as a genre. Thanks Apple Music! ❤” – Catherine McGrath
“We’re super excited to be a part of the new Apple Music Country Wide music series. We¹re proud of the new album “Greetings From The Neon Frontier” and hope we can connect with new fans across the Globe” – The Wild Feathers
“It’s such an honour to have Apple Music include me in their Country Wide initiative, representing Canada! I believe music is a connector all around the world and when we really listen to each other’s stories we realize we are all more alike than we think.” – Tenille Townes
“Wow! I am so stoked to be included in this Global Country promotion, with such an incredible line up of artists. This is huge & such an awesome way of promoting country music on a global basis. Thank you Apple for all this amazing support for our country community.” – Missy Lancaster
“What an incredible honor it is, to be chosen as an artist for Apple Music’s Country Wide campaign. It’s not every day that a South African artist gets the opportunity to be featured on this amazing platform. I am forever grateful.” – Roan Ash
