After only one album, Merle Haggard was dropped by his record label. Both they and record companies need to pump some excitement into the produce that they are trying to sell. Also, it is becoming increasingly more difficult distinguishing one artist from another, as they all sound alike. And it is a known fact that record labels are reluctant to sign anyone with something different to offer, which is why country radio stations are now cluttered with boring cookie-cutter hat acts. There is very little originality streaming out of the studios of Music Row these days and, adding to the problem, record companies insist on signing new artists who sound like one another.
None are willing to give a contract to someone with a unique style or sound.
He or she must follow the same old formula the business has used for the last several years. Oh, there are a few country artists in the U.S.A. who stand out, including Robbie Fulks and Dale Watson. The answer arrived when, a very dear friend in Queensland, Australia introduced me to country music from her homeland. It was 1993 when a tape landed on my doorstep. Since then, I have promoted Australian country music both through radio and the printed media.