EXCLUSIVE: Female Country Artists Celebrate Their Inspirations On International Women’s Day

Today (Monday, March 8th) we celebrate International Women’s Day, and to mark the occasion here at Music and Tour News we are delighted to bring you an exclusive piece where we speak to an array of female country artists to discover the women who helped shaped their sound and inspired their personal musical journey.

Ward Thomas:

As young girls growing up, aspiring to be recording artists and songwriters the hugely inspiring people we looked up to were the women. Women who helped blaze the trail for us. The ones who had to fight harder so that we could have a chance. These artists were women like The Chicks. Three strong, independent, and talented musicians who churned out the best songs and harmonies whilst also fighting for their right to be heard in a very male-heavy world. There is still a huge amount of inequality in the music world and especially country. But it’s women like them who have helped us enormously on our own musical journey. We are so proud of the large numbers of female artists out there now that inspire us every day.

Jenn Bostic:

Sara Bareilles is an artist that truly inspires me. Singer, songwriter, actress, producer, and author, she effortlessly leaps from one art form or musical genre to the next, staying completely authentic in her work. She has a unique way of letting the world in, almost as if she’s the girl next door we’ve known all our lives.

Caitlin Quisenberry:

In honor of International Women’s Day, I would like to highlight Cary Pearce as an artist who has inspired not only my music but me personally. She embodies everything about this day, as she never gives us, no matter how difficult her road may be (musically, or personally). As much as I love her voice and music, what I love most is her raw vulnerability and persistence. Carly uses her music as a window into her soul to communicate and to help us all heal from painful events in our lives. What makes her stand out as my inspiration is her authenticity. It’s found in every part of her music, her voice, lyrics, interviews, and social media. Her interviews light a fire under me, as she discusses the importance of mental health being as crucial as physical health. Carly is truly an example for all women to follow.

Kirstie Kraus:

The first female artist I latched onto was Amy Grant. Amy Grant is a huge influence of mine and is one of the first artists that inspired my musical journey! On Saturdays her ‘Heart in Motion’ album would be turned up loud in our living room as my mom, sister and I would dance around and clean! These memories and that specific record truly inspired me to make music that is uplifting and makes people happy! I love incorporating a fun drum beat or baselines in my music to get people grooving and dancing. Amy Grant as an artist and person has always stayed true to herself throughout her career. Grant has always embodied a wholesome spiritual person with true inner strength and joy. I admire this and how she is always herself on and off stage. She had a career that took off early! The first song she wrote was in 1976 called Mountain Top when she was 16. I admire how she has stayed true to her unique sound and been able to cross over to all genres. Amy is known for being a great person to work with and very genuine. Amy has a full longevity career with at least 20 albums out including 5 Christmas albums. That is quite a feat and something I truly admire and look up to! I hope to record as much music as humanly possible and be able to do a Christmas album! Everyone should truly take the time to dive into this amazing artist and you will see why she is a perfect role model and icon.

Rae Sam:

Natasha Bedingfield first entered the British music scene in 2004. With a unique, raw edge to her tone, it is no surprise that her voice is still so easily recognised. But it is her passionate, expressive delivery that secured her place as a storyteller. Despite an undeniably impressive vocal ability, her commitment to selling the story and not her voice makes it easy for listeners to connect to her incredible lyrics. She introduced a pop dominating generation to the advice of ‘soul’ music legends – that it is important to just feel the music. Although Natasha was not the only female artist at the time to remind the charts that music needs singer-songwriters, she gave me hope that there was still a place for British females in an industry that was heavily influenced by American artists. As a young songwriter, I was inspired by the boldness of her vulnerable lyrics, packaged in both lighthearted (‘I Wanna Have Your Babies’) and honest (‘Soulmate’) storytelling. Her innocent, fresh way of retelling song clichés, takes you back to a carefree, simpler time for those few minutes. As an artist who has always loved many genres, Natasha Bedingfield broke the myth that I would need to indulge in just one. Refusing to fit the mold, she captivated the charts by merging catchy pop melodies, rock, and RnB influences, with powerful, uplifting messages (‘Unwritten’). It is no wonder that even her earlier songs remain respected by all. Thank you Natasha Bedingfield for helping to shape me into the songwriter and artist that I am today, just through the power of your music

Zoee:

I’ve always been a strong believer that if you put your mind to something, actions will follow. Over the years I’ve been inspired by many women, from authors to right through to actors, poets, racers, musicians, songwriters, and more. The action takers and the survivors of change. Today, for me, is a day to really recognise the importance of strong-willed women who turn energy into action and make the world around us all a better place.

Becky Lawrence:

There are so many fabulous women who have and continue to inspire me throughout my musical journey. From a young age, I was fascinated by the powerhouses that are Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, and Whitney Houston and I just love how talented they are. I also love women who aren’t afraid to speak their minds and take control of how they want their music to sound and break down barriers, like Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks. In today’s music, I only have to look at my fellow artists to feel inspired at how they continue to push themselves and make us ladies feel heard and valid and I’m grateful for them because it makes me feel braver to do the same.

Callista Clark:

When I was nine I joined a performing arts group through Georgia 4H called Clovers and Company that Jennifer Nettles had also been a part of for many years. It amazed me to see and hear about someone from a small town in Georgia who had made it. I looked up to her so much because she wrote and played instruments and could straight up sing and perform, When I was 11, I had the opportunity through 4H to sing and play for her. She was so encouraging and kind. The following year she invited me to perform with her for a National 4H event in Washington DC. We sang ‘Baby Girl’, I mean could there be a more perfect song to sing together?. I was terrified in the moment but in awe of her voice and stage presence, but she was so kind and encouraged me to shine. She inspired me back then and continues to inspire my musical journey today.

Lauren Davidson:

It’s no secret if you know me and my music that I am heavily influenced by female voices. So many women across so many genres inspire and influence my music including Shania Twain, Grace Potter, and Carole King. But if I had to pick only one person I’d have to say, Stevie Nicks. As a child (and an adult) I always had a unique voice and didn’t sound like other singers. Through her, I learned that having a unique voice is an asset, not a weakness. I’m inspired by the life she’s lived, the career she’s had, and her ability to tell stories through her music. She is a style icon, an industry leader, and an all-around badass.

Macy Krew:

I literally have been so inspired since I was a little girl by females in the music industry. From listening to Shania Twain at 3-years-old to my top three inspirations having to be Kelly Clarkson, Carly Pearce, and Kelsea Ballerini. All of these women know how to share the sass, honest lyrics, and true personality on a stage. They have worked hard for what they have and never hold back from their true self. They unapologetically have inspired how I write songs, interact with a crowd, and carry my confidence on stage. I’ve been so lucky to have met all three of them in the music industry world and they all are exactly as genuine as I had hoped. I am so thankful to have shining stars to look up to like all of these powerful women and I couldn’t be where I am today without them. Females in the music industry are a force to be reckoned with and we are just getting started, so buckle up and get ready for our voices to continue to be heard.

Rosey Cale:

One female artist that has inspired my writing the most has got to be Sara Bareilles. The way she writes and sings her vocal melodies blows my mind every single time. There’s just something about the way she sings that makes you listen intently to what she has to say. Her lyrics are pure genius, especially in her songs like ‘Manhattan’, and ‘Gravity’, but then her upbeat numbers have got me through the toughest and best times in my life like ‘Brave’, and ‘Little Black Dress’. If I could have a masterclass in writing from anyone on the planet, it would be her every time. Not only does she write incredible songs, she’s also amazing live.

Kathryn Shipley:

I have been inspired by women like Dolly Parton, and Reba, then along the way came this incredible singer named Mickey Guyton and I was just blown away and I really started following her journey and started sending prayers her way for “acceptance” which is a hard pill to have to swallow. But then this other “person of interest” came on the scene and I had actually heard of her and listened to one of her songs and was like “wow, she is amazing”. I heard an older song she cut, it was a cover of ‘No Air’ with that country flair. Then my favorite one is ‘Seeds’, so then it was so weird a few months later in late 2020, I can’t remember if she started following me or I followed her on Twitter, but as they say “the rest is history. Please everyone check out my dear friend Rissi Palmer, she may be a “mention” to some but she is a movement for many country artists of color. She has made my light grow brighter. Not enough thank yous that I can possibly give her. Rissi is my inspiration, she never gave up and evolved on a whole other level that I’m sure she is still pinching herself over. To me, she has now become a long-overdue household name in the music game.

Bailey Tomkinson:

There are so many strong female artists that inspire me. From Carole King to Maggie Rogers. They’re very authentic and influence me in so many creative ways. Not only are they fantastic writers, performers, and musicians but they’re determined and always amaze me.

Emma Stevens:

There are so many female singers that have inspired me. Sheryl Crow, The Chicks, Taylor Swift, Imogen Heap, The Bangles, the list goes on. I’ve always gravitated toward female artists that play instruments and write their own instruments and write their own songs and these women all inspired me at some point in my life to do what I do now.

The Adelaides:

For us as a band, we think Maren Morris is such an inspiration as a female artist. She writes all her own music and worked hard for years towards her success. She’s an incredible live performer and is also a perfect example of how versatile country can be, as she’s crossed over into pop releasing the song ‘The Middle’ with Zedd. Not only that but she seems really down to earth and also manages having a baby and her career so well. Her song ‘My Church’ holds a special place in our hearts as it was the first song we ever sang together as The Adelaides.

Megan O’Neill:

A female artist who has inspired my own journey as both a songwriter and artist is Brandi Carlile. She is such an incredible writer, performer, and producer as well as being a huge supporter of other women in the industry, which I hope to be myself. Can’t ever get enough of her music.

Laura Evans:

I‘m hugely inspired by the artist and songwriter Lucie Silvas. The first time I heard her voice and songs, I said “wow, I want to make music and write songs like that”. and from that day she has remained my inspiration. I think it’s important to let go of any boundaries and not put limitations on yourself as a songwriter. I’ve been through many moments in my career where, as a woman I used to think I had to write a certain way, look a certain way and songs had to fit into a certain box, It’s been important for me to let go of all those limitations to be the best artist I can be. I always come back to Lucie Silvas’ music for that inspiration.

Laura Oakes:

Bonnie Raitt is a huge inspiration to me. I remember seeing her live for the first time after years of loving her voice and music. She strolled out on to stage with her sunglasses on and her electric guitar hanging around her neck, completely unannounced, her band following behind her and I just thought ‘omg this woman is BADASS!’ No crazy entrance or spectacle that female artists so often have to put on (don’t get me wrong I LOVE an OTT stage entrance! Celine Dion’s Vegas entrance and that 30ft curtain drop still gives me life) but to see this amazing female artist walk on so cool with just her voice, her guitar, and her songs and tear into her killer set is a rarer site which was why it was so inspiring to me. There is always an understated class and coolness to everything she does whether it’s winning album of the year at the Grammys or rocking out to 50,000 in Hyde Park which I just love.

Hannah May Allison:

Growing up I listened to a mix of traditional country, and early 2000s pop. Although there are so many female artists that I look up to, Michelle Branch is an artist that inspired me at a very young age. Her albums were a staple for me growing up, and some of the first few CDs I ever bought. Seeing a female artist be able to write amazing songs at such a young age had a big influence on why I began my musical journey.

Gemma Louisianna:

Ask any female country artist who has inspired them and I’m sure Taylor Swift will be on the list for almost all of them, however for me, and especially on International Women’s Day, she is so much more than just a musical inspiration. As a similar age to me, and writing songs since I was 7 years old in my bedroom, I felt that I grew up with her. Both overcoming bullying and judgments by turning to music and our diaries were our songs. She not only writes lyrics that connect so strongly with people but she’s grown to become an incredible businesswoman and is a voice for women when they are struggling to be heard. She always bravely stands tall, standing up for what she believes in, no matter the consequences. That’s why, not only as a musician but as a woman, she is someone that I will always respect and support.

Shellyann:

I’ve always been inspired by strong-minded women and women who stand up for themselves. Women who have a kind heart but they can be proud of their dreams and try to achieve them. As a child, I grew up listening to the big vocalists such as Whitney Houston Celine Dion, etc. I remember at the age of 12 I discovered Bonnie Rait, Alison Krauss, Shery Crow, Patsy Cline, I never forgot the feeling that it gave to me. I took in every word, it was more than just listening to a song, it was a story but told with country music. I fell in love with all these singers, I began listening to the blues and sometimes even make up my own lyrics to the backing tracks. I have fond memories of these women in music and watching them living their dream, Each have a story to tell of how they got to that point in their careers. Incredible women in this industry helped me so much in many different ways.

Abigail Neilson:

Since I was little, Taylor Swift has been my biggest role model for music and also for life in general. She’s always been such an inspiration to me, especially in the songwriting aspect. When I first started getting into music and being my own artist, I knew I wanted to write songs and to have that be a big part of what I do. I wanted to tell my own stories and share my own experiences the way she has in hopes to help and inspire other people the way she did for me. I’ve always admired how she holds herself as a woman in the music industry. She is a natural leader and so creative in her music and presentation when she performs. She always voices her thoughts and ideas and isn’t afraid to speak up if she disagrees or doesn’t like something and that’s something that is so important for young women to know it’s okay to do. She has inspired so many artists and songwriters including myself, I couldn’t think of a better role model than her.

Eleri Angharad:

Well, I think it comes as no surprise that I’d pick Taylor Swift as my inspiring artist! I’ve always fallen in love with her ability to tell a story – I remember buying the Fearless album and discovering ‘White Horse’, which is such a perfect B-side to ‘Love Story’, and thinking “oh wow this girl can write”. Then ‘The Best Day’ broke my heart as I left home for the first time. Ever since that moment, her albums have perfectly soundtracked all the moments of my life, from high school to these long months of quarantine, and everything in between. She’s always had the ability to create perfect analogies for the drama and trauma we all go through as well as capturing the sass and the good times. I find her inspiring because of her honesty, compassion, and sheer resilience. Taylor is not one to back down when something is wrong and has spoken out on Sexism in the Music Industry, fought record labels and big streaming platforms to pay artists more fairly, and fought against homophobia in politics with her Open letter at the 2018 midterm US elections. Most recently her ongoing battles with former label manager to own her own masters, and ultimately her decision to rerecord has opened up a whole conversation for artists and has certainly made me question how I view my own music. In her Apple Music interview, she speaks of leasing music to labels, rather than them owning it and I think that could be a really exciting development to ensure artists are protected. Her speech at the AMAs as she accepted her Artist of the Decade award just epitomizes International Women’s Day to me, she challenges the perception of women in the music industry, her own prejudices, and that appeasing critics is nowhere near as fun as making art.

Louise Parker:

I’m lucky to have been surrounded by female musicians growing up, but if I only had to choose one who has influenced me and my music it would be Shania Twain. The older I get the more and more I respect her and what she’s done for women in country music. It’s not just her songwriting, and production, It’s her attitude and passion that have truly inspired me.

Kerri Watt:

I actually remember the first time I heard Sheryl Crow play on the radio. I was probably around 11 years old and was in the car with my dad on a rainy Glasgow day. This song came on… “Soak Up The Sun.” Dreaming out the window, I was suddenly transported to a gorgeous summer day! I just thought it was the coolest, free-est sound and not something I’d really heard before. After that, my parents bought me Sheryl Crow’s Greatest Hits CD which played on a loop through my teens. Fast forward to about ten years later when I was in my early 20s and I finally got tickets to see her play live at an open-air amphitheater in Southern California. I obviously knew she made great music but was blown away by the way she could also command a stage (and her guitar skills!) She is an absolute hero to me and her lyrics and vibe have really influenced my own songwriting and stage presence over the years.

Courtney Cole:

I am really inspired by Kacey Musgraves. Kacey is someone who has never denied who she is and lets the honest parts of herself, whether it be the hurt, the joy, the processing of it all, come through. She is unapologetically who she is and because of that, she stands out from the crowd. She resonates in a different space and claims her truth, expresses herself freely, and that’s something that I really admire and appreciate, not only in artists but in everyone”.

Who are your female inspirations? Let us know across social media and in the comments below!