We Need to Talk about Country’s Rising Stars
By Danielle McClements on October 24, 2023
Country music has evolved over the years. What once was a genre full of ballads about gunslinging Texans (I’m looking at you, Marty Robbins), is now a modern category of music that many associate with a comfortable, wholesome lifestyle. Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that the genre is, and always has been, full of talented artists. But let’s focus on the future. Let’s dive into the best new country from the last couple years.
1. Zach Bryan
Zach Bryan has taken the world by the reigns and snuck into the hearts of country music lovers everywhere. The man popped off on the charts with Something in the Orange. But day one fans will remember when he was just a kid singing on YouTube. “You could really use some rest, rose,” he sang, in a video that has since been removed from his page. It was the first time I had ever heard of this guy, and he quickly found his way into my Spotify library.
Zach Bryan is hitting Rogers Place this winter. November 17th or 18th you can see this talented guy in concert. But I gotta warn you, tickets are steep. The lowest price for nosebleed seats right now (Oct 20) is 230 bucks. Worth it? Definitely, but I’m going to wait a few years for the hype train to die down so I can see him live for less than an arm and a leg.
If you’re into Zach Bryan, you obviously love that down-to-earth sound. Which means you’ve probably heard of Tyler Childers too.
2. Tyler Childers
Out of all the talented people on this list, Tyler Childers is by far my favourite. There is nothing like his voice and style. Folk, country, bluegrass: these are just a few of the genres Childers has dabbled in. Tyler Childers is similar to Zach Bryan in that he found fame through those who appreciated his wholesome sound. But Tyler Childers can be tied to some less-than-wholesome things in his past. Childers struggled with addiction. Many of his lyrics explore that part of his life, most notably on the track Whitehouse Road. But in a feat that’s difficult for anyone, Childers managed to get sober. His album Long Violent History discusses this more.
If you want to see this talented artist in concert, you’ll have to wait awhile. Tyler Childers will be at the Saddledome in Calgary on August 6th next year. Don’t worry, it’s 100% worth the wait.
3. Lainey Wilson
It’s no secret that country music has been dominated by men for many years, but female country artists are starting to make a much bigger dent in the genre. Rightfully so, because artists like Lainey Wilson deserve all the spotlight. Don’t get me wrong, women in country music have rocked the charts for years. Shania, Reba, Carrie Underwood, the list goes on. It’s just great to see more young women than ever flourish in the genre.
Lainey Wilson’s first concert was at a convenience store in her hometown of Baskin, Louisiana when she was only 9 years old. Now, she’s a country music sensation. Known for her signature bell bottoms and flat-brimmed cowboy hat, Wilson blew up on TikTok after a video of her performing went viral. I even got it on my For You Page. And I’m glad I did. Watermelon Moonshine has become one of my favourite tracks.
4. Megan Maroney
One of the newest country music rising stars is Megan Maroney. Her first single, Tennessee Orange, hit the charts just last year. From the about section of her very own website, “Maroney writes the kind of unforgettably cathartic songs that feel like a heart-to-heart with your most wildly honest friend: she’s tough but sensitive, fun-loving and fiercely witty, and completely unafraid to say what’s on her mind.” In my opinion, there’s no better way to describe Maroney’s music than that.
Rising to fame just a year ago, Maroney has already found a place in country music fans hearts. Her debut album, Lucky, was released in May and she’s been steadily growing a fan base ever since. Maroney is currently on The Lucky Tour, hitting up several venues in the United States.
There are countless amazing artists in the country music genre, and these are just a few of the newest stars. NR92 plays tons of new music from all genres, so if you like finding new music, tune in any time!
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