This week, I hopped on a Zoom call with two of my favorite journalists
and to chat all about Beyoncé’s new album “Cowboy Carter.”During our conversation, Ruth, Noella, and I discuss our favorite songs on the album, growing up in the South, and the history of Black country music. We chat all about our Cowboy Carter sun, moon, and rising (for all the astrology lovers) and our predictions for Act III.
Ruth Etiesit Samuel is a journalist based out of New York. Last week, she wrapped up an incredible 3-year stint as a Culture Reporter at The Huffington Post. Her final piece included a compelling analysis of Cowboy Carter and a conversation with Black Opry founder Holly G and co-director Tanner Davenport. Previous articles explore the barriers that Black artists face in the country music space, struggling to make their way onto country radio and get backing from labels. Her work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Allure, and more. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Noella Williams is the assistant editor for Apartment Therapy's News and Culture section. In 2022, Noella wrote a story for UpRoxx about the longevity of Beyonce’s Renaissance in the grand scheme of the music landscape. During this episode, we chat about how the messages delivered in “Renaissance” and “Cowboy Carter” are intrinsically linked statements about autonomy, breaking the mold, and freedom. Her previous work is featured in Scalawag Magazine, Healthline, them, Uproxx, Harper's Bazaar, Teen Vogue, and this month’s print edition of Marie Claire. (Go pick it up, she has a lovely story about ballerina India Bradley, who made her historic debut as a dewdrop in the New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker just last year!)
There are a LOT of mentions of memes and favorite tweets throughout this convo, please feel free to follow Ruth and Noella on X and Instagram for more thoughts on “Cowboy Carter.”
Ruth’s Country Music Recs
Mickey Guyton
Maren Morris
Hunter Hayes
Camille Parker
Reyna Roberts
Kane Brown
Kacey Musgraves
Carmen Dianne
Tanner Adell
Dan + Shay
Chris Stapleton
War & Treaty
Brittney Spencer
Kentucky Gentlemen
To conclude, thank you Beyoncé.
cowboy carter w/ ruth etiesit samuel and noella williams