Zach Bryan set to captivate Aussie crowds with debut Down Under

Culture Music: Country Superstar Zach Bryan Announces First Australian Show

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October 3, 2023 — 12.10pm

Country music fans in Australia have reason to celebrate as country superstar Zach Bryan is set to make his debut in the country with a performance in St Kilda’s Catani Gardens on December 9. This show is part of the state government’s Always Live program, which aims to bring top musicians to Melbourne for a 17-day festival.

Rise to Superstardom

Zach Bryan’s journey to becoming a country music megastar has been nothing short of extraordinary. Last year, his major-label debut album, “American Heartbreak,” debuted on the Billboard 200 at number five. However, it was his self-titled album released this year that truly catapulted him to superstardom. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and has garnered over one billion Spotify streams. Bryan’s collaboration with Kacey Musgraves on the track “I Remember Everything” also reached number one on the Billboard singles chart last month.

Bryan’s success in the United States has been mirrored in Australia, with his hit song “Something In The Orange” breaking records on the ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart. The song spent 46 weeks on the charts, surpassing the previous records held by Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs.

The Resurgence of Country Music

Country music has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past two years, with artists like Zach Bryan, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Kacey Musgraves finding mainstream success. Luke Combs, in particular, has been responsible for blazing the trail, as evidenced by the astounding success of his national tour, which sold 90,000 tickets within a few hours.

According to Spotify data, the popularity of country music in Australia has been on the rise, with a 101 percent increase in Luke Combs’ monthly streams between July 2022 and July 2023. Alicia Sbrugnera, Spotify’s Head of Music in Australia and New Zealand, confirms the crossover appeal of country music in Australia, stating that Australia has remained one of the top three global markets for country music since 2018.

The Impact on Homegrown Artists

The influx of American country music acts on the Australian charts and concert circuit has had a positive effect on homegrown artists. Australian country music export Morgan Evans has experienced a 67 percent increase in global streams in the past year alone. This demonstrates the growing interest in country music within Australia.

Editorial: Country Music‘s Growing Popularity in Australia

The rising popularity of country music in Australia is a testament to the genre’s ability to resonate with a broad audience. Once considered niche, country music has now expanded into the mainstream with artists like Zach Bryan, Luke Combs, and Kacey Musgraves finding success on the charts and selling out shows.

The appeal of country music lies in its ability to tell relatable stories through strong storytelling and emotional melodies. The genre’s focus on themes such as love, heartbreak, and the simple joys of life strikes a chord with listeners from all walks of life. Country music provides a sense of nostalgia and authenticity that can be lacking in other genres, which may explain its growing fanbase in Australia.

Furthermore, the success of country music in Australia has a ripple effect on homegrown artists. As international acts gain traction on the Australian charts, it opens doors for local talents to be recognized and appreciated on a global scale. Artists like Morgan Evans are experiencing increased streaming numbers and gaining international recognition thanks to the heightened interest in country music within Australia.

Advice: Embrace the Country Music Wave

For music fans in Australia, now is the perfect time to embrace the country music wave. With artists like Zach Bryan making their debut in the country and country music acts topping the charts, there is a wealth of talent to discover and enjoy.

Attending live performances is a great way to experience the energy and emotion of country music firsthand. Whether it’s Zach Bryan’s upcoming show in St Kilda or other country music events, these concerts offer an opportunity to connect with the music and immerse yourself in the stories being told.

Additionally, exploring the discographies of artists like Zach Bryan, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Kacey Musgraves will provide a deeper understanding of the genre and its evolution. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the chart-topping hits and discover the hidden gems within these artists’ catalogs.

The growing popularity of country music in Australia is a cultural shift that should be celebrated. By embracing this wave of country music, we have the chance to support both international and homegrown artists, fostering a thriving music scene that appeals to a wide range of tastes.