When you think about Country Music, almost instantly you think of Nashville, Tennessee. Why? Because just about every popular Country artist has made their way to what is best known as Country Music’s capital for recording or performing at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. However, there have been more than a few artists to rise from non-traditional locations for Country Music. This weeks’ featured artist comes from Billings, Montana.
It’s not surprising to find that Country Music is popular throughout the city. With a demographic breakdown of just about 90% white persons, although the city is filled with many persons under 40 years of age and growing, their seems to be an affinity toward traditional Country Music.Therefore it’s not unusual to see young Jonah Prill making his way toward the Country Music charts. How much would his northern upbringing influence his music? Let’s see.
Other than rock n roll pioneer Chan Romero, who wrote the 1959 song “Hippy Hippy Shake”, the others that have made successful musical ventures out of the Montana area have been somewhat eclectic. Psychedelic rock musician Carson Allen, and folk singer/songwriter Chase McBride represent what might also be the future of Billings. There most likely will be various genres of music with Montana roots. The Country Music will also be prevalent with future artists from the region.
Prill, a born and bred country boy, began writing songs at an early age and continued through his teens. Raised on traditional country western, Prill shines through with one foot remaining where he was planted, and the other pointing in a new direction. Drawing inspiration from voices such as Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, and Jon Pardi, Jonah‘s sound resonates equal parts country, rock, and heartfelt.
Interestingly, Jonah Prill is inspired by relatively young artists, who all hail from the south. It makes me wonder what is the difference between Northern and Southern Country Music?
First, when speaking about Northern and Southern Country Music, we are referring to where the artists were born and raised. That might not be the criteria to measure if there is a difference. Robby Johnson, who was previously featured in Weekly Music Commentary, is from Canada. Keith Urban, a country music superstar was born in New Zealand. Lisa McHugh was born in Glasgow, Scotland. I use these examples because they are not from north or south US. In fact, none are from the US. All three are definitely Country Music artists.
My point, perhaps there is not really a difference between Country Musicians from the north or south of the United States. The real difference might be the experiences of the songwriter and singer. Many times they are one in the same. Billings, Montana is a long way from Nashville, Tennessee. However, is there a huge difference between artists from both places. Maybe, but the music fan listening might not care where the singer is from. How do they sound? That’s the most important factor.
Shining a light on the one that got away, Jonah Prill’s February 2021 single “You Remind Me” tells the classic story of a time where a spark and a youthful heart were not enough to stall a love on the run and keep the fire lit. From Montana mornings to Nashville nights, “You Remind Me” drives listeners down an all too familiar road of reliving a former love through everyday experiences.
“I’m thrilled to be releasing my second song as an independent artist. Being from Montana, I can’t wait to share my unique upbringing through country roots, with a modern rock and pop tone,” shares Prill. Therefore, it’s Prill’s childhood experiences that seem to make the big difference. At least to him.
Country music’s newest flame kicks up the dust to deliver a one-of-a-kind track to be enjoyed by all audiences. It takes a powerful song to come along and make a listener feel at ease in the relation of the lyrics while also wanting to get up and dance at the same time. Perhaps all of us can enjoy the songs coming in the near future from Jonah Prill. Then we can say that we appreciate that Country Music from Montana.