Country music isn't just a genre, it is the way people go about things in their daily lives. While the genre is popular in our culture today, it still has a lot of haters. I was a hater at one point too, when I was into rock music and listening to Aerosmith and Nirvana. Country music seemed so contradictory to what I was listening to at the time, but in reality it was more similar than I could have imagined.

Becoming a musician myself, it opened my eyes to how simple country chord progressions lay the foundation for what you hear in rock music. I quickly became a fan of country music, and everything that came along with the genre. From going to concerts, to flying down the highway listening to country jams, to just being in the South it truly changed my life for the better. Country music is near and dear to my heart and here is why:

1. They Actually Use Instruments

Image Source: Taste Of Country

This is not the type of music where you can just push a button on a laptop and start jumping. These are well-trained musicians who have the talent to play an instrument and sing at the same time. Also, they have a band with more instruments all working together. Unfortunately in today's music scene, it is not all to often that we have this. It is rare to see a country singer that does not play guitar as well as sing, which is very impressive. This is basic roots music with real instruments working together. No computer manipulation here.

2. Southern Charm

Image Source: Taste of Country

The smile on Luke and the child is priceless. It really goes to show how these guys really care about the community around them, and don't get soaked up in all of the fame. It has been a long time since I've heard about any country music star getting arrested and facing jail time. They are genuine people with giving attitudes, and they are so humbled to be in the position that they have climbed to today.

3. The Stories

Image Source: Whiskey Riff

Country music is all about storytelling. Every song has a specific story, which is then put into music and lyrics. These songs make us visualize everything that is happening, from fishing with your dad to experiencing your first crush. Thomas Rhett and his wife met in high school and are still by each other's side. This love story is just the latest that has moved people. Often times before an artist performs a song, he will introduce the song and give us the backstory.

4. The Twang

Image Source: Music Radar

Some hate to admit it, but there is nothing like the sound of a good ole country twang. These artists hammer away at that bridge pickup like it's going out of style just to give their fans that chicken pickin' sound that they love.

5. The Respect

Image Source: People Magazine

The amount of respect these artists have for our country and our military is unmatchable compared to other genres. It just goes to show how genuine these people are, and how much they appreciate their circumstances. Often times our country and military are referenced through country songs. They represent true patriotism.

6. No Artist Rivalries

Image Source: CBS News

These guys root for each other and for the industry. This is an incredible thing to see compared to the many girl fights and Twitter wars we see daily from other genres. These men and women are all good friends for the most part, and just want to have a good time with minimal drama. They also don't need the drama to enhance their fame, they can already do that with their singing voices. These friendships often lead to artist collaborations and some incredible performances.