As we kickoff the beginning of 2025, it’s time to introduce a group of special artists who are soaring onto the country music landscape and have already left a footprint in the evolving and fast pace genre. Of the 26 artists featured, each artist is at a different stage of their career. Some are cashing in on record deals and will be breakout stars in 2025. Others have released their first few songs in the past few years, have great potential to make a name for themselves this coming year and will reach great heights in the near future. But there is one thing they all have in common - they are stars in the making, who have undeniable talent, and at some point will be at the top of Country Music and will be blasting through your radio waves and coming to a city near you.
In 2024, country music continued to become more and more popular. Both Beyonce and Post Malone, amongst the top tier of artists in the world (in any genre) both released country albums that left mixed reviews and feelings with fans. This goes to show that everyone wants a piece of the country music pie. There is so much incredible country music talent here in Nashville as well as in Texas, the rest of the United States and Canada, and around the entire world. In the last few years, country music has made leaps and bounds, becoming more relevant than ever. There are global icons like Morgan Wallen smashing records not only in country music, but in all-genres. There are unique and extraordinary crossovers between artists such as Luke Combs and Ed Sheeran, Morgan Wallen and Lil Durk, Kane Brown featured on songs with Khalid and Sam Fischer, and Diplo diving into country music projects with a variety of artists. Country music is in a cool innovative era that is shaping the next decade and beyond. With the genre-bending and subgenres and the unlimited access to new artists and music through streaming platforms, country music is expanding and there's no better time to be a fan. Here is the next generation of talent you need to dive into and keep an eye out for.
As you read through the write ups on all 26 artists, you will see common themes with the artistic "recipe" and makeup of these incredible talents. Authenticity. Consistency. Tenacity. Vocal talent. Songwriting. Presence. The "IT" factor. Connection with fans. Paving their own path. These different ingredients have propelled these new coming artists in a variety of ways to be the "buzz" around the country music industry and beyond.
Gavin Adcock
Jamie's Must Listen To Track: "Loose Strings"
If you like getting rowdy, breaking tables, and shotgunning beers, Gavin Adcock is your guy. From playing football at Georgia Southern to country star, Adcock has quickly become one of the biggest breakout rising stars in country music without argument. He gained momentum in 2023 and absolutely took off in 2024. It’s rare for a rising star to grow such a loyal fan base so quickly, but Gavin Adcock’s fans have proven to be ride-or-dies and have resonated deeply with his straightforward and country storytelling intertwined with rock elements. The Georgia native shifted his attention from football to music after a knee injury. When he started to release music in 2021, country music fans quickly started to pay attention to his outlaw personality and sound blended with diverse influences like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Parker McCollum, John Cash, Kid Rock, and more. Adcock’s stock in country music has skyrocketed as he’s found success every way he turns. He is closing in on 4 million monthly listeners which is INSANE and his massive hit “A Cigarette” is about to crack 100 million spins on SPOTIFY ALONE. Gavin Adcock is getting ready to embark on his 22-date headlining “Need To’’ Tour with support from other rising stars like The Castellows, Conner Smith, and Bayker Blankenship. Another massive accomplishment, Adcock will hit the road on Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem Tour in the summer of 2025. Shotgun a beer and salute Gavin Adcock on a crazy start to his career in country music.
Also Check Out: "Almost Gone" (with Vincent Mason), "Sweetheart" and "Need to"
Tanner Adell
Jamie's Must Listen To Track: "Whiskey Blues"
She’s got the attitude, she’s got the swag, she’s got bumping tracks… Tanner Adell is HER. One of my favorite things about today’s country music is the versatility of artists and the way they are able to blend genres and create their own sound. Tanner Adell is no exception. Blending country, pop, and hip-hop influences, the rising star is putting her own spin on country music and is pumping some much needed refreshing energy into Music City. Tanner has quite the story, and one that is filled with unique experiences. She was born in Kentucky and was adopted and raised in California while spending summers in Wyoming. From her upbringing, Tanner was able to live all over the country and got to experience the different lifestyles and nuances of these spots. Adell was destined for stardom as she showed how musically talented she was at a young age playing the piano, violin, and string bass and went on to learn guitar. For me, an early sign of a rising artist having what it takes to be a star and be a face of the genre in the long run is the ability to know their audience, find their sound, and release consistent hits, and Tanner Adell checks all those boxes. Adell’s success has been undeniable and has translated from a massive presence on social media (686K on Instagram and 739.9K on Tik Tok) to releasing massive viral hits like “Buckle Bunny,” building a loyal fan base to selling out shows. Tanner Addell is a prime example of an authentic artist being their true self and using social media as a tool to get their music out to the world. And if she wasn’t the biggest badass ever she’s out here designing her own show outfits from scratch… talk about talent. The accomplishments keep coming for Tanner Adell - she featured on Beyoncé’s track “Blackbiird”, she headlined her “The Buckle Bunny” Tour across the country at the end of 2024, her song “Too Easy” was included on the Twisters soundtrack of the blockbuster movie, and she also made history at the BET awards by becoming the first female country artist to perform her song “Cowboys Break My Heart.” Tanner Adell is a Jill-of-all-trades from tearing up country music, being her own personal fashion designer and social media influencer extraordinaire, everyone should be buying Tanner Adell stock cause she’s going to the moon!
Also Check Out: "Buckle Bunny", "Cowboy Break My Heart" and "FU-150"
Roman Alexander
Jamie's Must Listen To Track: "Good For Me"
Roman Alexander was one of the first artists I ever discovered back in 2017 when I was just starting UPstar Music. It’s been incredible to watch his career blossom and to see his growth explode over the last 8 years. Roman is one of those artists who when you hear him for the first time you get punched in the gut with the tremendous amount of that “it” he possesses. Our staffer Emily got to experience first hand when Roman played Whiskey Jam, and she raved about his interaction with fans and the presentation of his songs, both captivating and relatable. Instantly, she was intrigued and became a fan. From his ability to tell a story to his majestic vocal ability to him knowing who he is as an artist. The Missouri native has sculpted his recognizable sound blending modern/pop country with traditional country. Roman provides listeners with songs that hit you in the heart and rattle through your bones, whether it’s his heartbreak anthems like “Red Light” and “She Was Mine” or his real life experiences like “Mama Smoked Cigarettes.” Roman Alexander has built an impressive following on social media showcasing his talent and sharing his personality with the world that has directly translated to his music as he has amassed over 145,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. He has multiple songs that have hit 1 million streams such as his duet with Ashley Cooke “Between You and Me,” that has accumulated over 32 million streams. As Roman is steadily building his artist career brick by brick, he is also been establishing himself as a writer as he co-wrote Dustin Lynch’s top 20 hit “Party Mode.” In my mind, consistency and longevity are the name of the game and will always trump being a quick flash in the pan. This crooner who is buzzing in Music City and around country music has a lot more tricks up his sleeve and will have a long career filled with accomplishments and success.
Also Check Out: "Making Out On Barstools", "Downtime" and "Mama Smoked Cigarettes"
Maggie Antone
Jamie's Must Listen To Track: "Suburban Outlaw"
Maggie Antone put herself on the map as she went viral on Tik Tok for her cover of Tyler Childers massive hit “Lady May.” Quickly, country music fans flocked to her one-of-a-kind voice and vibrant personality. Since she released her cover of “Lady May” in the fall of 2022, Maggie Antone has become one of my favorite artists on the rise and I couldn’t be more excited to see her career blow up. With a voice that will make you stop on a dime, clever and witty lyrics that pull you in wanting more and her fresh alternative country sound that has every fan and industry professional in awe. What I’m most impressed with this early in Maggie’s career is her rare and unique songwriting perspective. Her songs “If Only You Played Football As Well As You Play Girls” and “Suburban Outlaw” are incredible examples of this. The way Maggie captures a story whether it’s from personal experience or just a relatable concept and is able to make it into a full fledged production filled with deep rooted emotion and off the cuff one comical lyrics is breathtaking. As they may not have the same sound, I see a lot of young Taylor Swift in Maggie as they just tell a story in the most charismatic and relatable way - with songs like “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me,” the imagery is so vivid, it’s like a three minute song turns into a movie right in front of your eyes; it’s almost indescribable. Maggie does the same thing. The Virginia native is just getting her artist career rolling and she is already making moves! From beginning to write songs at the age of 16, to drawing inspiration from artists like John Prine and Natalie Hemby, the young rising star may be just getting discovered by country music fans, but her incredible sound and consistency make her look like she’s been putting out music for decades. After releasing her cover of “Lady May,” Antone followed it up with an EP of covers called “Interpretations,” and then in 2024 she released her album “Rhinestoned” that showed how much of a powerhouse she is with a collection of original songs. Maggie is closing in on a half a million monthly listeners on Spotify and has collabed with some artists like 49 Winchester, Willow Avalon, and Brendan Walter. Her rise may just be getting started, but she is already accomplishing some extraordinary feats as she made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the end of 2024. You will have plenty of opportunities to see Maggie on the road in 2025 as she announced her headlining tour “Rhinestoned” Tour, select dates on Megan Moroney’s “Am I Okay?” Tour, and is playing a handful of festivals this summer across the country. I cannot wait for the entire world to find out about the superstar Maggie Antone is and her electric sound and jaw dropping vocal ability. Buckle up!
Also Check Out: "If Only You Played Football As Well As You Play Girls", "Johnny Moonshine" and "One Too Many"
AUSTIN G
Jamie's Must Listen To Track: "Leave Like That"
AUSTIN G is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing rising stars in country music with his masterful blending of genres. The Kentucky native has ventured out on his solo career with his debut single “Way Too Much” which was released in December of 2023. Austin is quickly garnering the attention of listeners and folks in the music industry with his soothing vocals and catchy melodies you can’t get out of your head. In addition, Austin’s elite level of songwriting showcases his witty and ear catching lyrics - in my favorite track of Austin’s “Leave Like That” record he hits you with “How you gonna look so fine in them Levi’s and just leave like that.” IT HITS DIFFERENT- vibrant production, and he captures his own vibe by blending his own sound with his musical influences such as Rascal Flatts, Blink-182, The Band Camino, and Florida Georgia Line. Teaming up with established producer Matt Geroux, the dynamic duo has incredible chemistry and has quickly dialed in Austin’s new country sound. As it takes many rising artists years to nail down their sound filled with trials and tribulations, Austin is coming out of the gate swinging where authenticity and pure talent are at the forefront and his consistency on his first batch of releases is proof that AUSTIN G will be around for a long time. Austin has an exciting year ahead as he will be playing the Winstock Country Music Festival and other shows and has a ton more music coming in 2025. Over the years Austin has supported some of country musics biggest acts including Brantley Gilbert, Eli Young Band, Walker Hayes and Dustin Lynch, as well as playing on both of Brantley's "Kick It In The Ship" cruises. Had Music featured on Spotify's "New Boots", "Wild Country", and "Next From Nashville" playlists. Check out UPstar’s interview with AUSTIN G Click Here.
Also Check Out: "Running My Mouth", "Lights On" and "Way Too Much"
William Beckmann
Jamie's Must Listen To Track: "30 Miles"
William Beckmann’s voice of perfection is a sound that belongs in every film depicting the good ole days. Just by listening to his music you can feel his “old soul” and appreciation for songwriting and telling a story. The Texan intertwines his love for traditional country music with his roots of northern Mexico to bring fans a special and unique sound that everyone is raving about. Back in 2022, Beckmann released his album Faded Memories which helped put him on the map and received praise from notable outlets like Billboard, CMT, and American Songwriter. It is evident with Beckmann’s releases he isn’t chasing a sound, he isn’t chasing the clout or fame, but is writing and singing what he knows and what is true to him. I believe in my core, whether people voice it or not, everyone can feel who is authentic and who is wearing a mask and following the trends in the industry. From the first time I heard William Beckmann and got time to dive deep into his sound and his writing style, he was doing it his way and paving his own path which will benefit him for years and years until he decides to hang it up. Artists like William Beckmann are the ones who get me excited to be a fan of country music. It is very unique and hard to do, but the Texas native has mastered walking the line of having a retro sound, but is able to capture what mainstream fans want to hear and the numbers are validating this statement as he has over 116,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and has a number of songs with over 1 millions streams. Beckmann has hit the road playing shows with artists like Hank Williams Jr.. Charley Crockett, Parker McCollum, Randy Rogers Band and has headlined iconic Texas venues like Billy Bob’s and Gruene Hall. Beckmann has an exciting 2025 lined up as he will be playing Two Step Inn, FareWell festival, playing dates on Parker McCollum’s “What Kinda Man” Tour, and a handful of other dates, so make sure you go catch a show and see the magic in person. William Beckmann may be flying just under your radar, but you are going to want to take the time to really get to know his music, because this young superstar is going to be around for a while!
Also Check Out: "Starting Over Again", "Tennessee Drinkin'" and "Leaving Kansas"
Laci Kaye Booth
Jamie's Must Listen To Track: "Damn Good in a Dive Bar"
Laci Kaye Booth has exploded onto the country music scene with her genre bending and magnificent album The Loneliest Girl In The World. The album filled with smashes like “Damn Good in a Dive Bar” and “Cigarettes” showcase her relatable, emotional storytelling and gives you a one-of-a-kind perspective that for each song you feel like you are watching a drama unfold on the silver screen. Booth has a majestic voice that is perfect for a smoky dive bar that has seen a lot of life. There is just something about her voice and songwriting that makes you feel her genuine approach and sound. With a family that has deep musical roots, the Livingston, Texas native had a front row seat to the music industry and began writing songs and performing in her early teens. Laci saw national success as she advanced to the Top 5 on season 17 of American Idol. I am a massive fan of Laci Kaye Booth and she has grown to be one of my favorite artists of the past year. Consistency is the name of the game, and Booth proved she’s locked in her sound and why she’s going to be successful in Music City - The Loneliest Girl In The World is one of my favorite albums in the last 5 years and HAS NO SKIPS… If you haven’t had a chance to listen to it, stop what you’re doing right now, it’ll change your life. Booth has accumulated over 150,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and fans are eager to hear what music she’s got coming next. At the beginning of the year Laci joined Parker McCollum on his “What Kinda Man” Tour playing 8 shows across the country. Booth has also hit the road with acts such as Kameron Marlowe and Flatland Cavalry. From being raised in a trailer park in a small town in east Texas to playing massive stages and conquering country music, not just for the ladies of the genre, but for the genre as a whole, the sky's the limit for Laci to be one of the faces of country music in the coming years.
Also Check Out: "Cigarettes", "Since 1995" and "The Loneliest Girl In The World"
The Castellows
Jamie's Must Listen To Track: "Miss America"
The Castellows may be the newest trio on the block, but they are putting on shows and putting out songs like they have been in the spotlight for a decade. The trio is made up of sisters Elenor “Ellie,” Lilly and Powell Balkcom. Only being in Nashville a few years they already have turned into the “cream of the crop” of rising stars in country music
and have been blessing fans' ears with their breathtaking neo-traditional country sound with originals like “Miss America” and “No. 7 Road” and smashed The Band of Heathens song “Hurricane” out of the park - a very popular cover these days many artists have covered it on socials and some even have released it… nobody has captured the track like The Castellows - it’s closing in on 5 million streams on Spotify. The trio started gaining traction on socials, on Tik Tok and other socials back in 2022 by covering popular songs utilizing their beautiful harmonies, vocals and not only playing acoustic guitars, but also adding some banjo bringing these songs a different sound and life that was quickly recognized by fans and folks in the music industry. The trio from rural Georgetown, Georgia draw inspiration from artists like Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss and Alabama and have quickly developed their rich “down home” sound taking over country music. In just one year, the girls have released 2 EP's, completed a headlining tour selling out half the dates, completed an arena tour opening up for Little Big Town and Sugarland, made their Opry Debut, and announced a tour supporting Thomas Rhett in 2025. One of my favorite new groups, these ladies continue to leave me in awe with 650,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, incredible collabs with Flatland Cavalry and Wyatt Flores and consistently have been putting out hits.
Also Check Out: "No. 7 Road", "Heartline Hill" and "Sober Sundays" (with Wyatt Flores)
Kashus Culpepper
Jamie's Must Listen To Track: "After Me?"
Kashus Culpepper has been taking country music by storm and has brought his one of a kind sound to Music City. He has quickly become one of the top rising artists in the last 6 months and has the music industry BUZZING. The Alabama native and Navy veteran is wise beyond his years with his timeless sound and his fascinating songwriting that when you listen, you know there’s something special about Kashus’ music. My favorite thing about country music these days is how it serves as a melting pot as artists have creatively blended different genres and subgenres to create their own original sound. Culpepper’s mesmerizing sound blends country with powerful elements of blues, soul with a little folk and R&B sprinkled in. Everytime I listen to Kashus Culpepper I am just taken back by his powerful vocals with distinct grit you can’t miss. All of his songs really make me step back and appreciate music and blessed to be a fan, his voice and his words are so powerful and that’s a concrete sign you are listening to a superstar. His wide range of musical influences of Ray LaMontange, Stevie Wonder and Chris Stapleton shine in his work. Kashus Culpepper has already become a top notch storyteller that has fans begging for him to release more and more music, he just does it differently and everyone is catching on, whether it’s on music row, country music fans or even music fans outside the genre. It’s been a hell of a start to his career, from getting invited on stage by Zach Bryan to getting recognition and praise from Samuel L. Jackson signed with Big Loud Records in 2024 which is also home to superstars like Morgan Wallen, HARDY and ERNEST. Since dropping his debut single “After Me?” which is one of my favorite songs of last year, he now has half a million monthly listeners on Spotify, and “After Me?” has accumulated over 7 million streams on Spotify. The guy is doing it! From growing up singing in church to now playing big shows and having thousands of fans sing his songs back to him, Kashus Culpepper is leaving his footprint in country music and he’s just getting started.
Also Check Out: "Jenni", "Who Hurt You" and "Pour Me Out"