Country Radio Seminar 2026

Aaron Tippin

Track Entertainment award-winning country star Aaron Tippin attended CRS to promote his inspiring new single, “American Sky,” an uplifting, heartfelt anthem that reflects faith, freedom, and the spirit of possibility. The song was written by son, Tom Tippin, and his wife, Thea, did backup vocals. They joined him at the event and are excited to be on the road with their tireless leader.

“American Sky” is the perfect song for Tippin as it blends his love for aviation with patriotism. The country singer had his first touch of a cockpit at age four, and by 16, he was flying solo. When it was time for him to become a pilot, he was still too young, and the economy wasn’t good in the 70s, so he turned to his next favorite hobby, “pickin’ and grinnin’.”

While Tom had written the song a few years back, when Aaron was awarded the Living Legends Aviation Award, it seemed like the perfect time to record the song. Fans are enjoying this new single from Tippin.

Alex Miller

I met Alex Miller at CRS 2025 when he had just put out his duet with Emily Roberts, “More Country Than You.” Now, the former American Idol Season 19 contestant is set to release his sophomore album, More Country Than You, featuring several collaborations and country to the core. Hear his newest single, “The Byrd,” which showcases the legendary Tracy Byrd. You’ve got to hear this boot scootin’ ball of fun single.

Miller is also an avid songwriter and has had several outside cuts.

Not only that, the young singer got to be part of the Country Cruise, during which he visited St. Thomas and Puerto Rico for the first time. In July, he will take his country tunes to Norway to promote his new record. Learn more about his spring/summer tour here.

Allie Colleen

Allie Colleen is a Country Artist, singer, and songwriter who recently released her well-received debut album, Stones. Her musical style reflects how life has shaped her, as do the personal lyrics and the transparency in her vocals and performance. Allie Colleen is no stranger to the music industry and has had a passion for singing and songwriting since a young age, which has garnered her a reputation as a notable songwriter with an iconic-sounding voice.  

Besides opening for Jelly Roll at the end of 2024, she performed at the National Rodeo Finals (NRF) in Las Vegas at the end of 2025, where her latest single, “Back in the Saddle,” was a fan favorite. Her fans are also obsessed with her sultry single “Tattoos.”

Colleen is an avid horsewoman and welcomes any opportunity to play in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and rodeo circuits.

Colleen will be touring throughout the US, including a stint in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in July.

Andrew Mitch

Andrew Mitch is an independent artist who has been featured by CMA, Music Row Magazine, Holler Country, and more, with praise from artists and industry voices such as Carly Pearce, Ty Herndon, and Ty Bentli. His music has been featured on major playlists across CMA, CMT, and Apple Music Country, reaching millions of viewers and listeners and building a dedicated fanbase of over 30,000 followers.

Like many country artists, Mitch got his start singing in church. Still, unlike the majority, he attended Catholic Mass and sang classical hymns instead of gospel standards.

Mitch was a gifted student and was accepted into multiple biochemistry graduate programs. He made the unconventional decision in 2021 to leave academia behind and pursue music full-time in Nashville, where he is a singer/songwriter.

Songs Mitch has composed include “all in my head,” “back home boy,” and “unapologetic.” He continues to live up to his mantra that “sad songs are my love language with his latest single, “baggage.” The song is about the physical heaviness you feel after a breakup or loss. People love a good breakup song because they like knowing they aren’t the only ones who feel a certain way.

Entering 2026, Andrew Mitch is stepping into a new chapter, shifting his sound toward cinematic country-folk — leaning into atmospheric production, reflective storytelling, and expansive emotion. Learn more at his website.

Angie K

Someone I have wanted to interview is the El Salvador-born, Georgia-raised singer-songwriter Angie K. She is one of Nashville’s most recognized independent country artists, blending traditional country with her Latin heritage.

Angie K got a career boost when she was on season 10 of NBC’s The Voice.  Then in 2017, she teamed up with Jordan Fisher to create the title track for Disney’s Happily Ever After. This song has garnered multi-millions of streams.

In May, Angie K is set to release her 5th studio album, Whiskey & Hemingway. It was recorded at the famed Blackbird Studio and is very organic with no overdubs other than the vocals, which were added later.  From it, she has already released the Latin-inspired, sultry dance song “Sweatin'” and the easygoing “Low Key Love Song,” which perfectly portrays Angie K’s personality.

Last year, Angie K co-founded the Country Latin Association. It’s a place where country artists with Latin roots can help promote each other. Before she set up the site, there was never a website where Latin artists could exchange information. She explained, “It’s important because everybody’s trying to wing it on their own. Now we’ve got a central location for that.”

Bella Lam

I recently featured Bella Lam as a Music Spotlight artist. At CRS, I got to meet the native Chattanoogan in person. Inspired by a young Taylor Swift, her recent single, “Take It Out on My Guitar,” has been a huge success as she reminds girls not to text the thing you shouldn’t say, but write and sing about it instead. This young songstress is one of the hardest-working girls in the business, with shows booked through November. She often plays locally throughout the southeast, so check her Linktree for the latest updates.

Belles

I featured Kellie Belles in my Music Spotlight column in October of 2024. She comes from a musical family and is 3rd generation entertainer. However, the gifted songwriter attended CRS to promote her newest single, “Son of Jolene.” The reason why this is such a big deal is that Dolly heard the song, loved it, and joined her on the single. I will feature the full story of how this came to be on April 17, the day the song is released.

Ben Gallaher

Ben Gallaher is another of my Music Spotlight artists. He is also one of the most talented guitarists in Nashville. He is promoting his melody-driven country music and heartland rock on his arena-ready album Time. His new country radio single anchors the album, “I’ll Take You.” Produced by Neil and Patrick Thrasher, the project showcases a self-taught, modern-day guitar hero whose high-energy riffs and anthemic songwriting have become his signature. What’s interesting about “I’ll Take You” is that they took a country ballad, sped it up, and organically turned it into a rocking love song.

He stated, “It felt like it was supposed to be an up-tempo song all along.”

Gallaher, who hit the road as a teenager, is very hands-on in all aspects of writing, playing, and recording his music. However, with baby #2 due any day, he will take a short break before he’s back at it. Follow him on his Komi page for all the latest announcements.

Braden Hull

North Carolina native Braden Hull is quickly making his mark on Nashville’s music industry. The 23-year-old is a former firefighter who came to music by accident.

He explained, “I started singing at an early age and was doing it for fun and writing as a hobby. And then my dad was like, ‘Man, you got something.'”

Then he had a friend get signed, and she encouraged him to sing as well.

When Hull posted a TikTok video of a song he wrote about his parents’ divorce, it went viral, prompting him to pursue music full-time. He thought, “It’s now or never.”

As any good songwriter, he vacillates between party tunes like “Alcohol 101” and the sentimental songs like his latest single, “One More Cast,” written about fishing with his grandfather.

Since his short time in Nashville, Hull has performed alongside chart-topping country acts: Vince Gill, Little Texas, Whey Jennings, Gavin Adcock, and Vincent Mason, and opened for Craig Morgan.

In 2025, he completed “Six Pack Coverage’s” Fall 2025 College Tour, which was the largest college tour in North America last year.

For 2026, Hull plans to continue touring colleges and releasing new music.

Brooks Herring

Brooks Herring is a Nashville-based country artist known for his energetic stage presence, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to live performance. Rooted in traditional country and Southern influences, the veteran dad blends heartfelt storytelling with modern production to create music that resonates across generations.

In 2024, Herring released his debut album, Not Country, and has since released the raucous “Running Wild,” the heartfelt “How to Fix a Broken Heart,” and, most recently, a bluesy “Love Language.”

Herring has a doctorate in Physical Therapy, but music has always inspired him. In 2020, he came to Nashville with the CreatiVets Program, where he “knew nothing about the music industry.” Herring started releasing music in 2022 and moved to Nashville permanently in 2023.

He is such a gifted songwriter that his music has been used in various TV shows, video games, and movies. But it is Herrings’ live show where he shines the most.

Herring recently signed with Label 22. An EP can be expected around Memorial Day, with a full album coming by Labor Day.

Carrie Brockwell

I met Carrie Brockwell last year at CRS 2025. Even though she is a student at Belmont University, she continues to write and record singles and was even awarded the 2025 Country Vocalist of the Year at the Josie Awards.

Since moving to Nashville, she has become known for emotionally honest songwriting and intimate performances. “I’ve always been drawn to songs that feel like reading someone’s diary.”

“I’d Love Not To” reflects Carrie’s signature style: honest lyrics, heartfelt vocals, and stories listeners instantly recognize in their own lives. The single follows the success of Carrie’s previous release, “Here I Go Again.“

She is currently working on her first full-length album, entitled That’s Real, and the title track will be released shortly. Brockwell will be singing at various venues throughout the United States this summer. Follow her Linktree for more information.

Chandler Dozier

I just met Chandler Dozier at CRS 2026, and I can’t tell you how much I love his Bakersfield sound. (Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens.)  But oddly enough, Dozier is not from California, but from North Carolina.

It was when he visited the Country Music Hall of Fame that he learned about Buck Owens, his guitar player, Don Rich. Dozier was a huge fan of Brad Paisley, who was also influenced by Buck Owens.

“I realized really quickly that this was my favorite stuff,” he recalled. Dozier loves the rockabilly vibe.

Dozier moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University, and when he graduated in 2024, he just stayed.  Now he regularly plays various bars and venues on and around Broadway.

In 2025, the 23-year-old released his first EP, Bakersfield East, featuring original tracks such as “Let Me Be,” “It’s Not Me It’s You” (which I thought for sure was a cover, but it’s not), and “Dancing With a Memory.” Not only that, the independent artist helped produce the EP.

In a world full of Morgan Wallen wannabes, Chandler Dozier and his music have the sound that gets this grandma’s motor revving. Whatever record label is lucky enough to nab him will have found a diamond in the rough.

Clark Hill

Clark Hill delivers country with a twist—a high-energy blend of tradition, storytelling, and Southern fun. He first came to Nashville in 2012, where he played in a cover band, but it was his 2025 viral hit, “One Beer,” that put the singer/songwriter on the map.

Being a Florida native, Hill didn’t want to pull his young kids out of school, so he made frequent trips back and forth. “I was willing to do whatever we had to do to make this work.”

“One Beer” is definitely a summer dance song, and now Hill has released the energetic “Helluva Heartbeat,” which is a great follow-up to his original single. With producer Jody Bartula of Cody Johnson’s camp, Hill is releasing a new song every six weeks throughout 2026 as part of his year-long Muscle Shoals project.

Now that his kids are grown, Hill has written more songs over the past two years than ever before. He is entering this next era with clarity, creativity, and conviction. He’s not just picking up where he left off—he’s building something even bigger.

Dani-elle

Dani-elle Kleha is an Independent Nashville performing and recording artist and CMA member. With a sound well beyond her years, Dani-elle is a throwback to 90s country with a modern flair.

Though she hails from a small town outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania, she has been coming to Nashville since she was 12. She told her parents at age three that she wanted to be a singer, and they have supported her ever since.

One of her biggest past projects has been participating in the anti-bullying Positive Youth Tour, where she encourages students in assembly meetings.

Recently relocated to Nashville, Dani-elle is entering an exciting new chapter, immersed in songwriting, co-writing, and upcoming studio projects. With new music, future projects, and creative ventures on the horizon, Dani-elle Kleha is just getting started.

Emma Grace Glover

Described as a songwriting prodigy, award-winning Christian and Country artist Emma Grace Glover pairs powerhouse vocals with soul-driven storytelling.

At just 18 years old, the young songwriter has been writing most of her life, but it was when she was 14 that she met up with a Nashville songwriter who helped her develop her craft.

Last year, when Glover was just 17, she released “Better Places” as a tribute to her grandmother, while “Secrets are Safe is a little more upbeat.

But music is not her only passion. The college freshman is studying Livestock and Poultry Management. She stated. “I love animals. So, music and animals are my two full-time passions.” Her goal for the future is to own a small cattle farm while writing music and touring.

Glover’s latest single is called “Soul Horse.” The song centers around a horse, as it metaphorically describes chasing freedom, trusting your spirit, and riding through whatever life throws your way, which is a great analogy for the artist herself.

Garrett Bradford

I met Garrett Bradford last year at CRS. I learned Bradford first broke through with his single “This Way of Life,” which was featured on Yellowstone (Season 3, Episode 9). The exposure proved to be a major turning point — the song became the most-Shazamed country track in the U.S. the following day and climbed to #32 on the iTunes Country Top 40 Chart.

Earlier this year, Bradford released his debut project in two installments: Honkiest of Tonkers – Act 1 on February 21 and Honkiest of Tonkers – Act 2 on May 23. The releases earned placements on major playlists across Apple Music and Spotify’s All New Country, along with features on CMT’s Roundup and ACM’s Fresh New Finds. Country Evolution also named him one of their “Ones to Watch in 2025.”

Bradford continues to write for the sync world (synchronization licensing) and has had his songs appear in Land Man and Nashville 911. Writing for TV and film has proven a lucrative option for the independent artist.

Greg Pratt

Born and raised in the home of the blues, Memphis, Tennessee, the son of a family of doctors, Greg Pratt was studying to become another doctor in a proud family tradition. But with only one credit left to graduate from college, Pratt left school, packed his car with a few personal belongings, and, with only about $3 in his pocket, set out to make his mark as a Country Music Entertainer in Nashville. Pratt taught himself the guitar, how to write a song, and developed a powerful baritone voice that reverberates all the way to a listener’s soul. He worked his way from the back kitchen of a Nashville restaurant to the top of Nashville stages as one of the most sought-after live performers in Nashville.

Since 2022, Greg has released twelve studio singles across global digital music platforms, along with two radio singles, “Backwoods Therapy” in early 2024 and “If You Remember the 1990s” in late 2024, which reached #65 on the Music Row Country Singles Chart, and #11 among independent releases. In 2025, he released “Country Raised Her,” a traditional-sounding tune that glorifies the simple country girl that he cherishes.

His latest single, “All We’ve Overcome,” was greatly influenced by his favorite country artist, Keith Whitley. The honest lyrics have really resonated with his fans and has become a personal anthem.

Pratt intends to release music every six weeks. Be on the lookout for his next single, “Cheap Seats.”

Harper Grace

Music Spotlight artist, Harper Grace, stopped by my CRS booth to say “Hello” so I could catch up with her. She has just released her first-ever country radio single, “If Daddy Says No.”

“I’m very excited about this song. A lot of heart and soul went into it. I faked my engagement for it,” she shared.

The song is, for the most part, a true story. She had to choose between a forever love or her family because, in fact, her daddy did say “no.” “I did end up choosing my family. Thank God,” as she realized the wisdom of her father. People from all walks of life have reached out to her about the song.https://sl.cmdshft.com/iyrt1

As part of the Curb Records family, Grace has several big shows scheduled for this summer and other projects in the works. With her powerhouse vocals and exquisite songwriting, Harper Grace’s career is just getting started.

Jenny Tolman

Since I last interviewed Music Spotlight artist, Jenny Tolman, her life has taken a dramatic turn. At the end of 2025, she was featured on Taylor Sheridan’s The Road, which brought her a whole new batch of fans.

She told me, “One of the things about the road is that they were very intentional with choosing artists who have already been at this for a long time and who are already touring on their own. It makes a difference when you put an artist on stage. They know what to do already, as opposed to you know someone might have an incredible voice, they don’t know how to work an audience yet.”

Tolman continued, “We’ve got to unplug from the outside world and do what we love to do at the highest level possible for like a month straight. And it was so fun. And it’s funny that it was a competition show because it didn’t feel like it.”

Those who follow Jenny Tolman know she is famous for writing songs about the characters in her fictional Jennyville. Coming out on April 3, her latest single, “Show Pony,” is no exception. In the song, she tackles the very real problem of jealousy by poking fun at herself.

Like so many of the artists I spoke to at CRS, she has a big project in the works. You will have to follow Jenny Tolman on her socials to find out what’s next.

Jesse and Noah Bellamy

Jesse and Noah Bellamy are a rising country music duo and the sons of legendary hitmaker David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers. Unlike some children of famed artists, Jesse and Noah are not trying to be a tribute band or The Bellamy Brothers 2.0.

“We try to do our own thing. But even with our dad and uncle, they’ve always been different, too. So, we have the license to be different,” Jesse explained.

The pair have performed as a duo for more than 20 years and will release a new album, The Sunshine Shop, in May. From it, they have already released the outlaw-sounding “I Told a Lie” and “Loving This Night,” a perfect song for the summer.

Now they have teamed up with Tess Frizzell (daughter of Shelley West and David Frizzell, granddaughter of Dottie West) to bring us “On Again Off Again.” The original, traditional-sounding tune is a country waltz.

“The song is tongue in cheek and humorous, but also completely sentimental,” Jesse explained about the song that Noah penned.

“I wanted to write a George and Tammy or Conway and Loretta–type duet, just with a modern twist,” Noah shared.

Learn all about their forthcoming The Sunshine Shop album here.

Jet Jurgensmeyer

Jet Jurgensmeyer is a former child TV star, a full-time student at Belmont University, and an avid singer/songwriter. I was fortunate to feature him in my Music Spotlight column in July of 2024 and am excited to catch up with him as I am able.

Last year, Jurgensmeyer and his team sent his patriotic single “Red” to country radio; it reached the top 40 on the CDX charts. Early this year, he released the introspective “Prove Me Wrong,” a song he wrote right after Charlie Kirk had been killed. It’s about figuring out who we are and what our future may hold.

Now, his latest single, a love song, “Nothing On You,” may turn out to be his biggest hit to date. Not only that, he is set to open for Jake Owen in April and LoCash in June. It’s a lot for a full-time student, but if anyone can make it work, it’s Jet Jurgensmeyer.

John Berry

I always meet up with John Berry at CRS, and it’s good to catch up. Recently, he performed “I Don’t Want To Cry” alongside Linda Davis and Deborah Allen at the Gatlin Brothers 70 Year Tribute Concert.

The GRAMMY® and EMMY® award-winning entertainer has enjoyed a career spanning over three decades and twenty-five albums, including his latest release, Find My Joy.

Most recently, he sang on the Country Music Cruise, where they made a live album. It is now available on Spotify and will soon be available as a physical copy.

Juna N Joey

Juna N Joey are another pair I always catch up with at CRS. I’ve watched the brother and sister duo grow from nervous teenagers to confident adults. I first featured them in 2021, then again in 2025, with their single “Sip It Slow.”

Recently, their family has opened a music and dining hotspot in Goodlettsville, Tennessee called Round Hear, where unforgettable nights, great eats, and local entertainment come together in a lively, welcoming space. It’s the perfect space for Juna N Joey to work, sing, and make new friends.

“It’s a great place to go if you don’t want to drive all the way into Nashville, and pay the high prices and parking,” Joey stated.

“We’ve been serving, working every night, and popping up on stage, playing some music with some artists. It’s been really fun,” Juna added.

Their newest single, “Stop Thinking,” just came out, and it’s the perfect getting-over-him song. The pair continue to write, record, and release new music, so follow Juna N Joey’s social media to keep up.

Kelly Lang

Singer-songwriter, producer, and author Kelly Lang is kicking off a new chapter with the release of her latest single, “I Reach For Red,” the first offering from her upcoming album Jealous Green Eyes.

Lang shared, “The song was written for a friend of mine who loves red wine so much. She uses it for every occasion- sad, glad, happy, mad, everything. It’s kind of a tongue-in-cheek song about wine, and it’s a fun sing-along.”

While she and husband T.G. Sheppard are known for singing popular cover songs, their recent Chemistry: The Duets Collection, Jealous Green Eyes album will be Lang’s first full-length, self-penned solo album since 2017.

Additionally, Lang and Sheppard will be hosting Country For A Cause on June 3rd at 3rd and Lindsley. It’s a show featuring a star-studded lineup and benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Ken Domash

Like me, Ken Domash dived full-time into his music career a little later in life, but that doesn’t mean it’s in any way lacking. He blends ’90s country and classic rock to tell the tales of his adventures. Since the launch of his music career in 2010, he’s celebrated eight single releases. In 2025, Domash enjoyed Top 40 success on the MusicRow Chart with his original recordings “Wish You Wouldn’t Go” (#38), “Twenty Different Routes (#42), and “If I Was A Beer” (#40).

Now, the singer/songwriter brings us “This Beer’s Broken.”  “I love my beer songs. They’re the most fun to play in a crowd to get the crowd to lighten up,” he shared.

The song comes from the idea that you’re sitting there drinking in a bar, and you’re trying to deal with your problems, but you still feel bad. So, maybe it’s a beer, maybe the beer is broken.

Although the song has melancholy overtones, “This Beer’s Broken” is poised to become the dancehall favorite of 2026. It makes the best out of a bad time.

Kimberly Kelly

Kimberly Kelly is a neo-traditional country singer-songwriter based in Nashville, originally from Lorena, Texas. Known for her honest songwriting and 2022 album I’ll Tell You What’s Gonna Happen (Show Dog Nashville/Thirty Tigers), she blends classic country sounds with modern storytelling. 

Kelly’s music focuses on real-life stories that often go unsaid, especially from a woman’s perspective. Later this year, she will release her next album, Modern Day Women. It’s a collection of songs about everyday things that we go through, like working jobs, being moms, balancing relationships, whether it be your significant other or your family. Kelly has already released the title track, “Modern Day Woman.”

Her latest single came out in February and is called “Stripper For A Week.” It was written by Music Spotlight artist, Jenny Tolman. While the song is a high-energy, tongue-in-cheek tune, it asks the very serious question of what you would do if you needed money to take care of your family.

Lewis Brice

Music spotlight artist Lewis Brice came to CRS to promote his forthcoming single, “NASCAR Fast,” set for release on April 24.

I recently featured his song, “She Loves My Country,” and the singer/songwriter has lots of new music on the horizon.

Brice wrote “NASCAR Fast” alongside Bill Dawson and Michael Carpenter. He had the idea about racing and how life goes by so fast.

“I grew up around NASCAR a little bit here and there. Darlington Raceways is up the road from where I’m from, Southern South Carolina. I just wanted to write a song about life and how fast it goes by. That’s what we did. And we put it in NASCAR terms,” he explained.

But now the song has a different meaning for him, since his daughter is about to turn two. “It feels like she was just born yesterday,” he shared.

Brice’s goal is to release new songs every six weeks or so. In the meantime, he will be touring with his brother in addition to playing the Tangier Sound Music Festival and Key West Songwriters’ Festival.

Madden Metcalf

Madden Metcalf is a 20-year-old rising country artist from Panacea, Florida, known for his “Saltwater Southern” style, which blends coastal, fishing-town grit with Nashville songwriting. What surprised him was that I actually knew where he was from, since we had passed through it on the way to the beach when we lived in Florida.

Growing up, Metcalf was torn between doing music and playing football. In the end, music would win out. He even turned down a football scholarship to do music full-time.

He shared, “All I ever wanted to do was play football until I fell in love with songwriting and entertaining.” He has been writing songs since he was 12. He has been playing in cover bands since he was 14.

Madden was at CRS promoting his new song, “I Don’t Wanna Cry Anymore“—a thrillingly candid anthem of post-breakup limbo, perfectly capturing the messy middle ground between heartbreak and healing.

Metcalf’s debut EP, Saltwater Southern, was released on March 20 and is available here. Other popular songs from the EP include “Like My Hometown,” “Kinda Paradise,” and “IDWK.”

This summer, Metcalf will be full speed ahead promoting his new music. He is the perfect antidote to Nashville’s young country fanbase.

Madison Olivia

Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Madison Olivia is a Michigan State University graduate who traded a path in political science for her lifelong passion for music. Now five years into her Nashville journey, she’s emerged as a rising force in modern country.

She has opened for artists such as Julia Cole, Nelly, Priscilla Block, Kip Moore, Parmalee, Kassi Ashton, and Dylan Scott. She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry as part of the Opry Plaza Summer Concert Series.

Olvia’s edgy country-rock vibe is right up my alley, and in no song is it more evident than in “Take My Man.” The words “I’m the only woman who can take my man” are ones I relate to.

Other popular releases from Olivia include “Whiskey Burns” and “Downtown Now.” She hopes to release an EP later this year.

Magnolia Rising

Magnolia Rising is the country-rock spin-off duo from Chapel Hart, comprised of cousins Trea Swindle and Devyn Hart. I was a fan long before their America’s Got Talent debut, and I remain one as the pair set off on their new journey.

Their website describes them as “a southern bloom that’s weathered storms, grown through fire, and come back stronger than ever.”

In 2025, Magnolia Rising debuted with their single “Dream Running,” followed by “Hit the Ground,” and, most recently, a viral collab with 2’Live Bre titled “Let’s Get Away.”

“Dreaming Running” was written alongside Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet. It’s the perfect song to showcase the duo’s magnetic vibe. But the song, “Hit the Ground,” is the one that really caught my attention. It’s an anthem about not giving up.

Devyn stated, “Quitting is always the easiest thing, but continuing to keep going and pushing through and being resilient, that’s a different kind of thing.”

Trea added, “No matter what happens, no matter how hard life may beat you, it’s possible to get up and hit the ground running. Keep going and don’t let anything stop you.”

Their collaboration with 2’Live Bre (Breion Dixson) was unexpected. Still, once I started listening to “Let’s Get Away,” I couldn’t stop.

Magnolia Rising just returned from a trip to the UK, where they were planting their “magnolia seeds.” Be sure to follow their socials so you can find where to see them next.

Matt Cooper

Quartz Hill Records artist Matt Cooper is a genre-blending country artist whose sound combines country, Americana, roots-pop, and faith-based influences. His single, “Highs and Lows,” has earned nearly 13 million streams and was the #1 Most Added Song at US Country Radio (Mediabase) out of the box.

Cooper shared, “I ended up losing my mom two years ago and just started writing music again. And I met this guy at this group therapy class and had this encounter with him and wrote this song in an hour.”

On March 6, 2026, Cooper dropped a remix of “Highs and Lows” featuring viral sensation Lathan Warlick, known for his unique fusion of hip-hop, country, and gospel.

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Matt is a multi-instrumentalist who plays piano, drums, and guitar and who has been lauded for his authentic storytelling, originality, and fan-driven success. He has opened for Jelly Roll, Chris Janson, Kameron Marlow, and Parmalee.

Matt Cooper will be touring out west this summer and hopes to release a full album in the fall.

Matt Rogers

Multi-award-winning songwriter and artist Matt Rogers delivers country music that cuts deep, blending grit, truth, and heart.

Having won multiple awards for songwriting (including NSAI, CMT, and American Songwriter), Matt has proven to be a master songwriter, weaving tales of love, heartache, and life’s simple pleasures. His music is a blend of traditional country roots and modern sensibilities, creating a unique sound that resonates with listeners of all ages.

Rogers’ 2025 hit single Camouflage garnered massive attention (including CNN) and supports the Brothers Keeper Veteran Foundation. The song honors a friend, a husband, a father, a brother, and a fellow Marine. It addresses the very real topic of veteran suicide.

Other popular songs previously released include “South Dakota Sky,” “Whiskey Don’t,” and “Whatever Keeps You Crazy.”  In December of 2025, his song “Margaritas for Christmas” went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of plays across all social media platforms.

Rogers is a regular on the Nashville music scene and will embark on a UK tour in April.

Paige King Johnson

I first met Paige King Johnson at CRS 2023, and as an artist, she keeps getting better. And while I could listen to her sweet, authentic country vocals all day long, it’s Johnson’s songwriting that is truly impressive.

And while 90s country is making a big comeback, I find that Johnson’s honky-tonk style is more akin to 80s country like Loretta Lynn or Patty Loveless.

With songs like “Homes in the Hometown,” “I Thank God,” and “Grandpa’s Little Girl,” she expresses herself in of way unlike anyone else.

It was her grandfather who bought Johnson her first guitar, and she honors him in the songs she writes.

Her latest single, “I Get Old Too,” is a heartfelt, reflective country ballad about time, family, and gratitude for life’s moments. Inspired by a conversation with her 86-year-old Grandaddy, reflecting on life, legacy, and the privilege of growing older. She hopes and prays that maybe she will get the privilege of growing old, too.

Johnson has opened for Kane Brown, Oliver Anthony, Randy Houser, Joe Nichols, Gabby Barrett, Clint Black, Diamond Rio, Scotty McCreery, Kylie Morgan, Lonestar, and Neal McCoy. The North Carolina girl is a regular on the Carolina country music circuit. She has also performed at the Grand Ole Opry.

Randy Cobb

Randy Cobb was born in Pensacola, Florida, where he began writing at a young age to cope with childhood adversity. As a young adult, he settled in lower Alabama—where he still calls home—and grew into an avid outdoorsman.

Though music was his first passion, in 2012, Cobb stepped away from music to run his own trucking company while raising his daughter and caring for his mother. Yet his love for music never faded; he continued to write, play, and record his originals.

Following the devastating losses of his mother, brother, and business during COVID, he reignited his passion for music with renewed purpose and resilience.

Last year, he put out “The Sand,” a song that reflects on life growing up on the Florida Gulf Coast. Earlier this year, he released the emotionally charged single “Hard to Breathe.”  But it is his newest track, “Alabama Stix Revisited,” that is really putting the singer/songwriter on the map.

Cobb’s music reminds me so much of Toby Keith, who is one of my favorite artists. He will be writing and recording new music and playing shows. I will be keeping my eye on Randy Cobb for sure.

Robert Bacon

Robert Bacon was born on an army base in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Coming from a military family instilled in him a patriotic love for his country. He grew up on a farm in the Midwest listening to country legends George Jones, Loretta Lynn, The Oak Ridge Boys, and The Statler Brothers. But it was the musical talents of Alan Jackson and George Strait that sparked Robert’s love and passion for country music.

And while he started making music at age 18, he didn’t pursue it earnestly until 2015.

His smash hit Drinkin’ Thinkin’ is a honky-tonk barroom dance tune that kick-started his career. Then, in 2023, he released the popular “Out Of The Blue.” His 2024 Christmas EP, What Christmas Means To Me won a Josie Award.

Earlier this year, he released “Crazy Over You,” a heartfelt ballad that highlights his gift for honest emotion and classic storytelling.

Bacon is also involved in the Sync world, pitching his songs to TV and cinema. One of his Christmas songs saw placement in six different movies.

His latest single, “Walker Chevrolet,” is a feel-good, nostalgia-soaked track that pays homage to the Tennessee dealership that became the backdrop to some of Bacon’s most formative memories. It captures the timeless bond between family, freedom, and a first set of keys.

Bacon is set to release a full 15-track album in April. With his strong vocals and clever writing, I know it will be stellar.

Savannah Dean Reaves

Savannah Dean Reeves is a female powerhouse from Georgetown, Kentucky, whose raspy, melodic voice and electrifying performances set every stage ablaze. Since she first picked up a guitar at age 11, Savannah has captivated audiences with her undeniable talent, relentless energy, and signature country sound infused with a little sass.

As a child, she would invite herself to sing alongside others who were on stage.

Even though the Kentucky native did go to college, she spent Thursday through Sunday playing shows wherever they would have her.

Released in 2025, “Get Me Everytime” is one of her favorite songs. With a strong country alto, she wails, “It ain’t my fault that the bad boys get me every time.”

Reeves gets a little more serious and personal with her single, “How About You,” as she wonders whether the guy thinks about her the way she thinks about him.

Savannah Dean Reeves continues to write and record new music and will be touring throughout the Southeast this spring and summer.

With a reputation as a dynamic singer and gifted musician, Savannah thrives both on stage and in the studio. She pours her heart and soul into every song, transporting listeners and forging deep connections with fans and fellow artists alike.

Shenandoah

One of my favorite two people to talk to are Marty Raybon and Mike McGuire from the band Shenandoah. Even though the Shenandoah band was most popular in the late 80s and 90s, with the resurgence of 90s country, what’s old is new again. Young artists are jumping at the chance to record their music and sing their songs.

Their songs are so timeless that they have worked with everyone from Luke Combs, performing “Two Dozen Roses,” to Nickelback, singing “Church on Cumberland Road.”

Most recently, Shenandoah teamed up with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan to record “Sunday In The South,” where the remix hit number one across all genres on iTunes and was streamed more than 10 million times in 48 hours.

Raybon emphatically stated, “I don’t think there’s another genre of music out there that has a sense of community that the music industry has.”

McGuire agreed, “We get to know each other, and a lot of times we have lifelong friendships with each other.”

Raybon and McGuire attended CRS 2026 specifically to announce the 40th Anniversary Tour of the multi-GRAMMY, ACM, and CMA-winning band. Marking four decades of classic country, the tour will celebrate the band’s legacy and continued impact on the genre.

The 40th Anniversary Tour will feature a career-spanning setlist, offering fans a live experience packed with iconic hits as well as newer material.

On-sale dates and support vary by market. For tickets and updates, visit shenandoahband.com.

Sheyna Gee

There is a gritty rawness to Sheyna Gee’s traditional country vocals that draws me in like a moth to a flame. She hits that perfect sweet spot where Janis Joplin meets Tanya Tucker, with a dash of Bonnie Tyler thrown in.

Gee has been performing since she was six years old and has never considered another career.

With songs like her widely popular “Ghosts,” “Hello Friday,” and most recently, “Rooster,” she proves she is a force to be reckoned with.

She shared, “Rooster was my second viral song, and people just needed, I think. It is an escape from the doom and gloom. It was a perfectly timed upbeat party song.”

Most impressively, Gee has just released her highly anticipated new EP, Two Weeks. Entirely written and produced by herself. The project serves as a bold artistic statement—one that captures lightning in a bottle while showcasing her undeniable depth as both a songwriter and producer.

Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a breakout year for the rising artist. Gee is a regular on Broadway in Nashville, and is set to headline festivals across Norway, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark, in addition to an expanding run of tour dates throughout the US and UK. With growing international demand and increasing industry recognition, Sheyna Gee continues to build momentum and broaden her global reach.

Spencer Hatch

Stone Country Records’ Spencer Hatcher is a bluegrass-influenced country artist raised on a farm in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. By the age of 11, he was already playing his five-string banjo in his family’s bluegrass band. In 2020, Hatcher formed his own country band, backed by his younger brother Connor Hatcher, a bass prodigy and “blood harmony” supporting vocalist. 

He is talented beyond measure. I honestly have no earthly idea how I haven’t come across him before.

Hatcher’s debut EP, Honky Tonk Hideaway, features his steamy debut single, “When She Calls Me Cowboy,” which was a Top 10 Most Added Song at US Country Radio (Mediabase) out of the box. The single’s official music video has reached No. 1 on Taste of Country’s fan-voted “Top 10 Video Countdown.” And the title track is full-on barn burner.

Hatcher’s latest release, “Love Button,” is a super-fun, honky-tonk party tune sure to make you smile. Saving Country Music has lauded the rising star as “one of the most promising up-and-coming voices in traditional country music,” a statement that I wholeheartedly agree with.

Learn everything about Spencer Hatch on his Linktree page.

T. Graham Brown

T. Graham Brown is a country and gospel singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and hits like “Hell and High Water”. Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2024, he has charted over 20 singles, including three number one hits. He has released numerous albums, including Grammy-nominated projects. 

His recent record, From Memphis to Muscle Shoals, remains one of my all-time favorite albums, melding traditional country music with dirty delta blues. And to top it off, he collaborated with some of country music’s greatest voices, such as Wynonna Judd, Tanya Tucker, Dwight Yoakam, and Randy Houser.

Recently, Brown honored the Gatlin Brothers at their 70th Anniversary tribute show, singing their smash hit “I’ve Done Enough Dyin’ Today” alongside Lorrie Morgan and Jamie O’Neal.

Brown, a favorite performer at the Opry, sings his own songs and sometimes does covers like “Wichita Lineman.” But if you are lucky, he will sing his crowd pleaser, and my favorite. “Mustang Sally.”

You can catch T. Graham Brown as he hosts his weekly radio show, “Live Wire,” on Sirius XM’s Prime Country.  The 71-year-old continues to record new music and tour. Check his website for more information.

Tori Rose

One of my Music Spotlight artists, Tori Rose, is one of Nashville’s most promising new voices, blending a fresh modern sound with the kind of honest storytelling that defines real country music. At only 21, she is already gaining national attention. Her previous single, “Back Home,” premiered exclusively on PEOPLE.com, and her latest release, “Easy Going Girl,” continues to showcase her emotional depth, vocal strength, and natural star power. 

Rose wrote “Easy Going Girl” completely by herself, and if you listen to the words, she states that she is NOT an easy-going girl, but in reality, quite a handful.

“That song came to me very, very quickly because it was so true to myself,” she shared.

Rose has shared the stage with Trace Adkins, Aaron Tippin, BlackHawk, and several other staples of country music, proving she can hold her own alongside the genre’s most seasoned performers. With more new music on the way and excitement building in Nashville, Tori Rose is emerging as one of the standout female artists to watch.

Trey Calloway

Another one of my Music Spotlight artists is Trey Calloway. A southern boy through and through, his new music sounds more country than ever, which, in my opinion, is a good thing.

In his twangy song “Hank U,” it says, “I got a hillbilly, honky-tonk PhD from Hank U.” You can’t even understand what that means unless you have a certain background.

Calloway stated, “I didn’t have the money to go to college. And I knew I wanted to play music for a living, so that’s what I started to do. So, I always joked around and told people that I went to Hank U.”

His latest single is “Truck Around,” another southern banger. A rough-and-rowdy party anthem, the song celebrates leaving city life behind for a night of fun on the open road, with “a long bed for dancing, moonlight romancing, and a great big world on the outskirts of town.” Calloway’s lyrics aren’t just catchy words — they reflect a life lived in the country, told through his personal perspective and authentic storytelling. That’s why I will continue to be one of his biggest fans.

Check Trey Calloway’s website to see where you can catch him on tour.

Walker Montgomery

If there was ever a voice that could stop me in my tracks, it’s Walker Montgomery’s. Yes, it’s true he comes from country royalty with his dad being John Michael Montgomery and his uncle being Eddie Montgomery, but that doesn’t mean he can automatically sing. But fortunately for us, he can, and he may be even better than the originals if I can boldly say so.

The big news for Montgomery is that he has just signed with Jay DeMarcus’s Red Street Records, where he will soon release “Saving the Honky Tonks” and tour.

While Walker is no stranger to rowdy bangers like “Bad Day To Be a Beer” and “Watching the Storms Roll In,” it is in the country ballads that his rich country baritone shines. Songs like “She Don’t Know,” “Nothing Like You Nowhere,” and the magnificent cover of his dad’s hit, “I Love The Way You Love Me,” will stop a girl in her tracks.

But don’t get your hopes up, Montgomery is happily engaged to Tigir Lily Gold‘s Krista Slaubaugh. They are getting married in October.

“I got out of doing the wedding planning because I am planning the honeymoon,” he quipped.

Regardless, I look forward to any music coming from Walker Montgomery.