Tag: cowgirl

Kick It Up With the Year of the Cowgirl

August 7, 2024

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.

Ride on the Coastal Cowgirl Trend With Paige Lorenze’s Music Playlist Picks

May 5, 2023

Coastal cowgirl: It’s a vibe. This aesthetic, inspired by a mixture of slow-paced country living and sun-soaked coastal dreaminess, has been trending on social media lately, and it’s making waves on Spotify. 

From across the globe, we recently saw a nearly 1,430% increase* in the creation of user-generated coastal cowgirl playlists. These playlists feature a mix of genres like country, new wave pop, indie pop, stomp and holler, and sunshine pop.

Some of the top tracks added to user-generated coastal cowgirl playlists on Spotify include “Texas Sun” by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges, “Cowboy Take Me Away” by The Chicks, “Slow Burn” and “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves, “Southern Nights” by Glen Campbell, “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, “Take It Easy” by Eagles, “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus, “Island In The Sun” by Weezer, “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas, and “Heads Carolina, Tails California” by Jo Dee Messina.

Paige Lorenze, a content creator, channels coastal cowgirl pretty effortlessly. She was raised in Vermont and, after spending a few years in New York City, settled in Connecticut, where she now shares her love of horses, fashion, and fun with her followers. A glance through Paige’s vlog shows days spent at her barn and looks featuring cowboy boots, but she also posts beauty tips and has highlights of her international travels.

Paige’s predilection for the trend made her the perfect person to take over Spotify’s own coastal cowgirl playlist. She helped curate a list of songs that serve as the perfect soundtracks for the desert, beach, or rural dirt roads. For the Record caught up with Paige to learn more about the coastal cowgirl vibe, and how she picked songs for the playlist.

How would you define the “coastal cowgirl” vibe?

The coastal cowgirl vibe is all about incorporating western fashion with coastal elements, creating a relaxed-yet-chic look. It’s about blending earthy tones with denim and leather pieces, accessorizing with cowboy hats and boots, and incorporating horse-riding culture. Whatever makes you feel grounded in nature and in your roots. 

How did you pick songs for Spotify’s coastal cowgirl playlist?

I wanted to curate a playlist that reflects the coastal cowgirl vibe and showcases artists who represent this culture. I included country and indie-folk artists like Kenny Chesney, Leon Bridges, and Mazzy Star, who write calming, breezy songs that are perfect to sing along to in the car or play during a relaxing day on the beach. 

Can you talk specifically about a song you included and why you thought of it for the playlist?

One song I included was “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. I chose this song because it speaks to the idea of building a strong sense of self and overcoming obstacles. Plus, it’s a classic that everyone knows and loves! I grew up loving this song, as I’m sure a lot of people did. 

Why is this playlist the perfect curation for fans getting ready for festivals this summer?

This playlist is perfect for anyone getting ready for festivals because it captures the essence of the western and coastal cultures, which is what these festivals are all about. The songs are a mix of old and new and represent different genres that everyone can enjoy. And the playlist creates the perfect atmosphere for a day filled with sunshine, music, and good vibes.

What’s your favorite thing about this trend?

I love that the coastal cowgirl trend is sustainable and timeless. It’s all about good basic pieces and good boots that will last you forever. I love that all my boots are so in now. I have some amazing cowboy boots and boots passed down from my mom. Also, I love how growing up riding and having horses in the fields behind my house is paying off! 

 

Channel your own coastal cowgirl vibe with our playlist below.

*This data is global and reflects the increase in playlist creation from February 16 through March 2 to March 2 through March 16, 2023.