In a candid interview with Guitar Player magazine, renowned guitarist Guthrie Trapp voiced his concerns about the current state of country music. Trapp, known for his work with numerous country music stars, believes the genre has strayed too far from its roots.
“Country music is the only genre where it’s gotten away from the actual sound of the music as it’s supposed to be,” Trapp stated. “They should change the name to ‘southern pop.’
As a seasoned session musician, Trapp revealed that many of his peers are hesitant to discuss the projects they’ve worked on, particularly those that may have a poor reputation. He explained:
“Studio musicians are never going to tell you about the records they had to play on that were really bad. They’re not going to tell you about the songs that they had to spend three days playing that were just the absolute worst shit you’ve ever heard in your life.”
Trapp’s upbringing in a musically rich environment, surrounded by bluegrass, acoustic music, and talented songwriters, has shaped his musical preferences. He admits that he may not be the best fit for projects he doesn’t genuinely connect with.
“I was raised around good music with good songwriters and a lot of bluegrass and acoustic music. So it was very painful to try and do that, and I’m not a good politician. I couldn’t sit there and pretend that I liked the music. I was always the cat that was the oddball and the outsider.”
Trapp’s candid remarks highlight the ongoing debate about the evolution of country music and the divide between traditional and contemporary styles. As an influential figure in the industry, his perspective sheds light on the challenges faced by musicians who strive to maintain the integrity of the genre while navigating the changing musical landscape.
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