Streaming and social media have opened country music up to new fans while broadening its demographic base, as evidenced by artists like Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs each landing top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart this year.
One track from their set lists traces back to Tracy Chapman’s iconic “Fast Car,” while others look towards the future.
Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson has made quite the name for herself over the past several years in country music. From appearing in Coors Light Superbowl commercials to winning ACM Entertainer of the Year, Wilson has become a household name thanks to hard work and smart moves – this was evident at Country Thunder Arizona 2024 where she opened with Little Texas’ God Bless Texas cover, followed by Hang Tight Honey from her own catalog.
Wilson sings of her affection for someone who knows how to balance work with family life while making time for her. The lyrics come alive with searing guitar riffs that keeps up the energy throughout.
If this song sounds familiar, chances are it was featured on Yellowstone TV series. Wilson submitted several songs for consideration when she made her acting debut as a recurring character in season 5. Episode three saw this song come to life and is an absolute must for country fans of any kind; featuring an inspirational breakup tune with a great chorus that will leave you feeling empowered and liberated!
Old Dominion
Old Dominion have established themselves as one of the premier acts in modern country music. Concerts featuring Old Dominion are known for being joyful and feel-good affairs that combine beachy tunes such as “I Was on a Boat That Day”, Hawaii” with heartbreak anthems (like “Snapback”, and ‘Song For Another Time”) into an enjoyable concert experience.
At the start of August, Nashville-based band announced their fifth studio album Memory Lane. This album will include 18 tracks – including their hit single ‘Can’t Break Up Now’ featuring Megan Moroney – making this full-length release their first since 2021’s Time, Tequila & Therapy.
Old Dominion will embark on their No Bad Vibes Tour this autumn, visiting many parts of the United States – with stops planned in New York City and Seattle among many others! Check their schedule here to see if you might get lucky enough to see them during one of your next road trips!
Kelsea Ballerini
Ballerini has made herself an authentic country music star by writing and performing such powerful tracks as the life-affirming “Blindsided,” with its 808 track detailing real life struggles; or her intimate acoustic guitar-driven track, “Leave Me Again.” Both are unfaltering reflections on life with her fearless performances and earnest storytelling – these tracks represent some of her finest work to date.
Since her 2015 debut album The First Time earned her a Best New Artist Grammy nomination, Honeyed alto singer/songwriter has garnered three consecutive Country Airplay No. 1 hits and two RIAA gold albums since Unapologetically’s release landed her another gold album status while 2022’s Rolling Up the Welcome Mat saw yet another consecutive Country Airplay No. 1.
At this year’s inaugural People’s Choice Awards, she won Country Song of the Year as well as best female country artist and most-viewed country music video of 2023 for her hit “Mountain with a View.” Additionally, she has championed greater diversity within country music; making an unforgettable CMT Awards performance that featured an entire troupe of drag queens to protest anti-LGBTQ legislation being proposed across the U.S.
Kelsea has released an intimate six-song EP entitled Rolling Up the Welcome Mat that showcases her teenage self through its lyrics; an honest portrait of her divorce from Morgan Evans as well as an important milestone on her path toward becoming a more self-assured, mature artist. Additionally, she wrote and directed its title track video which utilizes postcards and Polaroids that create a deep tableau to convey emotions behind its production.
Like its song counterpart, its visual is equal parts whimsical and emotive, featuring Kelsea Ballerini floating atop a cloud of mist while dancing effortlessly in her element. It serves as an introduction to Kelsea that fans have grown familiar with over time: this version is ready to take on the world and leave its mark. Now available through Black River Entertainment/The Orchard!
Tyler Hubbard
Tyler Hubbard has spent the better part of a decade as one half of country duo Florida Georgia Line creating chart-topping hits that have revolutionized country music’s soundscape. Though he’s released solo albums since, when performing as a headliner he often still includes FGL hits such as Cruise and their record-breaking collaboration with Bebe Rexha ‘Meant to Be.’ But his soulful ballad ‘Dancin’ in the Country’ often provides the final song and sends shock waves through audiences!
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