New all female supergroup, The Highwoman, set out to change the country music industry.

Are Women Adequately Represented in Country Music?

The new all female country music group, The Highwomen, announced on the Ellen DeGeneres show last night that they are out on a mission to close the gender gap on country music radio. Inspired by her 4 year old daughter's eagerness to play music, group member Amanda Shires spearheaded the formation of the group in an effort to get stronger female representation within the country music industry. She states, "I thought the worst thing that could happen would be that she would go for country because there are only currently two women’s voices that you can actually hear on the radio."

The group was formed after a phone call from Shires to Brandi Carlile. Maren Morris and Natalie Hemby soon signed on after, creating the all female supergroup. When talk show host Ellen DeGeneres noted Morris' own success within the industry Morris responded, "They play me, but when you compare it to some of my male peers, it’s pretty staggering still" she continued with "And I’m one of the few lucky girls that gets played on country radio. We’re just trying to change that."

The Highwomen recently debuted their self titled album on September 6 and have been busy touring around the country since. Their most recent accomplishment included a show with country music legend Dolly Parton.

You can watch The Highwomen interview and performance below.

---

Author

Rebecca Lennex is the Promotional Director for Ashcraft Studios. A jack of many trades, her passions include writing, music, and art.  When she’s not working for the Ashcrafts she’s working on her own online pursuits. All non-work related hours go to her husband, four children, and fur baby australian shepherd. ​

Tags: the highwomen, ellen degeneres, country music, amanda shires, brandi carlile, maren morris, natalie hemby