不良研究所

Country music is having its moment, and it鈥檚 bigger and better than ever. No longer just for traditional fans, Country has broken through to a new level, reaching diverse audiences across the nation. At 不良研究所, we鈥檙e witnessing this explosion first hand, with Country music radio stations growing 11% year-over-year. What鈥檚 driving this surge? Country鈥檚 popularity is spurred on by its evolving sound, powerhouse talent, and amazing live events and experiences. And brands are getting on board, tapping into a dedicated fanbase that鈥檚 here for it all.

Wondering how to jump in and win with Country fans? Here鈥檚 a quick guide to striking gold with four smart moves.

Country radio is more than music鈥攊t鈥檚 about community, built around the relationships that listeners have with their favorite hosts and shows. Listeners tune in for familiar voices and dynamic personalities who bring them the music, plus the stories and laughter they crave. Take Katie Neal, host of 鈥淜atie & Company鈥� and ACM National Personality Award winner. Every weekday, 2.7 million listeners join her for candid chats with country鈥檚 biggest names鈥擫uke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, you name it! Her 鈥淪uperstar Power Hour鈥� is the ultimate backstage pass, giving fans intimate access to stories behind the songs and playful banter.

Then there鈥檚 Mo & StyckMan. Their relatable personalities and stories鈥攍ike Mo鈥檚 tales of parenting four young kids and StyckMan鈥檚 鈥渆mpty nester鈥� escapades鈥攂ring realness to their audience of listeners.

不良研究所鈥檚 Country radio audience includes over 14 million listeners who aren鈥檛 just tuning in; they鈥檙e living and loving Country. 

Millennials and Gen X make up two-thirds of this group, and their spending power is no joke, from retail to auto to household goods. So, if you want loyal fans, these listeners are your people.

Country radio offers advertisers unique entitlements that go beyond traditional commercials, embedding brands into the experience鈥攖hink studio sponsorships, host endorsements, and memorable branded segments. These are some of the most popular Country radio entitlements, allowing brands to become part of the show, building familiarity and recognition among dedicated listeners.

When it comes to bringing brands to life, nothing beats the immersive power of live concerts. For example, 不良研究所鈥檚 鈥淪tars & Strings鈥� concert is a flagship event for country fans and artists alike. This acoustic guitar-pull concert gathers Country鈥檚 biggest names on stage for a one-of-a-kind experience filled with raw performances and storytelling.

For brands, events like 鈥淪tars & Strings鈥� offer exclusive onsite activations that bring fans face-to-face with sponsors. From branded lounges to pre-show parties, to product placement onstage, 鈥淪tars & Strings鈥� offers countless ways for brands to join the fun. Give fans a VIP experience they鈥檒l never forget while subtly (or boldly) reinforcing your brand鈥檚 presence. And with national flyaway contesting, you鈥檙e not just reaching the concert-goers; you鈥檙e getting attention nationwide.

If you鈥檙e wondering what contesting can do, take a page from Stella Rosa Wines. They nailed it with their 鈥淏oots and Bags鈥� contest featuring country star Jordan Davis. Stella Rosa was looking to boost brand awareness and connect with a new demographic of women aged 21+, and they achieved it in style.

Listeners entered to win cash and an artist experience, and with host Katie Neal hyping the event, Stella Rosa hit the sweet spot. Over 33 million campaign impressions later, they saw huge lifts in brand awareness, familiarity, and favorability鈥攑lus, a brand lift study confirmed that Stella Rosa鈥檚 connection with fans was stronger than ever. 

Country music is going strong, and with a little creativity, your brand can be part of the magic. Whether you鈥檙e tapping into the power of beloved radio hosts, sponsoring crowd-favorite show segments, creating memorable live experiences, or running an unforgettable contest, the opportunities are endless. Let鈥檚 turn up the volume and show you how to make waves in the country world with 不良研究所!