Fifteen Country Artists That Should Be More Well Known Than They Are

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There is so much good music out there just waiting to be discovered. Unfortunately, it’s absolutely impossible to keep up with every artist and band out there making music.

That’s one of the reasons I love Spotify, though. You can go down a rabbit hole by looking at related artists and playlists Spotify, other bands, or your friends have made, and come out with plenty of great music that’s new to you.

With that being said, here are 15 artists I have found through various ways, whether that be Spotify, social media, or local concerts, that I think should be way more well known than they are.

Some have been releasing music and playing shows for years, others are just getting started with their careers. Some have more listens than others or have released more music over the years, but all are worth checking out.

Maybe you have already heard of some, or maybe they’re all new. Either way, they are all putting out great music that deserves to reach greater audiences. Give them a listen, you’ll be glad you did, and hopefully you find some new artists to throw into the mix on your playlists.

Anna Elise Hastings and Her Revolving Cast of Characters

Based out of New Orleans, Louisiana, Anna Elise Hastings and Her Revolving Cast of Characters is a hidden gem in the alt-country scene. With two albums under her belt, Hastings has proved a powerful songwriter with a passionate edge.

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Jack Kerouac” – Unmasking a Confidence Trickster (2022)

“Close Enough” – Unmasking a Confidence Trickster (2022)

“Townes Van Zandt” – Anna Elise Hastings and Her Revolving Cast of Characters (2018)

Austin Upchurch

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Fallin’ Out” (2021)

“Sunshine” – Sometimes the Sun Hurts Me EP (2022)

“January Rain” (2017)

Cade Roth & the Blacksheep

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Shoulda Known Better” (2021)

“What’s Left of Me Now” – 74th St. Sessions EP (2019)

“Memphis” (2021)

Calder Allen

A young act out of Austin, TX, Calder Allen is a name you will want to get to know now, before he blows up. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Lubbock country music legend Terry Allen, Calder is proving to be a talented songwriter with a distinctly appealing sound.

An avid fly fisherman when he’s not playing music, Calder made his debut at the Austin City Limits Festival before he even released music on Spotify. Now, with only three officially released tunes all put out this year, he is already scheduled to play at Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo. The future is bright for Calder Allen.

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Good Times” (2022)

“Stone” (2022)

“Shine” (2022)

Danno Simpson

Songs You Should Listen To:

“The Final Stand of Henry Lee” – Clubhouse Sessions, Vol. 1 EP (2022)

“None Hold a Flame To You” – Clubhouse Sessions, Vol. 1 EP (2022)

“Honest Work” – Honest Work EP (2020)

Graycie York

Influenced by the likes of Texas/Red Dirt legends Kaitlin Butts and Miranda Lambert, the Rockwall, TX native is quickly following them in her rise to prominence on the Texas music scene.

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Forever” (2020)

“Drag Me Down” (2021)

“Honey, Tell Me” – Sad Bird EP (2022)

“Beautiful Lies” (2022)

I had to include an extra song under her name, because this live duet with Tanner Ursey on his “Beautiful Lies” is a must listen.

Holly Beth

Songs You Should Listen To:

“I Hope You’re Happy” (2020)

“On My Mind” (2021)

“100 Proof” (2019)

Jack Marion and the Pearl Snap Prophets

Songs You Should Listen To:

“What A Shame” – When the Well Runs Dry (2019)

“American Dream” – When the Well Runs Dry (2019)

“Wolves” – When the Well Runs Dry (2019)

James Tucker

A North Carolina native who has since settled in South Carolina after a stint with the US Army, James Tucker is an authentic songwriter with a spectacular voice and captivating stage presence. With a vibe reminiscent of a young Riley Green, Tucker is bound to hit th big time any minute now.

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Take Me As I Am” (2021)

“Man I Am” (2019)

“Marler Road” (2019)

Jayce Turley

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Cowboy Hats and Pearl Snaps” – The Opening Act EP (2022)

“The Opening Act”  – The Opening Act EP (2022)

“Lone Hearted Fool” – The Opening Act EP (2022)

Joint Custody

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Up in Smoke” – Up in Smoke Chapter II EP (2021)

“Wake Up Stoned” (2021)

“Pillowtalk” – Up in Smoke Chapter I EP (2021)

JR Carroll

A longtime friend and bandmate of country music superstar Zach Bryan, JR Carroll is a talented songwriter in his own right, with powerful vocals to match. Check out the proof below.

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Grass That Isn’t Green” (2020)

“Where the Red Fern Grows” – Long Story Short EP (2020)

“Stay” – Long Story Short EP (2020)

Matt Williams

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Always Be Around” (2022)

“Osage County” – Wasteland (2021)

“Blake’s Song (Live at Classen Recorders)” – Wasteland (2021)

Time Sawyer

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Untitled Traveler” – Headed Home (2013)

“Mary Jane” – Mountain Howdy (2019)

“Sea Green Eyes” – Wildest Dream (2017)

Tyler Halverson

Songs You Should Listen To:

“Mac Miller” (2021)

“Beer Garden Baby” (2021)

“Your Bar Now” ft. Kylie Frey (2022)

Go check all of their music out and share it with your friends. One of these may just be your new favorite artist.

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