Johnnie Johnson of the disabled musicians non-profit Innervision sent this in response to the article we published last week, “Americans Are Still Singing in the Face of Fascism,” on musicians continuing to write and/or sing songs in protest of something. Then it just so happened that Ethan Goddard of Wax Trax came up with his thoughts on Country Music. Here’s both of their musings:
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Americans Are Still Singing: Faith, Freedom, and Community Through Music
By Johnnie J, President of Innervision.
While many recent music stories have focused on protest movements and political activism, another musical movement continues to grow across America—one centered on faith, family, patriotism, and community.
From sold-out Christian music festivals to country music concerts drawing tens of thousands of fans, millions of Americans are finding connection through songs that celebrate hope, perseverance, and personal responsibility.
Artists such as Brandon Lake, Lauren Daigle, Phil Wickham, Jason Aldean, Lee Greenwood, and independent musicians across the country continue to attract audiences who may not always see themselves represented in mainstream entertainment coverage. Their concerts often bring together people from diverse backgrounds who share a love of music and a desire for positive messages.
In Colorado, organizations such as Innervision FM, COMBO, local churches, community festivals, and independent venues demonstrate that music can unite people regardless of political affiliation. Whether audiences gather for gospel, country, blues, jazz, rock, or folk music, the common thread is the power of song to inspire and connect.
Music has long been part of America’s story. From church hymns and spirituals to patriotic songs and contemporary Christian music, generations have used music to express gratitude, celebrate freedom, and strengthen their communities.
At a time when political divisions often dominate headlines, perhaps the most important musical story is that Americans continue to sing together—even when they disagree. Music remains one of the few places where people can share an experience, appreciate artistic talent, and remember what they have in common.
For many listeners, faith-based, patriotic, and family-oriented music isn’t a political statement. It’s simply a reflection of the values that shape their lives and communities.
To read more about Innervision and how we teach the business of music to disable artists:
https://www.innervisionrecords.org
Anything But Country
By Ethan Goddard, Guest Poster, Wax Trax Records
If you’ve asked people the question “what type of music do you listen to?” chances are that you’ve probably the response “anything but country music” at least once or twice. Hell, even I’ve been guilty of saying it! But the longer I’ve worked at Wax Trax, I’ve found myself trying to be open to any genre I might come across whilst flipping through our understock, including country. Because of this, country’s become one of my favorite genres in recent years. It made me wonder where all of this dogpiling on country music even started. Where did I get the assumption that it was a red flag when someone says they like country? Or have external issues affected the country genre reputation?
Before I can answer that, let me give you some context. I spent a majority of my childhood living in Greeley, CO – a town made up of college kids, republicans, and middle class folks working in oil and gas. It’s also the town that hosts an annual stampede that brings in B-list country musicians to play on the Fourth of July.
In Greeley, country music is a genre that’s practically inescapable. You can’t walk into a Walgreens without hearing Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here,” or Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl” at least once (although I’m sure they’ve added Morgan Wallen into that mix nowadays). This was the country music I grew up with, and the country music I ultimately ended up hating throughout my childhood.
I’ll go out on a limb and say that, at least today, bro-country is the style of country music most people are referring to when they utter the phrase “anything but country”– and I can see why!. . .
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Read the rest of Ethan’s musings here:
https://wastedenergy.co/2026/06/18/anything-but-country/?mc_cid=214b44bc6b&mc_eid=84acb4f0d3
Here’s the original article in case you missed it:
Americans Are Still Singing in the Face of Fascism
By Tracey Ann Duncan, HuffPost | Last week at Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, protesters sang at police during a sit-in. It was just months after the Resistance Revival Chorus packed 500 people into Middle Church in Manhattan’s East Village for an ICE Out sing-in.
At that event back in February, 150 people who couldn’t get inside stayed on the sidewalk, singing along from printed lyric sheets. Neighbors filed out of their apartments to join them. Hundreds more watched the livestream from across the country.
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Read more about “Singing Resistance” here:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/singing-as-resistance-protest-growing-movement_n_6a300a80e4b07679090e26b3?origin=home-whats-happening-unit
Poster: Anything but country
