Country music has deep roots but has long faced criticism for its lack of diversity. Black artists, in particular, have found it challenging to break into the genre. Despite country musicโs roots in Black culture, the industry has long been dominated by white artists. Brittney Spencer isnโt just aware of thisโsheโs living it. Sheโs one of the few Black women making waves in the country music world today, following in the footsteps of legends like Charley Pride and Linda Martell but carving out her own path in a space that still has a long way to go in terms of representation.
โCountry lyrics really drew me into the genre. I loved that you could make and sing a song about pretty much anything in life. I know the art of storytelling through song isnโt genre-specific and can be found in so many styles of music, but I discovered my own storytelling voice through country music,โ Spencer explained.
โCountry music has been like an internal vehicle, helping me discover a lot about myself as a writer and musician. To me, thatโs what makes country music my home,โ she added.
For Brittney, being a plus size Black woman in the country music industry adds another layer to the challenge. Itโs no secret that the music business can be superficial, and country music is no exception. But instead of conforming to industry pressures, Brittney has embraced who she isโboth on and off the stage. Sheโs not just breaking barriers with her voice; sheโs also doing it with her style.
The โBigger Than The Songโ singer is becoming a standout in the country music scene. Since stepping onto the scene in 2013, Brittneyโs powerful voice and undeniable talent have steadily gained her recognition, most recently with superstar Beyoncรฉ. Spencer recently sat down with us to dish on all things fashion, music, and taking up space in the industry.
โ70s Urban Cowgirl Chic with Brittney Spencer
Fashion is another area where Brittney shines. Sheโs got a style thatโs as bold as her voiceโthink different denims, suede, textures, rhinestones, and a whole lot of confidence.
โI love texture-denim, suede, velvet, leather and corduroy. I love 70s fashion. I love looking at photos of artists in the 70s and seeing many of them dress similarly across genres,โ Spencer passionately stated. โDolly, Chaka, Fleetwood Mac, Sly and the Family Stone wore bell bottoms, bellbottom jumpsuits, flared jeans and shirts, textures, and lots of sewn-in feathers.โ
However, Spencer understands how hard it is to achieve โreally good plus size fashion.โ The โSober & Skinnyโ singer pointed out that retailers still drop the ball regarding quality clothing for bigger bodies, even if they offer plus sizes.
โIf I want high fashion, I have to search a lot deeper to find things in my size or just get something custom-made. Honestly, itโs demotivating,โ she said.
She has vowed to continue to call out fashion retailers for the lack of plus size fashion because everyone deserves to feel good and have cute clothing. Often, Spencer would love to rock a comfortable pair of sweatpants, but she admitted that she loves fashion too much. Luckily, Spencer has found some go-to plus size brands she loves, like Good American, Karen Millen, Leviโs, Dolce Vita (for her wide calf boots), Anthropologie, and more.
Owning The Spotlight & Making Music
When it comes to her music, Spencer is as real as it gets. Her sound is soulful and authentic, and the singer plans on staying true to herself.
โI try to be real about myself, what I want, and what I hope to achieve. I often think about the people Iโm making music for and let that guide me,โ Spencer said.
Spencer put those feelings into her debut album, โMy Stupid Life,โ which reflects her personal journey filled with highs, lows, and everything in between.
โThis album taught me to be more honest about how I feel and the experiences Iโve had. As it relates to body image, I Iooked the way I wanted to โ I used full-body photos on the cover and in lots of the promo shots. I donโt really have an agenda, just more like a goal to be, feel, and look as dope as I want to,โ Spencer shared.
And it was her authenticity that got her noticed by Beyoncรฉ. Her life changed overnight when the โAlien Superstarโ singer tapped Spencerโs shoulder for her country album, โCowboy Carter.โ The collaboration was a dream come true and a testament to Spencerโs hard work.
Spencer revealed this yearโs album release, working with Beyoncรฉ, and performing at Stagecoach- were all โa dream come true.โ
Brittney Spencer is owning her moment, both in music and fashion. Sheโs a reminder that country music is for everyoneโand that the spotlight shines brightest on those who are true to themselves.
