It doesn't seem like that long ago since the likes of Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce and Morgan Wallen were all rising artists with the Country music world at their feet and look at them now! There's never been a better time to be an emerging artist in Country music as the genre flourishes across all forms of media and entertainment. With that in mind we present our list of 10 artists to watch in 2025 – artists we feel could be just about to have a successful or break-out year.
Sam Barber
At just 21 years old, Sam Barber has quickly emerged as a standout voice in Country music. Hailing from Southeast Missouri, Barber blends raw honesty with youthful enthusiasm, a combination that powered his PLATINUM-certified 2023 single ‘Straight and Narrow' into the spotlight. His debut album ‘Restless Mind' released in November 2024, features 28 deeply personal songs showcasing his gut-wrenching vocals and sharp songwriting. Collaborations with talents like Billboard #1 songwriter Amy Allen and producer Elie Rizk further elevate the project.
Barber’s Restless Mind Tour, including a debut at the iconic Ryman Auditorium and a performance at GoldenSky Festival, promises to expand his growing fanbase. With an emotional live show and a bold approach to storytelling, Barber is firmly establishing himself as a key figure in the future of Country music as evidenced by his recent placement on the Yellowstone TV show.
Vincent Mason
Hailing from Roswell, Georgia, and now calling Nashville home, Vincent Mason is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new voices in country music. With over 120 million streams to his name, Mason has captured the attention of fans and critics alike with his heartfelt lyrics and undeniable talent.
Mason’s breakout single, “Hell is a Dance Floor,” climbed to #7 on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Countdown, solidifying his place as a rising star. Earlier this year, he released his debut EP, Can’t Just Be Me, a collection of songs that showcases his knack for storytelling and emotional depth. Whiskey Riff hailed him as “the next name you need to know in country music,” and Country Central praised his ability to make a strong early impression.
The past year has been a whirlwind for Mason. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut in September, an unforgettable milestone for any country artist. He also spent the summer opening for country icons Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan, followed by serving as direct support for Gavin Adcock’s sold-out tour. Looking ahead, Mason is set to join Riley Green and Ella Langley on tour this spring, further cementing his status as a must-see live performer.
Vincent Mason’s journey into music began during his senior year of high school when he picked up a guitar for the first time. Though he initially dreamed of a career in sports, the melodies and stories of country music captivated him, leading him down a path of creative discovery. Now, with a growing fanbase and a promising future, Mason continues to prove that his passion for music was the right choice all along.
The Castellows
The Castellows, a Neo-Traditional Country trio of sisters from rural Georgetown, Georgia, are redefining the phrase “family tradition.” Comprising Ellie (lead guitar), Powell (banjo), and Lily (vocals), this talented sibling band is making waves with their authentic blend of traditional and modern country influences. Their seamless three-part harmonies create a singular, angelic sound that sets them apart in the genre.
Their EP, ‘A Little Goes a Long Way,' produced by Grammy-winning producer Trina Shoemaker (Sheryl Crow, Nanci Griffith, Queens of the Stone Age), is a refreshing nod to country’s roots. Drawing on folk-inspired melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the project offers a nostalgic escape from the pop-country trends dominating today’s airwaves. Could this be the palate cleanser country fans have been waiting for? Follow up releases like ‘Sober Sundays' and ‘Alabama Stone' have added to the sisters' catalogue in fine style too.
Industry insiders quickly took notice of The Castellows’ unique sound. By January 2023, the buzz around the trio led to a record deal with Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records by spring. As they continue to rise, The Castellows are poised to become one of country music’s most exciting new acts. We saw them in Nashville last June and are excited for people to see what we saw at the upcoming C2C festival in the UK in March as the sisters cross the Atlantic for the first time.
Tanner Adell
Tanner Adell is making history as a dynamic force in country music. In 2024, she performed on high-profile stages like The Jennifer Hudson Show, Macy’s 4th of July Spectacular, and the BET Awards, where she became the first female country artist to perform. She also presented at the CMT Awards and the People’s Choice Country Awards, solidifying her place as a rising star in the industry.
Adell’s musical versatility was showcased through her collaboration on Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter' album in March 2024. Her own standout singles, including ‘Cowboy Break My Heart' and Twisters feature track ‘Too Easy' have further cemented her reputation as an innovative artist.
This fall, Adell launched her first headlining tour, The Buckle Bunny Tour, which sold out within minutes of its public on-sale. The overwhelming demand led to venue upgrades in several markets, highlighting her rapidly growing fanbase.
Adell’s unique sound and perspective are rooted in her upbringing, splitting time between California’s beaches and a rustic Wyoming ranch. This duality exposed her to a variety of musical genres, but it was ’90s country legends like Shania Twain and Josh Turner who inspired her love for country music. With the unwavering support of her adoptive mother, Adell honed her craft at Utah Valley University before moving to Nashville, where she cultivated a loyal following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
With her trailblazing achievements and genre-blending artistry, Tanner Adell is redefining the boundaries of country music while honouring its traditions.
Alana Springsteen
Alana Springsteen, a Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville artist-songwriter, is making waves in the country music world with her raw talent and deeply relatable storytelling. Springsteen burst onto the scene with her debut album, TWENTY SOMETHING, earning widespread critical acclaim. NPR Music described her as one of the few artists who can “dissect and make sense of life in your 20s,” while GRAMMY.com lauded her for “speaking to an entire generation.” PEOPLE magazine even dubbed her “the future of country music,” and E! News praised her as “one of Nashville's most buzzworthy emerging artists.”
Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Springsteen exhibited a natural talent for music at an early age. She picked up the guitar at seven, began writing songs by nine, and was walking into professional songwriting sessions in Nashville by the age of 10. Her confidence and ability to connect through music earned her the respect of seasoned songwriters, setting the stage for a promising career. At just 14, she signed her first publishing deal, prompting her family to move to Nashville to support her growing aspirations.
Springsteen’s debut album, TWENTY SOMETHING, reflects her journey into adulthood. Released in three parts—Messing It Up, Figuring It Out, and Getting It Right—the autobiographical collection showcases her talent as a songwriter, co-writer of all 18 tracks, and a multi-instrumentalist on guitar and piano. She also took the reins as a co-producer on most of the songs, further proving her artistic versatility. Drawing inspiration from her idol Taylor Swift, Springsteen delivers heartfelt and introspective lyrics that resonate with listeners navigating the complexities of their 20s.
Currently, Alana Springsteen is on the brink of releasing songs from her highly anticipated sophomore project having just released a live version of her terrific ‘Tiny Desk' performance from earlier in the year. She's also had a Pop crossover hit with Tiesto on ‘Hot Honey' too! With her talent, authenticity, and a growing fan base, she continues to solidify her place as one of the brightest stars in country music today. A support slot of Keith Urban's newly announced ‘High & Alive' tour will give Springsteen the platform she needs to break through to more people in 2025 – it's a big year ahead!
Chase Matthew
Chase Matthew, a breakout star on the Warner Music Nashville roster, is quickly establishing himself as a powerhouse in country music. Known for his electrifying performances and authentic storytelling, the Nashville, Tennessee native is poised for an unforgettable 2024, with over 145 shows on his calendar. His headline COME GET YOUR MEMORY TOUR and its extended run have sold out venues nationwide, and he’s shared the stage with country superstars Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan.
Celebrating major milestones, Matthew has earned two RIAA certifications: Platinum for his breakout hit ‘County Line' and Gold for his Top 5 debut single ‘Love You Again.' His collaborations have also gained attention, including partnerships with Flo Rida on ‘Floats Your Boat' and Fernando & Sorocaba on ‘Cold Blooded.' Adding to his accolades, he was named to the prestigious Opry NextStage Class of 2024 and earned his first-ever award show nomination at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards.
With over 1 billion global streams, Chase Matthew shows no signs of slowing down. His current single ‘Darlin’ is making waves at Country radio, while his recent EP ‘Always Be Mine' introduced fan favourites like ‘Backroads Of My Mind,' ‘Missin’ Me Missin’ You' and ‘Dancing In The Rain.' Looking ahead, his 2025 World Tour promises to take his music to an even larger audience, with tickets already on sale.
February 21, 2025, marks a bucket-list moment for Matthew as he makes his hometown headline debut at the iconic Ryman Auditorium. Additionally, he’s set to support Keith Urban on the HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR, both in the U.S. and during a string of shows in Australia next summer.
Chase Matthew’s star is undeniably on the rise, fuelled by his dedication, talent, and an ever-growing fan base. With new music on the horizon and a packed schedule, he’s solidifying his place as one of country music’s most exciting new voices.
Wyatt Flores
Wyatt Flores has emerged as a compelling new voice in country music, blending heartfelt storytelling with a contemporary edge. Signed to Island Records in the summer of 2023, Flores has cultivated a grassroots fanbase through social media, amassing over 130 million global streams. Hailing from Stillwater, Oklahoma, he made the leap to Nashville in 2022 and quickly built momentum, embarking on a headlining tour across the U.S. with over half of the shows selling out.
Flores first appeared on the Billboard charts on December 2, 2023, when “Please Don’t Go,” from his EP ‘The Hutson Sessions,' debuted at number 43 on the Hot Country Songs chart. Later that month, he released a poignant cover of The Fray’s ‘How to Save a Life,' describing it as a “little late Christmas gift” aimed at comforting those struggling during the holiday season.
In early 2024, Flores took a brief hiatus from performing, citing mental health challenges and impostor syndrome. After a two-month break, he returned to the stage in April, coinciding with the release of his second EP ‘Half Life.' The project explores themes of fame, mental health, religion, and relationships, showcasing his commitment to emotional authenticity. In an interview with GRAMMY.com, Flores explained his songwriting approach: “If you can somehow captivate [listeners] in the story and make them feel the emotion through the song, then you’ve done your job. I guess that’s all I’m after.”
On October 18, 2024, Flores released his highly anticipated debut studio album ‘Welcome to the Plains' via Island Records. The album was preceded by the lead single, ‘Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight' and further cemented Flores’ reputation as a rising star. That same day, he delivered a stirring performance of ‘Oh Susannah' on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, earning widespread praise.
With his introspective songwriting, distinctive voice, and growing popularity, Wyatt Flores is poised to leave a lasting mark on the country music landscape. His ability to connect with audiences through raw emotion and storytelling ensures his continued rise as one of the genre’s most exciting new talents.
Angie K
Angie K is shaking up Nashville with her vibrant blend of hard-hitting country and nods to her Latin roots. Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, and raised in Marietta, Georgia, Angie’s journey to the country music stage is as dynamic as her sound. Her love for the genre blossomed early, inspired by her mom’s Dolly Parton records, and by high school, she was performing wherever she could with her first guitar in hand.
Angie’s breakthrough came with her bilingual single, Real Talk, which earned her recognition as a SiriusXM The Highway Highway Find and launched her into the country music spotlight. Since then, she’s racked up over 20 million streams, built a social media following of more than 500,000, and made history as the only independent artist to perform on the Nissan Stadium stage during the 2022 CMA Fest.
Her artistry and dedication earned her a place in CMT’s 2023 class of Next Women of Country, bolstered by three consecutive #1 music videos on CMT’s 12-Pack Countdown. Angie has shared the stage with legendary acts like Big & Rich, Tanya Tucker, Sammy Kershaw, Trace Adkins, Melissa Etheridge, and Jake Owen, further solidifying her status as a force to watch in the country music scene.
Before pursuing her music career full-time, Angie studied biology in college and worked as a Ford Mustang parts dealer, combining her love for cars and science. However, her passion for music led her to leave both behind for a life-changing stint as a performer on Carnival Cruise Lines, where she honed her craft and built a worldwide network of fans.
In 2016, Angie auditioned for Season 10 of The Voice, turning three chairs and choosing Blake Shelton as her coach. Her journey on the show carried her through to the knockout rounds and left a lasting impression on country music fans.
Angie continues to blaze trails with her unique blend of cultural influences and powerhouse performances. Whether through her electrifying live shows or her engaging social media presence (@officialangiek on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook), Angie K is connecting with fans and redefining what it means to be a country artist.
Shaylen
Since stepping into the country music scene in 2022, Shaylen has quickly established herself as one of the genre's most exciting emerging voices. With lyrics drawn straight from her journal and an undeniable emotional resonance, Shaylen’s music reflects a deep connection to her personal experiences. Signing a publishing deal with Sony/ATV after two years of intense writing and recording, she began carving out her unique place in Nashville.
Her debut single ‘What If I Don’t' became a viral sensation, amassing over 28 million streams on Spotify alone and marking her as a rising star in the country world. Following its success, Shaylen continued to captivate audiences with her subsequent releases. PEOPLE magazine praised her single ‘Roots,' while Billboard likened ‘Been There Before' to “early Taylor Swift vibes” with a distinct confidence that sets Shaylen apart.
Shaylen’s collaborations have also turned heads. She teamed up with former Hinder frontman Austin John Winkler for a country reinterpretation of his hit ‘Lips of an Angel' and gained further recognition with her duet alongside Noah Hicks on ‘Second Time Around.' Most recently, her poignant track ‘To Tell You the Truth' closed a meaningful chapter in her songwriting journey, showcasing her ability to tell deeply personal stories through music.
Now signed with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, Shaylen is hard at work on her debut project. With her raw talent, heartfelt storytelling, and a growing fan base, Shaylen is poised to become one of country music’s brightest stars.
Zach Top
We might well have saved the best for last! Hailing from Sunnyside, Washington, Zach Top grew up immersed in classic country music on his family farm, where his love for the genre took root. At just seven years old, he formed a band with his siblings, igniting a passion for music that has propelled him into the spotlight as one of country music’s most exciting new voices.
Praised by Rolling Stone as one of the “hottest acts right now,” Top is reinvigorating traditional country with a fresh perspective. His sophomore album ‘Cold Beer & Country Music' has been celebrated as a “masterclass in traditional country music” (Country Central) and filled with “star-making tunes” (The Tennessean). The album’s first week alone brought in over 3.5 million streams, cementing his status as a rising force in the genre.
In 2024, Top’s meteoric rise was recognised with the Discovery Artist of the Year award at the MusicRow Awards and his first nomination for New Artist of the Year at the 58th Annual CMA Awards. Known for his electrifying live performances, Top’s headline Cold Beer & Country Music tour sold out within hours, driven by the success of his viral single ‘I Never Lie,' which debuted on the Billboard Hot 100.
This summer, he joined Lainey Wilson’s Country’s Cool Again tour and is set to support country legend Alan Jackson on select dates in 2025. Critics and fans alike draw comparisons to the greats of the '80s and '90s—Keith Whitley, Alan Jackson, and George Strait—yet Zach Top has forged a path all his own as a contemporary songwriter and performer.
With his raw talent and reverence for the genre’s roots, Zach Top has captured lightning in a bottle, and his work promises to influence country music for years to come. Top is poised for wider acclaim in the year ahead and the foundations are in place for him to become a major name in Country music beyond his current tag of ‘best kept secret.'
