One of the components that keeps the music industry consistently interesting is that it is constantly changing. Genres mesh, songs sonically evolve, and new artists emerge, regularly bringing a fresh, new sound to the radio.
One of the genres that seems to be evolving at a rapid pace, however, is country music. In just the past few years, country music has become infused with pop, rock, and even hip-hop influences. Even though it's becoming difficult to stay relevant in country music, I believe the following five emerging country artists have the potential to stay true to the essence of country music while still remaining pertinent in a rapidly changing genre of music. These are the artists you should start listening to now!
Kelsea Ballerini
Remember when Taylor Swift was country? Yeah, me too. Although those days are long gone, there is a new girl in Nashville who wears her heart on her sleeve and isn't afraid to write songs about her feelings. Although not quite a newcomer like most artists on this list, Kelsea Ballerini has captivated fans with her "girl next door" attitude and ability to write catchy country/pop songs that are still relatable to girls everywhere. Her debut single, "Love Me Like You Mean It", was released to country radio in late 2014, and has been followed by "Dibs" and "Peter Pan", both smash hits off of Ballerini's debut album. Although she is well known on country radio, I believe this rising female star has what it takes to stay consistent and make it very far not only in country, but in the music business.
Maren Morris
"My Church," released by Maren Morris in 2015, saw immediate success and paved the road directly to "Hero", Morris's fourth album released in 2016. Despite being in the music business since 2005, Morris has recently started to gain radio recognition for her traditional country sound infused with subtle classic rock and hip-hop influences. Not only is her music catchy, her edgy voice is a refreshing change from most female artists in country music today. Morris is currently out on the road opening for Keith Urban on the ripCORD tour.
William Michael Morgan
If this list was created a few years ago, the name 'Sam Hunt' would be bolded, italicized, and underlined at the very top. Although Sam Hunt has solidified his place in country music, one of the songs off his acoustic mixtape, "Between the Pines" has been giving another newcomer some recognition. William Michael Morgan's traditional country voice and devotion to simple melodies will likely earn him success if he can continue to produce quality songs such as his hit debut single, "I Met A Girl".
Cam
What do you get when you mix country roots, heartfelt lyrics, and the color yellow? Cam, of course! Cam has been one of my favorite emerging female artists since her single "Burning House" was released to country radio in 2015. I was very impressed with her meaningful and metaphorical songwriting skills, and was equally impressed with her next single, "Mayday", released in 2016. After listening to Cam's entire album, Untamed, I can truly say each of her songs are exquisitely written, unique, and inherently country. I believe Cam has both the talent, vocally and lyrically, and the humility to exceed in the music business.
Granger Smith
Although he has been independently releasing albums for years, Granger Smith has just begun to gain recognition for his single "Backroad Song", paving the road directly to his new album, "Remington", released in early 2016. As a Texas boy, Smith has true country roots, obvious in his lyrics and heartfelt, genuine tone. His music has the potential to stay relevant while still staying true to country, leaving Granger Smith the potential to be the next "big thing" in Nashville.
