In 2022, the music industry was on fire both in the studios and on stages across the world. We saw artists jumping at the opportunity to tour after a long two year (unwanted) hiatus. Stadiums were sold out in minutes and a number of artists chose to continue the small venue tour stops as it reconnected them with their fans in a grassroots sort of way. The traditional label of the “country” genre seemingly was thrown out the window this year as well. While you can still hear plenty of “old school” style of country music streaming, you’ll also hear country rock, pop country, country songs featuring rappers and more. Gone are the days when country music strictly meant you would “hear twin fiddles and a steel guitar.” Check out my 2023 Ones to Watch list.
Chart Toppers
Hardy (ft. Lainey Wilson) – Wait in the Truck
Scotty McCreery – Damn Straight
Thomas Rhett (ft. Tyler Hubbard & Russell Dickerson) – Death Row
Zac Bryan – Something in the Orange
Ashley McBryde (ft. Benji Davis) – Gospel Night at the Strip Club
TikTok was to thank for the success of many musicians trying to break into the industry, giving them a platform to reach millions of listeners without the help of a record label. Independent artists such as Alexandra Kay and Julia Cole sold out numerous shows throughout their first headlining tour all thanks to social media. Others, who are actively involved with labels also saw large successes, especially songwriters who have had no lack of inspiration over the past couple years. While you may have heard of some of these artists, here are just a few of our favorite up-and-comers who you should definitely keep an eye on!
Artists to Watch
Corey Kent – Wild As Her
Alexandra Kay – Backroad Therapy
Julia Cole (ft. Alexandra Kay) – Best Worst Ex
Greylan James – Old Truck Young Love
Brandon Ratcliff – Tale of Two Towns
Anne Wilson – My Jesus
Hope you enjoyed my 2023 Ones to Watch List! Find an artist that you can’t get enough of? Show your support! Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, and Twitter as well as on all major music streaming platforms!
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