White Plains Singer Creates Country Music With New York Style

WHITE PLAINS, NY—While writing her country-pop-infused EP "Paper Trail,” singer J.Antonette was troubled by a stereotype.

“I found there was this misconception that in order to be a country singer, or listen to country, you had to come from a place like Nashville or Texas, wear Daisy Duke (clothes), flannel, or cowboy boots and have/sing with a southern drawl.”

While the White Plains resident admits to loving all those things, she wants to challenge the image that country music is just about cowboy boots, plaid, belt buckles and even "songs about sad drunken experiences." While country music may have originated in the south or been inspired by western cowboy music, there’s plenty of “country” in the Empire State, with numerous artists creating songs in the genre and several venues to see it in.

“I'm New York,” said Antonette. “My style is my own. I'm not trying to fit anyone’s image. Anyone can sing any style, dress any way, love any one and still be country if that is where their heart is.”

Because Antonette finds the stereotype so misleading, she’s promoting a movement called #NYDoesCounty hoping to rally support around fellow New-York-based musicians and country music lovers. Those interested in finding out more can visit her website.

Antonette, who toured as a background singer for Grammy Award winner Melissa Etheridge, Jerry Wonda’s Platinum Sound Band and Gary Douglas in support of Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, grew up in Utica, where she encountered various styles of music.

“I grew up listening to music from all genres, but the artists in the country genre that I loved were: Dolly Parton, Elvis, Dixie Chicks, Alison Krauss, Reba, Vince Gill, Tim McGraw.”

Antonette debuted as a solo artist in 2016 with the album “Lollipops & Daggers.” If she tells people she writes and sings country music, they assume she’s headed for Nashville.

“Although Nashville is one of my favorite places to visit, and I would love to create there, New York is just as good."

Her new EP "Paper Trail" will be released in November, featuring country music with a helping of New York style.

"I think what's universal is talent and energy. People enjoy talented musicians who have a vibe that they can connect with. "

If you want to support Antonette's #NYDoesCounty movement, there are a few Hudson Valley venues, where you can hear country acts live:

The Turning Point, Piermont

The Town Crier, Beacon

Daryl's House Club, Pawling

Bearsville Theater, Woodstock

12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar, Peekskill

Roundup Texas BBQ, Cold Spring

Photo via J.Antonette.