2024 is off to an incredible start…
For country music. After years (since the 00s) of picking up, going through, and ultimately trying to overcome the ‘bro-country’ era, and now with the resurgence of pop country, people are yearning for traditional. I can feel it. It’s happening.
‘Blurring the traditional with modern line’ artists like Zach Top are really helping open the door for more and more people to find the more traditional-sounding artists of today.
This week we’re diving into 10 of those such artists that I’m very much watching this year and beyond. They’re not necessarily new, they just feel like they’re really doubling down this year.
And of course, there are hundreds and thousands of great artists that I hope to cover over the years of this publication - these just stand out to me at the moment.
1 - Zach Top - already mentioned and at the top of the list, Mr 90s himself. Been likened to a young Alan Jackson or Keith Whitley, Zach has garnered major popularity from keeping a more classic sound alive and doing so in an insanely popular way that to me, has longevity.
2 - Aaron Watson - The most humble man in the game and a 25+ year veteran of the space, Aaron is Texas Country and independent royalty. Obviously not new to the game, he’s so excited and gung-ho about his new music that he feels like he’s ‘just getting started’ (he said so in our interview). That type of outlook puts him as a forerunner of having another breaking year.
3 - Noeline Hofmann - Emerging from the Tiktok viral-sphere, her music caught the eye of many, quickly. Now working with Zach Bryan’s outfit ‘Belting Bronco’, she’s shaping up to be a big name with 2024 being vital in her career.
4 - Red Clay Strays - One of the most energetic live acts, RCS is unlike anything we’ve seen in a long time. Hard pressed to consider it true country unless you look back to the 60s w/the merging of country and rock and roll, they’re very rock and roll. But catching the eye of outfits like WesternAF, they’ve made a huge name for themselves, and with an album coming this year, it’ll get bigger.
5 - Braxton Keith - Refreshingly when we talked to him on our show, he actually has a love for DEEP classic country. Emulating his own version of classic meets modern, he draws in a younger crowd which is huge for country music in general. He’s probably the most classic country/honky tonk on this list and I’m hopeful that with his recent signing, he’ll push that narrative even further.
6 - Taylor Hunnicutt - Good lord she’s good live. Like Alabama rock country grunge culminating into the closest thing I’ve seen to a female Whiskey Myers. Touring and on the road 80+% of the year, she’s growing a grassroots fan base that is getting notice from, now thanks to RCSs, big media names like Theo Von!
7 - Ben Tod and the Lost Dog Street Band - They’ve been around forever and made quite an audience from outlets like YouTube’s Gems on VHS. But now, after a brief solo hiatus from Ben, the whole band is back with a recent release of their new album ‘Survived’. Supporting that was a headlining tour w/many sold-out shows and a Grand Ole Opry debut to boot. Growing indeed.
8 - 49 Winchester - Named part of the Opry’s Next Stage Class of ‘24 (whether you put stock in that or not), 49 is coming out as another big band to beat. Their loyal loyal fans are emerging from all corners of the country and with the upcoming release of their album in August, I think they’ll solidify as a huge name in the space.
9 - Wyatt Flores - Again another Next Stage class member, Wyatt grew a massive social following for his songwriting ability. Such authentic, deep, and complex stories and lyrics emerge from such a young person, it’s like he’s lived multiple lifetimes as an early 20-something. Another one who is luckily bringing a younger crowd into the classic space.
10 - Cody Jinks - Again obviously not new and like Aaron, one of if not the top-grossing independent country artist of all time, Cody is back in a big way. Not like he went anywhere, but with his release of ‘Change the Game’, I think even the title track is a prophecy that he’s planning on making a big mark (and stance) on the genre this year.
Behind the Music with Willi Carlisle
I’ve done many an interview in my life - some on Tiktok live Whiskey Wednesdays, a couple of long-form YouTube styles, and many others in past positions - but thus far, this was my favorite.
Willi Carlisle is a folk singer-songwriter who’s catching the attention of everyone in the country space too, with many features on outlets like WesternAF and a recent Opry debut.
I sat down with him for a most enlightening discussion on what he feels about the Opry ask, how he approaches his creative storytelling, his musical background, and his intention of “putting the in-here, out-there” for everyone to remember like music, pain, suffering, and love are all shared emotions.
What do you all think? Are any of these new to you? Did you find a newfound love for Willi? Let me know and we’ll see you next week!
Keep country real,
Nikki