Kick It Up With the Year of the Cowgirl

It’s official: Spotify is declaring 2024 the Year of the Cowgirl. In culture, we are seeing celebs, influencers, and others don western boots and flat, wide-brimmed hats as they emulate the style of the cowgirl. And music is following suit: Earlier this year, Beyoncé embraced her country side with the release of COWBOY CARTER, and curated collections like Spotify’s daylist “Country Love Songs Coastal Cowgirl” are becoming listener favorites.

In June, we celebrated country artists from Spotify House at CMA Fest for the fifth year in a row with three days of nonstop country performances by more than 35 artists. Now, we are continuing the fun with a cowgirl focus. 

Country rising

Over the last five years, country music’s popularity on Spotify has grown immensely, with a nearly 110% increase in U.S. streams during that time. One trend that quickly picked up steam last year is coastal cowgirl (think slow-paced country living meets sun-soaked coastal dreaminess), and it continues to make waves on Spotify, along with playlists like “neon cowgirl,” which saw more than a 100% increase in streams in 2024.

This year, more than 220,000 user-generated “cowgirl” playlists have been created on Spotify globally. Some of the top tracks added to these playlists include “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, “Cowgirls (feat. ERNEST)” by Morgan Wallen, “Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks, “Tennessee Orange” by Megan Moroney, and “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker. Some of the top artists added to user-generated “cowgirl” playlists on Spotify include Beyoncé, Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, and Taylor Swift.

A destination perfect for any cowgirl

To celebrate the Year of the Cowgirl, Spotify created a one-stop on-platform destination. Here, listeners can find playlists like Hot Country, bespoke mixes like Line Dancing Country, podcasts like God’s Country, and even audiobook recommendations like Her Christmas Cowboy by Marie Richards. From tried-and-true favorites to new releases, this hub will give country music fans everything they want as they celebrate the Year of the Cowgirl.

Two-stepping in LA

On August 7, influencers gathered in Los Angeles at the Desert 5 Spot to toast the Year of the Cowgirl with Spotify. Country stars Carly Pearce and Carter Faith performed, with a DJ set by Brandi Cyrus. Attendees had the chance to bring their cowgirl aesthetic to life with unique accessories like personalized cowgirl hats and a branded charm bar.