Introducing our 2025 Country Artists to Watch!

Over the past 7+ 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, Jordan Davis, Walker Hayes, HARDY, Gabby Barrett, Ernest, 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, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 before checking out the 10 artists we picked to have a huge 2025 below.

 

TUCKER WETMORE –

Listen: “Wind Up Missin’ You”
Stay Connected: @tuckerwetmore

From the moment Tucker Wetmore came onto our radar, we were all in! Wetmore seems primed for superstardom even in the early stages of his career. The singer-songwriter has garnered a loyal fanbase, both from his headlining shows and jumping on tours with other incredible artists in the genre. With a top five single at country radio already, 2025 is looking like it’s going to be a monumental year for the artist!

 

VINCENT MASON –

Listen: “Hell is a Dance Floor”
Stay Connected: @vincentmason

Vincent Mason is one of the more exciting new artists in Nashville today. In 2024, Mason released his debut EP, Can’t Just Be Me, featuring six songs that speak to his undeniable talent as a singer-songwriter. With a unique vocal style and unspoken maturity, the Georgia native is ready to take the genre by storm. Be on the lookout for more coming from Mason in 2025!

 

LANIE GARDNER –

Listen: “Somewhere, Nowhere In Carolina”
Stay Connected: @whoislanie

Lanie Gardner is the type of artist that makes you stop and listen, the second you hear her sing. Much like Megan Moroney and Lauren Watkins, who made our list in previous years, Gardner has staying power. Her debut album, A Songwriter’s Diary, released earlier this year, was the perfect introduction to the songstress. We can only hope that more music is coming down the pipeline soon from the incredible rising artist.

 

SAM BARBER –

Listen: “Restless Mind”
Stay Connected: @sambarber_music

Lockeland Springs/Atlantic Records artist, Sam Barber has already cultivated an incredible following of loyal fans. His debut album, Restless Mind added to his staying power as an artist, connecting him to even more fans across he genre. His unique and raw vocals mixed with his impressive songwriting only adds to his likability as an artist. We believe Barber has the ability to sell out stadiums in the future as his stardom continues to rise!

 

TY MYERS –

Listen: “Ends of the Earth”
Stay Connected: @tywmyers

Breakout singer-songwriter Ty Myers is a gem in country music right now at only seventeen years old. The RECORDS Nashville/Columbia artist is set to release his debut album, The Select at the top of 2025, which is sure to add to his appeal as a captivating new artist in the genre. In 2025, we expect that the singer will continue to grow his fanbase and share even more music.

 

BRAXTON KEITH –

Listen: “Cozy”
Stay Connected: @Braxton.keith

Texas native, Braxton Keith is a revitalizing the genre with his blended traditional sound. Drawing on a true love for 80s country music and an appreciation for the honky-tonk sound, Keith created a signature sound that feels personal to him and his fanbase. Ending the year with his EP, Blue, the singer holds true to his artistry. 2025 should be be a huge year for the artist!

 

THE CASTELLOWS –

Listen: “Sober Sundays”
Stay Connected: @thecastellows

Sister-trio, The Castellows are primed for a huge 2025.T he Castellows’ sound is traditional, yet modern, earning them fans across the genre. The trio’s debut EP, A Little Goes A Long Way, which released early 2024 proved their vocal prowess, as well as, their ability to craft an incredible project. If 2024 was a stepping stone for The Castellows, 2025 will be their jumping off platform in the best way possible!

 

PRESTON COOPER –

Listen: “Weak”
Stay Connected: @prestoncoopermusic

Uniquely talented artist, Preston Cooper may be from a small-town, but he has major talent. With just a couple of releases under his belt, the singer-songwriter is already poised for success. His releases, “Weak” and “One More Place I’ve Never Been” both boast different sides of his incredible talent. Cooper is poised for a big 2025, and we are excited for it.

 

KASHUS CULPEPPER –

Listen: “After Me?”
Stay Connected: @kashculpeppermusic

Big Loud Records recording artist, Kashus Culpepper is one to look out for. The country crooner is passionate about the music he creates, garnering uproot from fans and industry alike with his raw talent. The singer releases music that builds on his eclectic influences, and we believe 2025 is going to be a major year for the rising artist!

 

ZACH JOHN KING –

Listen: “Slow Down”
Stay Connected: @zachjohnking

Zach John King is primed for a big 2025. With just a few releases under his belt, the singer-songwriter is already impressing fans with his gritty and honest vocals. King’s newest release “Cold Shoulder” is quite possibly his best to date. The song will leave current fans begging for me, while simultaneously bringing new fans to his music.

 

 

What other new artists are you enjoying? Make sure to follow us on Instagram, @CountrySwag for the latest in new music. Fans can also 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.