Country music is experiencing a revolution. New superstars such as Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs are writing the rules with huge hits that transcend genre boundaries.
Mitchell “Bitches” Tenpenny’s song may fall within country rap or country trap musically; however, its lyrics and acoustic instrument sounds are powerful indicators that it belongs in country music.
Dan + Shay
Young songwriting duo Dan + Shay bring youthful polish to country music with their debut album eponymous. Though production-wise there’s nothing truly groundbreaking or unique here, their songs make modern Nashville style resonate emotionally – particularly the duet with Kelly Clarkson on “Keeping Score,” and groove-oriented production on romantic ballad “Speechless”.
With years of experience on the Nashville scene behind them, this duo effortlessly compose songs about heartbreak and healing with ease. While some have called their music soft, their silky harmonies and resilience produce songs with meaning.
From hard-hitting productions to introspective lyrics that look towards the future, their music has been an exciting alternative to the truck, beer and nostalgia themes that have pervaded country radio charts over recent years. In 2019, their songwriting took an exciting new direction with deeper themes and innovative sounds being explored within each track.
Many young people don’t connect with country music; however, Dan + Shay prove otherwise. Their modern sound features songs with an honest and pure message – exactly what this generation needs in 2018. Amid all of the political unrest and tragedy throughout 2018, their songs brought some much needed optimism and hope into people’s lives – Dan + Shay are truly an exceptional act that could become one of country music’s next big acts!
Luke Combs
Luke Combs began playing music as a child. By college he had already established himself as an experienced singer and performer, yet music wasn’t always his desired career path; when first starting out he dreamed of following in his parents’ footsteps by entering law enforcement; later working as a bouncer at clubs before finally leaving his former dreams behind and dedicating himself fully to singing instead.
Combs made his debut as an artist in 2016 with “Hurricane,” an instant hit that led to arena sellouts across the country by 2017. Additionally, his debut album This One’s for You held onto number one spot on Country Airplay for 50 consecutive weeks before falling off the chart altogether.
Combs demonstrated his prowess at the top of the charts once again in 2019 with his ballad, “Beautiful Crazy.” It quickly became a radio favorite and spent seven consecutive weeks at number one on Country Airplay charts; its success ultimately earned Combs a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Combs has not only become a chart-topping performer, but has also generated headlines with his personal life. He’s been linked with various women, including model Nicole Sansone. Additionally, he had his son in 2022. Additionally, Combs was honored as part of the Grand Ole Opry and works to build an entertainment complex downtown Nashville as a Grand Ole Opry member; also, two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year winner; also on an ongoing sold-out world tour that recently added four shows due to growing demand.
Chase Rice
Chase Rice first became known to country music audiences when he competed on the 2010 season of Survivor: Nicaragua. Although he only made it as far as reaching the finals before losing out to fellow contestant Jud “Fabio” Birza, his appearance provided plenty of exposure. Following this success he went on to use it for writing songs and releasing albums; breaking through as a performer with anthemic variations of Florida Georgia Line’s bro-country sound with hits such as “Ready Set Roll” and “Gonna Wanna Tonight”. These performances lead directly into music’s mainstream.
In 2019, he earned his inaugural country airplay number one with “Eyes on You,” from his sophomore album GIRL, with “GIRL’s title track becoming another chart-topper and earning itself the Country Song of the Year Grammy award. These inspiring lyrics have opened up important conversations on feminism and equality within music circles worldwide.
Though his latest release may not feature as much hard rocking material, this album reveals another side to this arena headliner. The record’s narrative narrator recalls his brother and sister’s deaths and how their absence altered his perspective; thus showing an intimate side of Bryan that few fans ever get to experience.
While country music’s iconic Grand Ole Opry sound remains at its core, artists are exploring other sounds within this genre as a result of increased experimentation. Artists have experimented with trap, pop, and hip-hop influences blending with country sounds to create more varied landscapes that provide room for growth while appealing to wider audiences. Furthermore, Lil Nas X’s rise as a TikTok sensation mumble rapper has generated much debate regarding what constitutes country music as well as ways it may reach younger listeners; these trends suggest that country is becoming more accessible among younger listeners than ever before!
Maren Morris
Maren Morris moved to Nashville ten years ago with the goal of turning her songwriting talents into the career she always desired. Her rise as a country music superstar has been nothing short of spectacular – receiving an Academy Award nomination for “My Church” and appearing on Rolling Stone cover with many of country’s biggest stars.
She achieved crossover fame in 2018, teaming with EDM artists Zedd and Grey to release one of the year’s biggest pop hits: “The Middle,” which debuted during the Grammy Awards telecast. Though some found this collaboration controversial, Sony Music Nashville CEO Randy Goodman assured people that Morris never crossed any lines nor would this be seen as ending her country career.
Morris has seen her career flourish ever since. In 2019, she released her sophomore album Girl, which highlights her savvy wordplay and striking vocal abilities that have won fans over. Its powerful title track is one of Morris’ signature tracks; featuring an upbeat bass line combined with her soaring vocals to form an unstoppable force.
While Morris’ single will likely earn her a Grammy nomination, she’s also used her platform to promote change in country radio. At the 2019 CMA Awards, she used her acceptance speech for Female Vocalist of the Year as an opportunity to recognize black women working in country music.
With her second album on track for success and recently marrying fellow singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd, country music artist LeAnn Rimes’ 28th birthday has much more in store for country music fans. We will discover this weekend if any Grammy nominations come her way at this year’s 61st annual awards, which air live from Los Angeles this Sunday night.
Marshmello
Kane Brown collaborated with Marshmello in 2019 for “One Thing Right,” which debuted at GMA Summer Concert Series and received much acclaim from fans. Marshmello is known to work closely with popular pop and rap acts such as DJ Khaled and Bastille.
Brown’s soulful vocals combined perfectly with EDM instrumentals for an engaging collaboration that many listeners were eager to witness.
At their performance, not only was there music but also stunning visuals. Utilizing a massive stage with three enormous screens and various pyrotechnics, each drop of beat resulted in new graphics appearing on-screen alongside billows of fog and confetti.
Though this show was an entertaining spectacle, audience members still wondered who Marshmello really was behind his mask. Marshmello has pulled many pranks over time such as inviting friends to wear his mask at events – an example being at 2016 Electric Daisy Carnival where he brought out Tiesto as part of his act.
Though it may be impossible to know who Marshmello truly is behind his mask, the internet has collected ample evidence. According to Forbes, Marshmello is actually Christopher Comstock; his face may not be visible but has been photographed wearing ripped jeans and sporting a mole on his neck. Internet sleuths have noticed Marshmello and Comstock have similar leg tattoos; many believe they may even be one person.