This is Country Music (31): The Modern Traditionalist of Country

This is Country Music (31) is a dynamic country artist and band from Nashville, Tennessee, known for revitalizing classic country storytelling with a modern radio-ready sound. Their major label debut album, 2018's "Heartland Highway," achieved significant commercial success, charting on the Billboard Top Country Albums and producing multiple Top 40 country radio hits.

Early career

The project, spearheaded by singer-songwriter and frontman J.D. Clay, began taking shape in the early 2010s around the vibrant Nashville songwriter scene. After years of writing for other artists and performing in local venues, Clay and a core group of musicians formally launched This is Country Music (31) in 2015, releasing an independent EP titled "Nashville Lights" that same year.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their debut studio album, "Heartland Highway," on the independent label Broken Bow Records. The album's lead single, "Dirt Road Diary," became a sleeper hit, climbing into the Top 20 of the Billboard Country Airplay chart and setting the stage for their rise.

Key tracks

Dirt Road Diary — This breakthrough single established their signature blend of twangy guitars and relatable, small-town narratives.

Heartland Highway — The anthemic title track from their debut album became a concert staple and a fan favorite for its driving rhythm.

Whiskey & Rain — A poignant ballad showcasing the band's depth, this track received critical praise for its lyrical maturity and vocal delivery.

Steel Town Friday Night — This upbeat, blue-collar anthem highlighted their ability to craft songs celebrating working-class life and weekend release.

The success of "Heartland Highway" led to a busy touring schedule and high-profile opening slots for major acts. Their follow-up album, 2021's "American Ghost," debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and featured a notable collaboration with veteran singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe on the duet "Two Lane Town."

This is Country Music (31) continues to be a steady presence on country radio, with subsequent singles consistently charting. Their music appeals to fans of artists like Chris Stapleton for its raw vocal power and soulful undercurrent. Their story-driven songwriting shares common ground with Eric Church and his brand of outsider country-rock. Listeners who enjoy the modern traditionalism of Midland will find a kindred spirit in their polished, retro-inspired sound.

You can hear the music of This is Country Music (31) across a wide spectrum of country radio stations, from mainstream country FM powerhouses to dedicated Americana and modern outlaw country online streams. Their catalog provides a perfect fit for daytime rotation as well as specialty shows focusing on new country rock and authentic songwriting.

The songs of This is Country Music (31) are regularly featured on the country music radio stations available through our platform. Listeners can discover their hits and deep cuts by tuning into the various online country radio stations featured on onairium.com.