This year, my Spotify Wrapped top artist is the recently maligned, newly controversial Zach Bryan. I’m not here to defend him as a person (and I’m not sure how possible that is after he cheated in his last relationship). Maybe it used to be that country artists were seen as more wholesome than other entertainers and athletes, but it appears that is no longer true. Perhaps the positive to this news for Zach Bryan is the next album is about to hit! Maybe this is Bryan announcing his entrance into rock music and the “rock and roll” lifestyle characterized by unfaithful men. Still, until further notice (or more information comes out on the reality of his horrible actions), I will be listening to his 2023 album release, Zach Bryan. In all the outcry, it’s important to remember that artists have always had a reputation for being unfaithful. After all, many don’t go back to a white picket fence house every night – and they capitalize on this as material for their songs. At least for me, whatever he does in his relationships is a separate issue: it’s all about the art.
That said, I wish I could separate the artists from the art in all fields, but somehow I cannot. Take Wicked. I know the second I actually watch it I will probably create a fan account on Instagram, but for now, I am standing from a distance, and judging… heavily. I am sure we have all seen Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s uncomfortable possible show-mance on their whirlwind press tour? Still, I am holding space for the lyrics of “Defying Gravity” as I love musical soundtracks. I can separate the art from the artist just far enough to listen to the Wicked soundtrack… but not quite enough to see the movie.
With cancellations, scandals, and exposés, why should we be at a disadvantage for artists’ oddities and mistakes? If you enjoy Zach Bryan’s music then keep listening to it. The whole point of entertainers in all fields is to entertain the people, and you know what? Seeing Ariana and Cynthia get four matching tattoos post-Wicked production is entertaining, and you can hold space for their advice… but you don’t necessarily need to follow it.
