Country music has deep roots but has long faced criticism for its lack of diversity. Black artists, in particular, have found it challenging to break into the genre. Despite country music’s roots in Black culture, the industry has long been dominated by white artists. Brittney Spencer isn’t just aware of this—she’s living it. She’s one of the few Black women making waves in the country music world today, following in the footsteps of legends like Charley Pride and Linda Martell but carving out her own path in a space that still has a long way to go in terms of representation.
“Country lyrics really drew me into the genre. I loved that you could make and sing a song about pretty much anything in life. I know the art of storytelling through song isn’t genre-specific and can be found in so many styles of music, but I discovered my own storytelling voice through country music,” Spencer explained.
“Country music has been like an internal vehicle, helping me discover a lot about myself as a writer and musician. To me, that’s what makes country music my home,” she added.
For Brittney, being a plus size Black woman in the country music industry adds another layer to the challenge. It’s no secret that the music business can be superficial, and country music…