Who’s RISING Now? 5 Artists to Watch in February 2019
Strong, observant and confident — three terms that define all of this month's group of rising country artists.
As always, you'll see a range of impressive talent on this list of country artists to watch in February 2019. One is a solid country rocker with a voice you won't forget, while another can claim he's written a song with a music icon. Three bold female voices are also making a strong first impression — one of them won reality singing show Real Country! Another blends humor with sharp songwriting to share her story of growing up in a small Southern town, and a California native with a pure and stunning rounds out the list.
Here are five new country acts not to miss in February 2019.
- 1
Jacob Bryant
Jacob Bryant's intoxicating rock-country sound is in the lane of Luke Combs and Brantley Gilbert, but Bryant uses fearless songwriting tactics to open up about his battle with drugs, alcohol and the loss of his mother. His new album, Practice What I Preach, out Feb. 8, is an honest portrayal of a newcomer whose smoldering voice tells his story on raw tracks like "More Than a Year" and "Pour Whiskey on My Grave." Look for him to be one of country's powerful voices this year.
- 2
Jaida Dreyer
Strong female voices are an important element in the fabric of country music. Real Country winner and hit songwriter Jaida Dreyer has positioned herself as one of those voices. Penning songs for the likes of Faith Hill, Eric Church, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan’s chart-topping "Home Alone Tonight," Dreyer has the talent, confidence and fearless nature it takes to be an artist, as heard on her original song "Jack it to Jesus,"a female empowerment anthem that honors the fearless women that came before her. With this type of messaging, Dreyer is on her way to becoming one of the fearless voices she so proudly sings about.
- 3
Levi Hummon
The fact that Steven Tyler called on Levi Hummon to co-write a song for the icon's debut country album in 2016 is reason enough to cite him as a rising star, but his new EP Patient proves that point even further. The young singer demonstrates his smooth voice, slick production and crisp lyrics. Across His dynamic EP, he proves himself to be a contemporary artist without trying to imitate his peers, tying the project together with the sincere “I Still Do."
- 4
Caylee Hammack
If you were to describe Caylee Hammackb based on her debut song, "Family Tree," call her determinedly aware. As both a celebration and quick-witted take on her small town Georgia upbringing and the eccentric people who raised her, Hammack writes with a keen sense of observation and clever lyrics. Her other releases also convey a sonically diverse artist — one who seamlessly moves from a rollicking number like "Redhead" to the vulnerability of "Vacancy Light." Country music needs a presence as commanding and steadfast as hers.
- 5
Tiffany Woys
Tiffany Woys' music is pure. With a voice that shines on covers ranging from her idol Celine Dion’s "The Prayer" to a glowing rendition of Dan + Shay's "From the Ground Up," Woys will impress. Her debut country single "Priceless," co-written by Mickey Guyton, Emily Shackelton and Kelly Archer, follows suit. It's a song that defines her worth not only in a personal relationship, but what she has to offer country music, as well. We're bound to hear more confident messages in her new EP, expected to drop sometime this month.
- BONUS
Cody Johnson's "On My Way to You" Is Country Gold