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Country Swag Reveals 2022 Artists to Watch

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Introducing our 2022 Country Artists to Watch!

Over the past 6+ years of Country Swag, we have always loved to support rising artists and introduce our followers to the best new music in the genre. Since our first Artists to Watch list back in 2017, we have pinned rising stars like Luke Combs, Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Walker Hayes, HARDY, Gabby Barrett, and more. Each year we choose ten new artists that we believe are destined for killer careers, our only rule when choosing is the artist can NOT already have a number one song.

Check out our picks in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2o2o and 2021, before checking out the 10 artists we picked to have a huge 2022 below.

CONNER SMITH –

Listen: “I Hate Alabama”
Stay Connected: @ConnerSmithMusic

When we think 2022, we think CONNER SMITH. We were first introduced to this talented singer-songwriter in early 2021 when he joined us in New York City to film an acoustic session and interview. As Smith performed for our crew, it was obvious that everyone in the room could feel the magic from this talented artist. Just a few weeks later, after an overwhelming fan response to an unreleased song “I Hate Alabama” prompted Smith to officially release the track, the artist found himself in headlines everywhere. Barely 24 hours after it’s official drop, the Alabama Crimson Tide football team notoriously lost their game after a 19-week winning streak. Coincidence?

Conner Smith is destined to be a name stay in country music. His debut EP Didn’t Go Too Far is due out January 14th and fans can catch him on the road in early 2022 with Ryan Hurd.

 

ALANA SPRINGSTEEN –

Alana-springsteen-ep

Listen: “Zero Trucks”
Stay Connected: @AlanaSpringsteen

We first became familiar with Alana Springsteen with the release of “Think About You”, a relatable and catchy song put out to country radio with Curb Records’ artist, Filmore back in 2020. Continuing to impress with each new release, the 21-year-old officially dropped her studio debut EP, History of Breaking Up (Part 1) in September 2021. The project truly showcases her beautiful vocals and honest and raw songwriting. Paired with an infectious stage presence, Springsteen was an easy contender for our 2022 watch list.

 

DREW GREEN –

Listen: “She Got That”
Stay Connected: @DrewGreen

Drew Green is a standout artist as the Tennessee native continues to blend genre lines making a one-of-a-kind sound uniquely his own. With hints of country, trap, and rap in his music, paired with his honest approach to songwriting and compelling storytelling, there is a song for everyone in this newcomer’s catalog. Check out his latest project, Dirt Boy Vol. 2 here.

 

BRELAND –

Listen: “Cross Country”
Stay Connected: @Breland

Breland is indisputably an artist to pay attention to and the Jersey native has quite the collection of collaborations that serve as a testament to the music community’s appreciation for his undeniable talent. Songs like “My Truck” ft. Sam Hunt, “Throw It Back” ft. Keith Urban, Nelly’s “High Horse” ft. Breland + Blanco Brown, are just a few standout tracks with Breland’s name attached. However, his highly personal, yet relatable single, “Cross Country” is what helps us get to know the rising star. Cultivating a sound of his own matched with his infectious personality and energetic stage presence makes Breland a must-see act. Catch him on the road in 2022 with Russell Dickerson on the All Yours, All Night Tour.

 

ASHLEY COOKE –

Ashley-cooke-ep

Listen: “Never Til Now”
Stay Connected: @TheAshleyCooke

After having viral success on TikTok, Ashley Cooke has racked up millions of fans over the last nearly two years. The talented singer-songwriter was not only able to land the attention of new fans on the popular social app, but she was able to keep them. With each new music release she continues to impress with her heartfelt vulnerability in her lyrics and captivating vocals. Get to know Ashley Cooke with her debut EP, Already Drank That Beer – Side A here.

 

WARREN ZEIDERS –

Listen: “Ride The Lightning”
Stay Connected: @WarrenZeiders

Warren Zeiders’ gritty vocals meshed with his own unique blend of country music and southern rock influences sets him apart from the pool of rising acts in the country music world. His lead single, “Ride the Lightning”, penned by himself along with Eric Paslay and Rob Crosby, will stop you in your tracks and have any listener captivated beginning to end. A Warren Zeiders x Morgan Wallen collab is a thought we’d like to put into the universe.

 

MORGAN WADE –

Morgan-wade-run-new-song

Listen: “Wilder Days”
Stay Connected: @MorganWadeMusic

Perhaps the most buzzed about artist of 2021, Morgan Wade is a name that will be around for years to come. Breaking out onto the scene with her debut project, Reckless, Wade delivers real, raw, and authentic lyrics in her music. The rising star can be found on the road with Luke Combs in 2022, a coveted spot that is sure to help even further boost her fanbase. Wade continues to stun on her latest release, “Run”, listen here.

 

CHAYCE BECKHAM –

Listen: “23 – Steel Mix”
Stay Connected: @ChayceBeckhamMusic

Chayce Beckham won the hearts of fans everywhere during his run on Season 21 of American Idol. The singer stunned throughout the series, ultimately claiming the winning title. The popular singing competition helped introduce fans to Beckham’s incredible tone and talent. After performing his own deeply personal song “23”, which he independently wrote, Beckham released the track and instantly saw it hit #1 on iTunes charts. Recently, the singer-songwriter teamed up with label-mate, Lindsay Ell for a brand new high-energy song, “Can’t Do Without Me” Listen here.

 

ERIN KINSEY –

who-is-erin-kinsey

Listen: “Just Drive”
Stay Connected: @ErinKinseyTX

We first met Erin Kinsey this past fall when she joined us in New York City for an acoustic session and interview. Her positive and contagious energy is what got our attention, but her incredible vocal skills matched with her catchy and relatable lyrics are what kept us wanting more. The Texas native certainly has a bright future. Get to know the singer-songwriter in our spotlight interview here.

 

LARRY FLEET –

larry-fleet-new-album

Listen: “Different Shade of Red”
Stay Connected: @LarryFleet

Larry Fleet’s debut single “Where I Find God” left us awestruck upon first listen and in high anticipation for a full-length project. Delivering 14 tracks, all in-which he had a hand in writing, on his debut album Stack of Records, Larry Fleet lived up to the hype. A combination of honest lyrics, staggering vocals, and country grit make Larry Fleet an artist to watch. Catch him on the road in 2022 with Morgan Wallen on The Dangerous Tour.

Like what you hear? Give a follow to our 2022 Artists to Watch Playlist here.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming announcements and releases.

Check out the latest tunes in country music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

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Alana Springsteen: ‘History of Breaking Up (Part 1)’ – EP Review

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Alana Springsteen’s new EP, History of Breaking Up (Part 1) is out now, September 17th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

We have been huge fans of up and coming artist, Alana Springsteen since we first featured her in our Spotlight Series. Her ability to craft a lyric paired with her beautiful voice keeps us in awe of her talent. Today, Springsteen released her brand new EP, History of Breaking Up (Part 1). Simply put: it’s everything we hoped it would be.

The new EP features seven perfectly crafted tracks, all co-written by the songstress. She even co-produced five of the seven songs. The poetic project uncovers the layers of emotions as one falls in love and experiences heartbreak. Although some may call love messy, Springsteen says, “isn’t it miraculous.” She later calls all her experiences “magic” in the co-title of the project.

The record kicks off with her previously released song “California.” The track is one of those songs that makes you feel like you are floating on a cloud. Between the effortless lyrics and the smooth quality of Springsteen’s voice, you truly feel at ease. Through the song, the singer expresses how it feels to have that spark with a person that sometimes blinds us from the truth that the relationship is not meant to be. It adds a double play element as a love letter to California, a place she has always felt called to.

“Maybe it’s us or maybe I’m just falling in love with California // I can’t decide if it’s in my mind // Or just the way the lights in Santa Monica // Shine on you maybe it’s just the view // Baby I’m confused, I can’t tell // maybe it’s us or maybe I’m just falling in love with California”

Similarly, Springsteen explores the theme of wanting something that’s not meant for you on her duet with Roman Alexander, “Trying Not To.” The song taps into those feelings of when you are trying to stay away from someone, but you just keep getting pulled in. That magnetism you feel is undeniable; despite, what your brain is telling you. “My heart has wanted one thing, but my brain has known better,” shared Springsteen about the song.

On “Girlfriend,” one of our favorite songs on the project, the singer-songwriter gets deeper and even more vulnerable. The heartbreaking, yet relatable ballad explores the idea that although you are with someone, you are not the one. It is full of self-doubt and insecurity, but it feels pure and honest – something country music is all about.

“Cause she’s still the one in your head // I’m just the girl in your bed // She’s got a hold of your heart // I’m just the one in your arms // When you’re with me, you ain’t with me // I feel her name on your lips when you kiss me, it kills me // You’re gonna end up with her in the end // Cause she’s your girl, I’m just your girlfriend”

Springsteen continues to showcase her undeniable vulnerability on the beautiful ballad “God Must Be Mad At Me.” The desperation and the anguish that the artist conveys in this beautiful song is unmatched by any new artist in country music right now. Springsteen finds a new way to convey how it feels to be in love with someone who does not love you back.

The singer continues to tackle that story on “Homesick.” The word usually describes a gut-wrenching feeling of missing a place, but Springsteen flips the term and uses it to describe the ‘home’ you find in a person. On the contrary, “I Blame You” is a more cheerful song that showcases how it feels to see places you love through the eyes of someone you love.

Springsteen ends the collection of songs on a lighthearted note. Having dug through the depths of heartbreak, “Zero Trucks” seems fitting to end the project with. It is clear that she really embodies the message that the song conveys. Sometimes, endings can feel freeing and right, it does not always have to be sad.

Overall, Springsteen outdoes herself on this EP. She perfectly crafted each song on the project. The singer is one to look out for, and we predict that her career is truly just getting started.

History of Breaking Up (Part 1) Tracklist

  1. California (Alana Springsteen, Jerry Flowers, Jared Ray Keim)
  2. Girlfriend (Alana Springsteen, Travis Wood, Pete Goode)
  3. Trying Not To ft. Roman Alexander (Alana Springsteen, Roman Alexander, Jerry Flowers, Jared Ray Keim)
  4. God Must Be Mat At Me (Alana Springsteen, John Byron, Lauren Larue)
  5. Homesick (Alana Springsteen, Andrew Deroberts, Ryan Beaver)
  6. I Blame You (Alana Springsteen, Tyler Filmore, John-Luke Carter, Will Weatherly)
  7. Zero Trucks (Alana Springsteen, Walker Hayes, Joe Clemmons)
Alana-springsteen-ep

Alana Springsteen’s brand new EP ‘History of Breaking Up (Part One)” is out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Alana Springsteen releases.

To keep up with Alana Springsteen, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

History of Breaking Up (Part 1) is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Alana-springsteen-ep

5 Things to Expect from Alana Springsteen’s EP ‘History of Breaking Up’

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We chatted with country songstress Alana Springsteen about her new EP, History of Breaking Up (Part 1), available now. Here are five things to expect from the project.

  1. The brand new record is all about exploring the nuances of love and heartbreak in ways that are unique to Springsteen’s artistry.

“If you know me, you know that I’ve always been so inspired by love and heartbreak and I kind of wanted this project to be a look into my journey through that. I think love and heartbreak is something that we all go through and experience, but the way we process it changes as we get older.”

 

  1. She hopes fans can relate and fall in love with the songs, as much as she has.

“I honestly found out pieces about myself that I didn’t know until I wrote these songs and it kind of put things into perspective. I hope that everyone who listens to it or at least someone who listens to it can find a piece of themselves in it and maybe feel a little less alone.”

 

  1. The track “Girlfriend” was inspired by a real-life experience, and is one one of Springsteen’s favorites on the project.

“I’ve always struggled with self-doubt. I’ve struggled with insecurities. I think we all do. There’s something cool about this song because it is vulnerable, but at the same time, there’s so much power that comes with knowing when the time is to let go and when something is not meant for you.”

 

  1. “God Must Be Mad At Me,” is a pure and honest ballad that was designed to be that way in order to pay homage to country music storytelling.

“I would say it is probably the most vulnerable song on the record and I’ve always loved songwriting. Songwriting is a big reason I do what I do, and why I love country music. And I think this song on this project shows that. It really strips it back to the songwriting and the song. Some of my favorite songs are the one’s that are so simply written. […] That’s what this song means to me.”

 

  1. History of Breaking Up is just the beginning of Springsteen’s stories and songs about love, heartbreak, and everything in between. (Hint: There may be another project in the works.)

“There’s so many other nuanced parts of love and heartbreak and there’s no way I’m going to stop writing about it, so I think it’s kind of inevitable at this point, and we’re definitely building up to that.”

Alana-springsteen-ep

Alana Springsteen’s newest EP ‘History of Breaking Up’ (Part 1) is out now.

Check out our full EP review of Alana Springsteen’s record History of Breaking Up (Part 1) and listen to the project here.

To keep up with Alana Springsteen, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Alana Springsteen releases.

Alana Springsteen Releases Brand New Song “Zero Trucks”

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Alana Springsteen’s new song, “Zero Trucks” is available now, July 9th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

One of our favorite new songstresses is Alana Springsteen. We love the charm, spunk, and talent that Springsteen brings to every song she releases. Continuously putting out new music, Springsteen recently teamed up with fellow rising star, Roman Alexander on “Trying Not To” and released another song of her own, “California.” Today, the singer drops another incredible tune called “Zero Trucks.”

Co-written with Walker Hayes and Joe Clemmons, “Zero Trucks” is a song with a sunny disposition; despite, the lyrical content. The hooky and clever track portrays female confidence in the most effortless way. Despite the fact that the protagonist just saw her ex with a new woman, she is still feeling free and happy. It is the ultimate summer jam and empowerment song!

“I heard word on the dirt road // She’s riding shotgun //Thought it would, but it don’t hurt though // Now you’re her problem // I ain’t gonna chase your taillights // I ain’t gonna miss your speakers // I ain’t gonna waste one more night // Sleeping in your t-shirt”

Springsteen is the perfect person to sing this song. It is clear that she really embodies the message that the song conveys. As if the song is not fun enough, Hayes, Springsteen, and Hayes’ eldest daughter all collaborated on social media to make up a killer TikTok dance for the fun-loving tune. Hopefully “Zero Trucks” and its dance will go viral next to Hayes’ recent viral sensation track, “Fancy Like.”

Alana-springsteen-walker-hayes-new-song-zero-trucks

Alana Springsteen’s new song “Zero Trucks,” is out now, July 9th

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Alana Springsteen announcements and releases.

To keep up with Alana Springsteen, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“zero trucks” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Alana Springsteen Releases Brand New Song “California”

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Alana Springsteen’s new song, “California” is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

Fiery singer-songwriter, Alana Springsteen is becoming one of our new favorites lately. Earlier this year, she released an incredible duet with Roman Alexander called “Trying Not To” and today she finally released another new solo song. After teasing the song on her social media platforms, the country-pop songstress is dropped her next track, “California.”

The new song is one of those tracks that makes you feel like you are floating on a cloud. Between the effortless lyrics and the smooth quality of Springsteen’s voice, you truly feel at ease, when listening to the song. Inspired but the vibes of California and the summer weather, “California” is all about the magic of a West Coast romance. Digging deeper into the song, fans will find that the singer is trying to make sense of reality, deciding if it’s the state or the person she is falling for.

“Maybe it’s us or maybe I’m just // Falling in love with California // I can’t decide // If it’s in my mind / It’s just the way that the lights in Santa Monica shine on you // Baby, it’s just a view baby // I’m confused // I can’t tell”

Co-written and co-produced by the rising artist, “California” will become one of your new favorites. Springsteen is an artist you’re going to want to keep your eye on. She is truly wise and talented beyond her years!

Alana Springsteen's new song, "California" is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Alana Springsteen’s new song, “California” is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Alana Springsteen announcements and releases.

To keep up with Dustin Lynch, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“California” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Alana Springsteen Joins Forces with Roman Alexander on New Song “Trying Not To”

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Alana Springsteen’s new song, “Trying Not To” with Roman Alexander is available now, March 19th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Back in July, we interviewed a promising new talent in Nashville, Alana Springsteen. Her pop-country sound resonates with young country fans everywhere, but it was her duet “Think About You” with Filmore that stopped us dead in our tracks. Today, the songstress released another mesmerizing duet with fellow country artist, Roman Alexander. Together they created a brand new song called “Trying Not To.”

After sharing sneak peeks of the song across their social media channels, especially on TikTok, it was clear that both Springsteen and Alexander feel this new song is something special, and we agree. “Trying Not To” taps into those feelings of when you are trying to stay away from someone, but you just keep getting pulled in. That magnetism you feel is undeniable; despite, what your brain is telling you.

“But I still think about you baby // I wish it didn’t feel so right // I really wanna // tell you I don’t miss you / and really mean it / I just can’t though / I want to / but I’m trying not to”

This song honestly has the potential to be a summer anthem of just following your heart. It is clear that both Springsteen and Alexander believe in the song and its story. We’re excited to see what’s next for the two emerging artists.

Alana Springsteen's new song, "Trying Not To" with Roman Alexander is available now, March 19th

Alana Springsteen’s new song, “Trying Not To” with Roman Alexander is available now, March 19th

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Alana Springsteen and Roman Alexander releases.

To keep up with Alana Springsteen, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
To keep up with Roman Alexander, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Trying Not To” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Who Is Alana Springsteen? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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Who is Alana Springsteen? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

Alana Springsteen

The Beginning:

This week our Swag Spotlight artist is the young, but extremely talented Alana Springsteen. She is a fiery pop-country singer-songwriter, who realized her passion for music at the tender age of 7 years old when she first picked up a guitar. Springsteen was destined to make music for a living and we chatted with the songstress about her blossoming career and her brand new music that we are sure fans will love.

“I’m originally from Virginia Beach, total beach girl,” she begins, “I grew up loving music from a super early age. My dad was always playing music around the house and stuff and both my grandads are pastors, so I grew up in church and I think that’s where my love of music started.” After learning to play guitar from her uncle at seven years old, Springsteen became obsessed with performing, singing the National Anthem across the country when she was just a child.

Around that time, the songstress starting writing her own music and found a love for country music. “I was inspired by a lot of strong, female country artists,” she shares with us,  “I listened to Carrie Underwood a ton growing up, Faith Hill, Shania Twain [and] Taylor Swift obviously was one that influenced me just because she was so young and doing it. Just watching her, I was like wow I can do this” Her musical taste has since expanded to the likes of artists like LANY, Sam Hunt, Ariana Grande, and Julia Michaels.

The Turning Point:

As fate would have it, Springsteen was recognized by a music industry executive during one of her anthem performances, and that experience introduced her to the world of Nashville. She signed her first publishing deal at just 14 years old, and soon after that, Springsteen and her supportive family made the big move to Music City.

Flash forward to today, the singer-songwriter finally feels like she has met her people in Nashville, and feels ready to share her music with the world. With a team of people who believe in her vision behind her, the songstress has already released a debut EP, which was well-received, as well as, an incredible cover of ILLENIUM and Jon Bellion’s “Good Things Fall Apart,” and her brand new song “Think About You,” a duet featuring fellow country artist Filmore.

In regards to the former, Springsteen decided to record the song because of how much she loved it. “As soon as it was released, it was my jam for the longest time,” she tells us about the original, adding, “I just started messing around with it- just a guitar, and once I stripped it down, I realized it could totally be a country song because it’s kinda just a story. There are so many word pictures, it kinda takes you on this journey.” Springsteen’s version is heartfelt, vulnerable, and most definitely personifies her vibe.

Today:

“Think About You,” an original, is just as creative and sincere. The song has received love by our home radio station New York’s Country 94.7, as well as, by fans. Interestingly enough, during the writing process, Springsteen did not plan to make this song into a duet, but during the recording process, she was hit with inspiration and asked Filmore to be apart of it. As she shared the story behind the song, the songstress surprised us with an anecdote about how she and Filmore became connected in the first place.

“My dad actually drives for Lyft on the side,” she begins, “He would play [my demos] on loop, while he was driving these people around, he wouldn’t say anything about it, he would just kinda wait for them to notice.” That is exactly what happened one day when her dad picked up Filmore and his friends unexpectedly. Springsteen calls the whole whirlwind experience from that moment until the pair cut the single “an absolute dream.” Not to mention, the song is incredible.

This is just the start for Springsteen, as she is sure to deliver more and more music this year. She has spent years honing her craft and is ready to share her stories and experiences with the world. Before this year is up, she is sure to release more covers and maybe more originals, and of course, as soon as it is safe, she hopes to get a chance to tour again. Until then, make sure to keep this rising talent on your radar!

To keep up with Alana Springsteen follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Good Things Fall Apart” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.