"Bra-Country": Terri Clark's Answer For "Bro-Country"

It seems inevitable for the last several months, or even years, when the subject of women in country music comes up it is largely about what has been missing on country radio and music charts: women in country music. If you follow Terri Clark on Social Media, you know with that famous tongue-in-cheek humor she has become known for, she and her fans speak about country music made by women using a catch-phrase: Bra Country (as opposed to Bro Country).
Clark’s performance of a few of the songs from this album back in June at the CMA Festival in Nashville took to social media sites to voice their approval of the new songs, Terri’s vocal ability in general, and many referred to her set as their “favorite” show or performance at CMA Fest 2014.

On the heels of the early success of her new album Some Songs and its title track, the first single released from the album, Clark jokingly said she was beginning to feel (about herself) “Maybe the old lady has still got it,” with a small laugh, but added she feels there may be a light to the end of the tunnel for women in country music.

“A number of females have found their way to the country music world over the past several months,” the Canadian born, Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame singer said optimistically. “Fans who have been missing the female factor in country (music), with the exception of a handful of names, are making their voices heard.”

It’s noteworthy that there may be one or two women solo artists in the Top 40 charts, and those 1 or 2 spots are usually held by three names who have traded those spots back and forth over the past few years. While those three artists, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert are unquestionably talented songwriters and/or vocalists, fans and music industry professionals cannot help but recognize the need to develop, promote and maintain females both on radio and on the charts.

As Clark reflects back over her 20 year career in country music, she said “There have always been periods in country music when males seem to dominate the charts and radio play. In 2001, 2002 and 2003 there seemed to be a different problem, just with a different handful of women who made the charts or received any significant radio air play. “I remember when 'I Just Want to Be Mad' reached #1 on the charts, it had been the first #1 song by a female in quite some time."

For Some Songs Clark had a hand in every step of decision-making and in co-writing half of the songs on the album. “You never know. You pick the best songs that fit your style and what you want to sing, and you hope for the best. But the fans have been very receptive to the album early on and I’m hopeful,” she stated.

Although she uses the term “Bra-Country” in a somewhat-joking manner, she believes in this album, the songs they chose to put on it, and is hopeful it will get the same reception on radio. “Some Songs” the title track and the first single from the album, has received a great deal of attention from Clark’s fans in the U.S. and in Canada, and has received significant air play in both countries as well.

“This song was chosen because of the subject matter and the timing. It was just right for a summer release date.” She added as far as she knows “Longer” will be the next single, and she describes the song, for which the lyrics she wrote with Tom Shapiro, as one of the more personal songs on the album and a clear favorite with many of my fans.”

Clark hopes “Just Add Water” might be the release for next spring with the subject matter of having fun at the lake; a personal favorite way for her to spend time and unwind. She describes “Here Comes Crazy” as a high-energy and upbeat song and enjoys performing it at her live shows. Clark is hopeful that several more of the songs from the album will be released as singles once fans have the album and start requesting their favorites and start sharing them on social media within their own circles.

“I think it comes and goes in cycles for female artists,” she reflects. “It’s been that way as long as I can remember. There are just times when females are more prominent on the radio than they are at other times.”

While Clark gives some of the “Bro-Country” artists a hard time with her talk about “Bra-Country,” she is a strong believer that there is room for everyone. “Yes the charts have been male-dominated, but that’s not really anything different than it’s been for years. The subject matter of “Bro-Country” can be a little redundant lyrically, but there is room for everyone in the world we live in. There are all kinds of options out there including a variety of choice as far as radio stations/formats and downloads. And some of that music is no doubt bringing in a younger demographic,” she acknowledges.

“Much of it is definitely not your Grandparents’ country music,” she added. “But if there was no place for the kind of country music many of us love, a song like ‘Meanwhile Back At Mama’s’ would not be [near the top of] the charts right now."

Some Songs is available for purchase at iTunes and on Clark’s website. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

BONUS TERRI CLARK SOME SONGS CONTEST:

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