Country artists continue to breakthrough and evolve within the country music genre. One of the greatest aspects of music is getting to watch artists develop and mold themselves into a star. Today, we look at 20 new country artists who are shaping the future of the genre. Let us know what artists are on your radar in the comment section! If you wonder why so many of these artists are respected across generations, click here.
The 20 Artists Who Are Shaping the Future
Megan Moroney – Hailing from Douglasville, GA, this University of Georgia graduate has implemented herself as one of the most popular female artists within the genre over the last few years. With already securing a number-one single and nearly a sold out 2025 tour, Moroney has shown herself to be a potential juggernaut for years to come.
Zach Top –
With a voice like Keith Whitley and a brand image where many question if he is the son of Alan Jackson, Zach Top had one of the biggest years out of any artist in 2024. The “I Never Lie” singer has captured the hearts of many 90s country fans with his neo-traditional production. As a front-runner for 2025 CMA New Artist of the Year, the sky is the limit for the career trajectory of Zach Top.
Red Clay Strays – Brandon Coleman, lead singer of the Red Clay Strays, channels his inner Elvis with his Rockabilly and Delta Blues influence. The Red Clay Strays found mainstream success last year after their song, “Wondering Why,” became a viral hit on social media. With Coleman’s energetic on-stage persona and consistent quality of music, the Red Clay Strays have prepared themselves to dethrone Old Dominion as CMA Group of the Year in 2025.
Ella Langley – Along with Megan Moroney, Ella Langley has become one of the trailblazers for the new women in country music movement that is currently happening in the genre. Last year, she secured her first number-one with her hit song, “You Look You Like You Love Me,” featuring Riley Green. Currently, her solo radio single, “weren’t for the wind” is at Top-20 on Country Airplay and will likely be her first solo number-one at radio.
Dylan Marlowe – Recently coming off his breakthrough radio single, “Boys Back Home” with Dylan Scott, Marlowe has solidified himself as a country artist to keep an eye on. His album, “Mid-Twenties Crisis” was one of our favorites from last year, due to the alternative country influence that was present throughout the album. We look forward to hearing his new song, “Picture Perfect,” which is releasing on March 14th.
Conner Smith – At 16 years old, Smith scored his first publishing deal in Nashville. Since then, Smith has continued to showcase his songwriting ability on projects like “The Storyteller EP” and the “Smoky Mountain Sessions EP.” In our opinion, Smith is one of the most talented songwriters within the industry, due to the authenticity of his writing. You may know him from his Top-15 hit, “Creek Will Rise.”
Gavin Adcock – This Georgia boy has presented himself to have an outlaw image so far in his career. With music that reminds us a little bit of Koe Wetzel, Adcock continues to get pelted with beer cans at his concerts. Not only does he know how to make a good song, but also how to be entertaining. With his consistency in putting out songs about every two to three weeks, he is an artist to watch in 2025.
The Castellows – Comprised of three sisters from Georgia, this trio has had newfound success after being discovered on social media in late 2023. With the release of their debut EP last year. However, they were able to score a duet with Wyatt Flores, where “Sober Sundays” was one of the most critically acclaimed songs of last year. We believe they are one of the top new groups within the genre.
Ty Myers – The 17-year old from Austin, TX is doing everything correct so far in his young career. With illustrious production that reminds a listener of John Mayer, the creative choices that Myers has made thus far has set himself apart from his peers. Accumulating 3.3 million monthly listeners and selling out a headline tour at his age is truly remarkable.
Tucker Wetmore – Wetmore is an emerging country artist with viral hits such as “Wine Into Whiskey” and his number-one single, “Wind Up Missin’ You.” In an industry that is evolving into implementing a lot of 808 tracks into its production, Wetmore has capitalized on this trend throughout his music. He is also mainly influenced by Morgan Wallen both in his production, but also in the cadences of his voice.
Kameron Marlowe – Although Marlowe has been in the industry for a few years, he has recently gained notoriety within the country music genre. His first two albums, “We Were Cowboys” and “Keepin’ the Lights On” are two of our favorite albums of the decade thus far. Even though he has yet to find true success on country radio, the quality that is being produced out of Marlowe is ahead of many others. However, the best thing about Marlowe is his vocal ability. Next to Chris Stapleton, Marlowe may be the best pure vocalist in the genre today.
Hudson Westbrook – This college-aged artist from Texas is on his path to becoming the next Parker McCollum. With already finding success on Texas country radio, it’s a matter of time before Westbrook gets broadcasted to a national radio audience. With songs like “5 to 9” and “House Again.” the influence of McCollum on Westbrook is easily noticeable. Westbrook is going to likely be putting out his debut album in 2025 and will be doing huge numbers, as he kicks off his tour.
Kashus Culpepper – Culpepper, who is signed to Big Loud Records, implements a soul and blues influence into his music. Culpepper seems like he could have been pulled right out of Motown in the 1960s. Through his Muscle Shoals sound on music like “After Me?” and “Pour Me Out,” Culpepper has continued his development as an artist. We are excited to see Culpepper’s likely forthcoming debut album in 2025.
Treaty Oak Revival – From Odessa, TX, Treaty Oak Revival has incorporated a grunge and southern rock instrumentation into their music. With obvious influences like Nirvana and a plethora of red dirt country bands, Treaty has become one of the most well-respected groups to come out of Texas. After releasing a successful album, “Have a Nice Day” in 2023, fans are eager to see how the band will evolve on its next album that will be releasing soon.
Mackenzie Carpenter – After finding success as a songwriter, Carpenter is signed to Big Machine Records and is releasing her debut album on March 7th. Her newest single, “I Wish You Would” with Midland, is a song that will make you feel like you took a time machine back to the early 2000s. Even though she continues to be one of Megan Moroney’s go-to songwriters, Carpenter has established herself as one of the best female newcomers in the genre.
Vincent Mason – Along with Ty Myers and Hudson Westbrook, Vincent Mason has found success after having a viral hit, “Hell is a Dance Floor.” In the last quarter of 2024, Mason was on tour as direct support to Gavin Adcock on Adcock’s fall tour. Mason continues to pursue quality over quantity, when it comes to releasing music. While he may not put out music as consistently as his fellow peers, Mason still puts out music that is received well.
Lauren Watkins – After signing with Big Loud Records, Watkins has channeled her inner late-1990s or early-2000s female country artist. After making “Fly On The Wall” with Jake Worthington and “Cowboys on Music Row” with Carter Faith, she has shown that she is interested in making classic country music.
Emily Ann Roberts – After competing on The Voice, Roberts has continued to build her brand image as an old-school country artist. Roberts is unafraid to go into her bluegrass roots occasionally. If Zach Top is the top male traditional country male artist, then Roberts has the most potential to become the top female traditional artist, due to the classic country quality in her discography.
Stephen Wilson, Jr. – From his hometown of Seymour, Indiana, this former food scientist turned to being a full-time musician. He has previously said that Nirvana and Soundgarden are two of his largest influences on his music, and that is evident in the production of his catalogue. Some of his best songs include “Year to Be Young 1994,” “Father’s Son,” and “I’m a Song.” Wilson, Jr. is no stranger to discussing how his Dad affected his life in many ways before his passing in 2018.
Hannah McFarland – Out of the twenty country artists that have been discussed today, McFarland is the newest artist that has broke out onto the scene. Recently, she put out her debut EP titled “Broken Hearts” under Capitol Records. McFarland reminds me us a lot of Lauren Watkins not only in the quality that she produces, but also her 1990s or 2000s female artist persona.
Concluding Thoughts
We hope you all have enjoyed taking a look into 20 country artists who are shaping the future of the country music genre. We have a lot of faith in these artists’ careers and look forward to seeing how they perform in 2025. If you all have any recommendations of artists for us to check out, drop them in the comments below or message them to us on our socials: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok. Thanks and God Bless!
