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Country Swag Reveals 2022 Artists to Watch

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 20172018, 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.

 

Conner Smith Releases Fan-Favorite New Track “I Hate Alabama”

Conner Smith’s new song “I Hate Alabama” is out today, October 8th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

We do not say this lightly, but Conner Smith is one of the artists we are most excited about lately. In just a few months, he has made us a true believer in his artistry. He has blown us away with each of his previous releases, including his debut singles and most recently, “Take It Slow.” Today, the singer-songwriter released his viral, fan-favorite song “I Hate Alabama.”

The slow-burn begins as the ultimate disdain towards Alabama Crimson Red Football team, but after one listen, fans will know that it is definitely not just that. Smith pours his heart out, sharing that the reason he truly hates Alabama is because he got his heart broken. Even Alabama-natives can understand that!

“They get us every season // I wish I could say that’s the only reason // that I hate Alabama // I hate Crimson Red // And I hate how they yell ‘roll tide’ when I got a Braves hat on my head // and I love Lynyrd Skynyrd, but lord I hate sweet home // ‘Cause when I hear it all I see // is a girl with houndstooth on // in the stands of Tuscaloosa”

The song conveys true-artistry in every way. Smith proves with each and every release that he is the real deal. Fans of both traditional and modern-day country music are sure to flock to the singer-songwriter in droves! For more from Smith, check our exclusive interview and performance with the singer-songwriter live from New York City in the video below.

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

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on InstagramTikTok, and Facebook.

“I Hate Alabama” 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.

who-is-conner-smith

Conner Smith Follows Up Debut with New Song “Take It Slow”

Conner Smith’s new song “Take It Slow” is out now, September 10th, on all streaming platforms.  Take a look below as we dig into the track.

Back in June, newcomer, Conner Smith made his artist debut. The singer-songwriter shared two brand new songs with fans. Both “Learned From It” and “Tennessee” showcased captivating sides of his artistry. Today, the singer is back with another new release, a song called “Take It Slow.”

The new track is smooth, nostalgic, and inviting. It depicts young love in a way that makes us all feel like we are experiencing it again for the first time. Smith is a breath of fresh air in country music. He does not try to be anything, but himself, and delivers music that is both believable and relatable. The song is romantic, yet innocent, a hard quality to have.

“You came down your stairs with that sundress and your Chuck Taylors on // Your pops said don’t keep me up all night long // We pulled out your drive about the time the sky went pink // I said baby what you think // You said take it slow // I know a backroad we can find a spot we can be alone // We can sway back and forth to what’s on the radio”

 The song comes on the heels of Smith’s 21st birthday. A true entertainer, the singer is giving fans the song as a gift to celebrate. “Take It Slow” is sure to get stuck in your head after one listen. Kudos to Smith for another great release to add to his growing catalog of songs.

Conner-smith-new-song

Conner Smith’s new song “Take It Slow” 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 Conner Smith releases.

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on InstagramTikTok, and Facebook.

“Take It Slow” 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.

Conner-smith-new-song-take-it-slow

Conner Smith Makes Artist Debut with Two New Songs

Newcomer, Conner Smith, introduces himself as an artist with two brand songs, “Learn From It” and “Tennessee”. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

We love supporting rising talent in the country music industry and Valory Music Co’s latest signee, Conner Smith is an artist that fits the bill! His musical talent compares well alongside acts like Sam Hunt, Tyler Rich, and Kip Moore. Today, the singer releases two brand new songs simply titled “Learned From It” and “Tennessee.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to finally get some music in y’alls hands. Long time coming and now it all begins,” shared an excited Smith on his Instagram a few days ago. Both new songs feel familiar, yet innovative. “Learned From It” is slightly more uptempo. The track takes us along all of the mistakes and experiences we all go through as we grow up. Ultimately, the singer relies on the adage that we all learn from those things. The song allows us as listeners to learn more about the artist and his story.

“Yeah I learned from em // Yeah we learned from it, all of em days, when we were young and wild // Yeah we turned up that little town on all those Friday nights // Cause growing up with nothing to do makes you play with fire a little // You get burned from em // but yeah we learned from em”

“Tennessee” shows the softer, more romantic side of the singer. As Smith shared with fans on his social media the new song is all about “taking a girl back to her roots.” The song feels reminiscent of songs like “More Than My Hometown” by Morgan Wallen, a clear influence in the newcomer’s artistry. On the new track, Smith sings about wanting to know everything about his love interest, especially about where she grew up and the small town that made her who she is.

“I just want to get you // Sitting by the river // Sippin’ on some strawberry shine // Yeah I just want to know you like your hometown knows you // Who you were before you were mine”

Connor Smith’s new songs were the perfect release to introduce himself. Fans get to see multiple sides to the singer’s artistry and personality. We’re excited to see what’s next for the talented artist.

Conner Smith's new songs "Learn From It" and "Tennessee" are out now, June 25th

Conner Smith’s new songs “Learn From It” and “Tennessee” are out now, June 25th

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

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on InstagramTikTok, and Facebook.

“Learn From It” and “Tennessee” are 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.