Artists To Watch In 2025: Gavin Adcock, Maddox Batson, Demps, Charly Reynolds, Chandler Walters And More

Check out Music Mayhem’s Artists to Watch list for 2025.

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Melinda Lorge

Melinda Lorge is a Nashville-based freelance writer who specializes in covering country music. Along with Music Mayhem, her work has appeared in publications, including Rare Country, Rolling Stone Country, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Wide Open Country and more. After joining Rare Country in early 2016, Lorge was presented with the opportunity to lead coverage on late-night television programs, including “The Voice” and “American Idol,” which helped her to sharpen her writing skills even more. Lorge earned her degree at Middle Tennessee State University, following the completion of five internships within the country music industry. She has an undeniable love for music and entertainment. When she isn’t living and breathing country music, she can be found enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.

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Posted on January 14, 2025

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Music Mayhem Artists To Watch in 2025

The country music pool has been top-notch in recent years, and with the rise of online platforms like TikTok, it’s become easier to discover the diamonds in the rough. Several singer/songwriters have made a name for themselves online by posting original material and cover songs on social media, growing their audiences by the thousands and finding themselves in the same rooms as their biggest inspirations.

Drew Baldridge, one name on this list for 2025, has already made history as an independent artist, taking his song all the way to the top of the charts while singer/songwriters like Tommy Acker and Belle Frantz, are on their way to doing the same. The age ranges of these performers and places they come from run the gamut from 14-year-old high schooler and Tennessee native Maddox Batson to 31-year-old Floridian influencer Demps. And that’s proof that it doesn’t matter where one comes from or how young or old one is to be able to make it in the country genre — all it takes is a compelling backstory, some talent, three chords and the truth. 

Check out Music Mayhem’s Artists to Watch list for 2025 below (in no particular order).

Owen Riegling

Owen Riegling, Photo Provided
Owen Riegling, Photo Provided

A promising candidate to take the United States by storm as one of country music’s next superstars in 2025 is Owen Riegling. He may be a newer rising country artist, but he’s already a star in his home country. The Canadian country music singer and songwriter from Mildmay, Ontario, began writing songs at age 10. After playing music for small crowds in local bars and pubs, he started performing at large music festivals, including Boots & Hearts, where he won the Emerging Artist Showcase.

After organically making a name for himself, Universal Music Canada came calling, and Riegling began to form connections with Nashville’s elite songwriting circles. In 2023, he released his debut single, “Love (The Sweater Song)” followed by “Old Dirt Roads.” 2024 saw the release of his EP, Bruce County, which included the successful single, “Moonshines.” In the fall of 2024, Riegling treated fans to his next single, “Church,” written with Jesse Slack and Daryl Scott. Riegling brings a fresh modern sound to listeners as he incorporates elements of rock with his small-town country roots, reminscent of Eric Church and HARDY.

Over the course of his career, Riegling has garnered over 80 million global streams, toured with artists like Tyler Hubbard, Chase Rice, and Riley Green, and also earned nominations at both the CMA Ontario Awards and the Canadian Country Music Awards. He also won two awards at the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards — Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. With such an impressive history, coupled with a down to earth persona and vocals built for country radio, it’s no doubt Riegling will become a familiar name in the states.

Max McNown

Max McNown, Photo Courtesy of Nate Griffin
Max McNown, Photo Courtesy of Nate Griffin

Max McNown has always had a deep passion for music, but it wasn’t until he saw his brother bravely fight cancer that he decided to change direction career-wise. Instead of studying business management in college, he threw himself into learning the guitar and writing songs.

Soon enough, McNown was busking on the streets, where he developed his artistry even further. He also generated a buzz online with original songs like “Freezing In November,” “You and the Pines” and many others.

McNown, who has drawn inspiration from artists like Noah Kahan and Tyler Childers, has already released three EPs, a debut album entitled Wandering, and has collaborated with artists like Hailey Whitters. His breakout single came with “A Lot More Free” — a song named after his 2023 EP, which earned six million streams in four months. With his soothing whispering vocals, grassroots sound, and in-depth lyrics, it’s no question that folks will be hearing more from McNown in 2025!

Chandler Walters

Chandler Walters, Photo Provided
Chandler Walters, Photo Provided

When it comes to Chandler Walters launching a career in country music, one could say, he had some help. The rising country artist has been growing his TikTok page for quite some time as a talented musician, and pedal steel guitar player. But it was ERNEST, who came across his page, observed, listened, and decided to reach out to Walters to meet in person.

From there, Walters’ career began to fall into place. Not only did he join ERNEST on tour, but he also struck a publishing deal with ERNEST and Big Loud Publishing’s co-venture, ERN’s Cadillac Music.

Walters has become one of the most sought-after musicians and songwriters in Nashville, Tenn. Already, he has landed cuts on ERNEST’s, Bailey Zimmerman’s, and Post Malone’s albums. He also celebrated a credit on the hit crossover collaboration “I Had Some Help” by Malone and Morgan Wallen. But aside from that, he’s getting noticed as a solo artist. After learning the ropes early on, having helped form a trio years ago, he has shared cover songs like Diamond Rio’s “Meet in the Middle” and Eric Church’s “Call Me the Breeze” on YouTube. 2025 will see Walters getting in front of even bigger audiences!

Belle Frantz

Belle Frantz, Photo Provided
Belle Frantz, Photo Provided

Belle Frantz is a classic country darling. Her voice harkens back to the days of Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, transporting listeners into a whole different era musically. The singer/songwriter from Greenwood, Mississippi, also has an image all her own, with big hair and a powerful voice.

Surprisingly, Frantz didn’t start singing in front of people until she was almost 18 years old, but when she did, she realized she had a chance to make a career out of her passion. Frantz’ music began to take shape as she continued to perform in front of crowds all over her home state, but it was social media that truly helped launch her career as followers on TikTok resonated with her cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” and other tunes as well as her performance alongside Kameron Marlowe, when the pair performed a cover of “The Grand Tour” by George Jones at The Ryman.

Frantz is ready to take country music to new heights as an artist who salutes those who came before her as she keeps traditional country music alive within her unique sound that effortlessly brings back the spirit of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette.

In 2023, Frantz landed a record deal with Universal Music Group Nashville. A year later, she introduced herself to a bigger audience with her debut EP, Why I Sing This Way. The project includes covers of songs from artists Frantz grew up listening to, like Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin,’” George Jones’ “The Grand Tour,” and Reba McEntire’s “The Last One To Know.” Frantz may be new to many eyes and ears, but she is well on her way to becoming one of the biggest female country artists of her generation.

Gavin Adcock

Gavin Adcock, Photo Provided
Gavin Adcock, Photo Provided

Gavin Adcock was always destined for greatness, whether that be him going all the way in sports or making a name for himself through music. But, a knee injury has found him focusing on the latter, which has paid off for him immensely.

Hailing from Watkinsville, Georgia, Adcock played football all of his life, earning a spot on the team at Georgia Southern University. And while he enjoyed playing sports early on, he was raised hard core country, having grown up on a cattle farm with dreams of riding bulls in the PBR (Professional Bull Riders).

With his rough-around-the-edges disposition, and a sound that aligns with The Georgia Satellites, Adcock’s natural yodel, rock edge, and raspy tone is bound to take him far. And if that’s not enough, the numbers speak for themselves, with Adcock’s music earning millions of streams online. Adcock’s 2024 EP, Actin’ Up Again, brought him success, giving him bragging rights for being the most streamed country debut album of the year.

Adcock is not just a singer; he’s a firecracker in boots, an untamed force on stage and off. With a voice that’s gritty and raw, he’s tossing aside the old rules of country music, rewriting the playbook with each song he releases. The viral hitmaker is quickly establishing himself as country music’s next outlaw and he’s doing so by carving his own lane, whether the industry’s ready or not.

Folks can hear all the tunes from the project live as he continues his tour of the same name through 2025.

Maggie Baugh

Maggie Baugh, Photo Provided
Maggie Baugh, Photo Provided

When it comes to music knowledge, Maggie Baugh is a quadruple threat. Not only does she sing, write songs, and play multiple instruments, but she also knows how to market herself online, having made a name for herself through her TikTok series titled “Finish The Lick.” The series, which finds her flaunting her musician skills, has grown immensely, earning her platform over 30 million views and counting. As a talented musician, Baugh has played fiddle for various artists, including Luke Bryan and Charlie Daniels. She has also toured with the likes of Home Free and Keith Urban.

These days, however, Baugh, who is from Florida, but moved to Nashville, Tenn., in 2018, is stepping further into the spotlight as a solo act. Armed with an arsenal of songs, she has already released a debut EP 2023’s Dear Me, which includes 14 buzz worthy tracks, and found success through viral tracks “Think About Me” and “Drinking to the Broken Hearts.” In addition, Dear Me made the Top 20 on the iTunes Country Albums Chart.

Baugh has embarked on her own headlining tours, both in the US and internationally. But, more recently, she spent the last days of 2024 on a high note, having made her official Grand Ole Opry debut on Dec. 27. It’s no doubt 2025 will see Baugh make an even bigger mark on the industry, with her crystal clear vocals, noticeable southern drawl, impactful storytelling, and infectious radio-ready melodies.

Vincent Mason

Vincent Mason, Photo Provided
Vincent Mason, Photo Provided

Vincent Mason has emerged into the spotlight as an authentic storyteller who checks off all the boxes of becoming one of country music’s next big superstars. With a look and sound that is reminiscent of John Mayer, a penchant for storytelling, impressive musical skills, and a deep passion for what he does, Mason has made Music Mayhem’s list of artists to watch in 2025.

Mason, who hails from Roswell, Georgia, began to make his mark in college, playing the guitar after initially delving into sports. In 2020, he pivoted his goals, trading a spot at Ole Miss to attend school at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. The change in scenery proved beneficial for Mason, who has been growing his artistry ever since.

In 2024, Mason signed on with Interscope Records/UMG Nashville/Music Soup and also landed a worldwide publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing/Hang Your Hat Music and WME. He released his breakout smash, “Hell Is A Dance Floor” from his Can’t Just Be Me EP, as well as songs like “Livin’ Proof,” and “Heart Like This,” which have resonated with fans, earning him well over 120 million streams across the board on social media.

Mason, who has opened for artists ranging from Miranda Lambert to Luke Bryan, and others, also made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2024. 2025 finds Mason taking the next step as he prepares to head out on his debut headlining Hell Is Dance Floor Tour.

Maddox Batson

Maddox Batson, Photo Provided
Maddox Batson, Photo Provided

Perhaps one of the youngest artists in country music today, but Maddox Batson is as professional as any veteran in the genre and is poised to take the country music world by storm. And despite being born in 2009, his sound aligns with the neo-traditional artists of the ‘90s combined with hints of Southern rock.

With influences ranging from George Strait to Frank Sinatra, Batson, who served as a co-writer on Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s recent smash hit, “Tough,” has a vision for his artistry that is destined to take him far. As a triple threat, the talent, who has signed on with Warner Records, in partnership with Prosper Entertainment, exhibits an undeniable youthful southern charm, a knack for songwriting, and an ability to play multiple instruments (mandolin, piano, guitar).

2024 marked a handful of firsts for the young and thriving artist, who has drawn comparisons to Justin Bieber. He delivered viral success with his debut single, “Tears in the River,” which took him to the top 15 of TikTok’s viral chart. His second single, “I Wanna Know” made it into the Top 20 on YouTube’s Trending page. Finally, X’s, which serves as Batson’s third single, earned over 16 million global streams.

Ty Myers

Ty Myers, Photo Provided
Ty Myers, Photo Provided

Ty Myers, a young and budding artist, has been carving out his place in country music for years with his laid-back, gritty vocals, groovy soulful sound and blues-filled guitar riffs that have audiences returning to his shows time and time again. The 17-year-old Texan, who first became influenced by some of his family members, who dabbled in music, initially caught a buzz with his original song, “Tie That Binds,” which exploded in numbers on TikTok, resulting in over 6 million streams on Spotify.

He has continued to grow his numbers with follow-up tracks like, “Drinkin’ Alone,” “Ends of the Earth,” “Worry Is A Sickness,” “Let ‘Em Talk,” and “Can’t Hold Me Down.” For 2025, folks will see even more from the Records Nashville/Columbia Records singer/songwriter and guitarist, who is readying the release of his debut album entitled, The Select, named after Le Select, a Parisian brasserie that Ernest Hemingway, one of Myers’ literary idols, used to visit.

The star on the rise, who has shared the stage with such artists as Willie Nelson, Wade Bowen, Cody Johnson and others, also plotted a headlining tour for the new year, with 25 stops beginning on Jan. 16 in Cedar Park, TX at the Haute Spot. 2025 will see Myers make his mark in country music as he continues to step into the spotlight as a performer all his own.

Hannah McFarland

Hannah McFarland, Photo Courtesy of Chris Ashlee
Hannah McFarland, Photo Courtesy of Chris Ashlee

Hannah McFarland hails from Alabama. But, she moved to Nashville in 2016 and built a solid resume as a student at Lipscomb University while opening for artists like Kelsea Ballerini and Old Dominion, among others. Now fans will be hearing more from this talented singer/songwriter with a sunny vocal and natural twang that’s reminiscent of some of the biggest female country artists from the ‘90s and today.

2024 saw McFarland take the road alongside stars like Kip Moore, Brett Young, and Tucker Wetmore. She also signed with The Core Records and Capitol Music Group, thanks to her gift of storytelling, raw emotion in her performance and a sound that offers listeners a touch of contemporary flair. A big moment for McFarland in 2024 came when she shared the stage alongside Zach Bryan to perform his hit, “I Remember Everything,” a song he usually sings with Kacey Musgraves. The rendition was memorable enough to catch attention online and draw comparisons to the original collaboration.

From the introspective major label debut of “Hey Highway” to the previously-released and thoughtful “Run out of Cowboy,” McFarland’s music has already proven that her songwriting and strong artistry will take her places far beyond her wildest dreams.

Hudson Westbrook

Hudson Westbrook, Photo Provided
Hudson Westbrook, Photo Provided

Scrolling through Hudson Westbrook’s first few online posts, would show any music fan enough proof that he is destined to become one of country music’s biggest stars. For this burgeoning artist and self-taught musician, the talent just comes easy and naturally. And, while Westbrook’s music career started in 2020, his success is surpassing many artists who have been working their way up the ladder for years.

Westbrook, who grew up in Stephensville, Texas, started fiddling with the guitar while studying at Texas Tech. And, it’s a good thing he did. Not long after, he produced a self-written song called “Take It Slow” that caught fire on TikTok and has since earned more than 10 million streams on Spotify.

A River House Artist, Westbrook’s next body of work came with a seven-song self-titled EP, which debuted in the top 10 on the iTunes Country Chart, and features tracks, “Take Your Time,” “Pray Your Name,” “House Again,” “5 to 9,” “Dopamine,” “Two Way Drive” and a cover of “Johnny Walker” — a handful of which were dropped ahead of the debut and saw standalone success. 2025 is bound to be a busy year for Westbrook, who is gearing up for the launch of a headlining tour. In addition to that, he will join Parker McCollum as a supporting guest on his What Kinda Man Tour. Plus, he promises more music on the way.

Dylan Gossett

Dylan Gossett, Photo Provided
Dylan Gossett, Photo Provided

Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records artist Dylan Gossett, who also signed a global publishing deal with Universal Music Group Nashville, has been grabbing ears ever since taking a spot behind the microphone. 2024 saw him extending his The Back 40 Tour, with 19 newly added dates going into the new year. And, in 2025, the Texan will make his debut at Stagecoach and the Country to Country (C2C) Festival.

Gossett, who draws similarities to artists like Zach Bryan and Sam Barber, initially played music as a hobby, but turned it into a career after seeing the success of his original songs take off on social media. His breakout song, “Coal,” has earned him more than 300 million global streams and Platinum certifications in various countries around the world. He also wrote and self-produced his 2024 EP, entitled Songs In The Gravel — a collection that follows a string of singles as well as his debut EP 2023’s No Better Time.

His most recent release, “Tree Birds” features a thumping backbeat, intriguing harmonica, and storytelling at its best. Just as his current music, all of Gossett’s work has included thought-provoking lyrics, acoustic mastery, and his emotive voice.

Tommy Acker

Tommy Acker; Photo Courtesy of Noah Heaton/@noah_heaton
Tommy Acker; Photo Courtesy of Noah Heaton/@noah_heaton

Tommy Acker is one of the exciting country artists coming up in the new crop of talent for 2025. He’s been catching attention with his raw approach, distinctive vocals, stripped down sound, and clever hooks. As with several country newcomers, the Texas native, who splits time between the Lone Star state, Utah, and Nashville, Tenn., has grown a following online as an independent artist.

His songs like “How To Not,” “Thoughts I’ve Been Thinkin’,” and “Ain’t Too Much,” have struck a chord with fans, who have been doubling in size, connecting with his sound that’s traditional-leaning yet modern enough to resonate with millions of people.

Acker, whose influences range from Cody Johnson and Riley Green to Morgan Wallen and Hardy, began setting his sights on a career in country music during his senior year of high school. Not long after, a friend of his suggested he record his music in Nashville. Taking his friend up on that advice, Acker, who also works as a dental assistant, began traveling to Music City, where he honed his craft even further.

Acker, who performs solo on an acoustic guitar for his shows, has plenty in story for the new year. In a previous interview with Music Mayhem, he said, “My goal is to always put out music as much and as often as I can. And so hopefully here soon we can get something put together and have a whole album or a whole something to give to everybody. And so that’s always the goal…..I’m always looking for the next big thing.”

Ryan & Rory

Ryan & Rory, Photo Provided
Ryan & Rory, Photo Provided

Move over Dan + Shay because Ryan & Rory are primed to become the next major male duo in country music. The highly-talented pair, made up of Ryan Keith Follesé, former frontman of Hot Chelle Rae, and Rory John Zak, who was once the youngest singer in the Carolina Opry, got together after spending years separately honing their individual talents.

In the summer of 2024, Ryan & Rory released their six track self-titled debut EP featuring standout tracks like their debut single, “Pour Decisions” and the honky-tonk piano-driven “This Town.” Signed to BBR Music Group/ BMG Nashville, Ryan & Rory, who has opened for Sam Hunt and Jamey Johnson, also made their Grand Ole Opry debut right before the new year.

The two artists have a story that’s similar to award-winning duo Brooks & Dunn as they were brought together at the suggestion of a mutual friend. After agreeing to collaborate, the rest was history! With Ryan’s crisp storytelling and Rory’s musicianship and smooth as butter harmonies, these two stars in the making are bound to continue making waves in country music throughout 2025.

Drew Baldridge

Drew Baldridge, Photo Provided
Drew Baldridge, Photo Provided

With a heart-tugging hit single like “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” and a resonating follow-up track with, “Tough People,” it’s no question that Drew Baldridge is ready to take country music by storm in 2025. His songs are as real as it gets, and the former track is proof. In fact, “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” made history for Baldridge as it rose to No. 1 spot on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart, giving him the title as the first independent and fully self-funded artist to top the charts. The track also nabbed the No. 3 spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

Baldridge has already paid some dues in Nashville, Tenn., having moved to music city at age 18. Early on, he found success on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with “Dance With Ya,” and followed that up with a studio album entitled Dirt On Us. After his label closed in 2019, Baldrige kept the momentum going, opening up his own Lyric Ridge label before teaming with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville for promotional support.

2025 will put Baldridge’s name on the map even more. This January, folks can expect to see him on the road as part of Cody Johnson’s Leather Deluxe Tour.

Adrien Nunez

Adrien Nunez, Photo Provided
Adrien Nunez, Photo Provided

An unlikely pathway to country music, but Adrien Nunez found his entry into the genre by way of sports. The former University of Michigan basketball star turned singer/songwriter and music creator, has a knack for growing his social media channels, where he has given other artists the opportunity to shine, ultimately becoming the highest earning player on his team.

Shaboozey, Graham Barham, and Avery Anna, are among some of the artists Nunez promoted early on. And, in doing so, he racked up millions of views across all of his social platforms and accumulated over 5 million streams in just two weeks. After sharing his own music with followers, Nunez’ career began to take off.

In late 2024, Nunez, whose songs feature attractive beats, while blending together elements of hip-hop, country, and pop, signed to Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records. He released his major label debut track called “APOLOGY SONG,” which follows the Brooklyn, NY-raised recent releases “Minnesota” and viral hit “LOW ROAD,” with Anna. For the new year, Nunez promises more music to come as he continues to solidify his place in Country music.

Kashus Culpepper

Kashus Culpepper, Photo Provided
Kashus Culpepper, Photo Provided

It’s not too often that a U.S. Navy Veteran becomes a country music artist to watch. But Kashus Culpepper has done just that. Without initially having plans to take up a career in music, the country crooner used the art of playing guitar to get through the days of being deployed in Rota, Spain during the pandemic. Now, those days are behind him, and he is ready to take his country music career to the next level in 2025!

Culpepper, who grew up singing in church at a young age, hails from Alexander City, Alabama. When he realized his strength lay in music, he began performing anywhere he could, ultimately growing an organic following across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Culpepper’s vocals turn heads with its soul and a sandy growl, and with that he grew in popularity before ever getting into the studio to lay down a song, proving he has both talent and stage presence that is unlike any other.

After realizing he has what it takes to make a living playing music, Culpepper moved to Nashville, Tenn., where he began to immerse himself into the songwriting scene. After inking a major label deal with Big Loud, he released the single, “After Me?” and the follow-up track, “Who Hurt You.” Culpepper’s most recent track, “Out of My Mind,” has also helped cement his status as a star with potential for longevity in the genre.

Waylon Wyatt

Waylon Wyatt; Photo Courtesy of Brittany Harper
Waylon Wyatt; Photo Courtesy of Brittany Harper

Waylon Wyatt draws inspiration from storyteller songwriters like Wyatt Flores and Tyler Childers, but he’s just as talented behind the microphone and the pen as his superiors. At age 18, Wyatt has already made a mark in the music industry and online with viral songs like “Everything Under the Sun” and “Arkansas Diamond.”

Hailing from the town of Hackett, Arkansas, which holds a small population of around 800 people, Wyatt’s dreams in music began with the introduction of traditional country music from his father and bluegrass from his mother. But, his love of music runs deep. In fact, he initially picked up the guitar following the death of his brother, Dylan, previously telling Music Mayhem that “I picked up the guitar as a way to cope with the depression I felt afterward….that was my only way to fall back on it once I lost him. But he played guitar himself. The real reason I picked it up is a way to remember, that one of his biggest traits was, he wanted to play guitar, and he was pretty great [at it].”

In 2023, Wyatt, who currently records all of his music in his home kitchen, signed a deal with Music Soup and Darkroom Records and released a seven-track debut EP, Til The Sun Goes Down. The project features “Phoning Heaven,” a song he penned as tribute to his late brother as well as songs, “Arkansas Diamond,” “Everything Under the Sun,”  “Your Whereabouts,” “Back To Then,” “Riches To Rags,” and “Strangers To Me.” In addition, he has released an extended version of Til The Sun Goes Down, which includes the track, “O.D.”

Although Wyatt, who has toured alongside Dwight Yoakam, and has performed across the country at numerous fairs and festivals, is still working on finishing up high school, don’t expect him to change course once he turns 18. The rising star has shown he has plenty of potential for staying power as he heads into 2025!

Demps

DEMPS, Photo Provided
DEMPS, Photo Provided

Demps’ route into country music was rather unusual compared to other artists in the business. The singer, whose real name is Katie Dempsey, found her way into the performer side of the genre with the help of a growing social media following, who believed she had what it took to become a country artist. And, clearly they were right. The single mother to daughter Lily Lynn, who in 2020 worked as a music promoter and had struck a chord with TikTok users, has released a string of songs since beginning her career in Country music.

With the help of Mailbox Money Music, a Nashville-based record label owned by award-winning producer Jimmy Robbins, Demps introduced her music with the release of two songs, including her debut single, “Bitch On Wine,” and “If You Were A Country Girl.” “Bitch On Wine” was written by fellow country artist Kelsea Ballerini, esteemed songwriter Nicolle Galyon, and Robbins. The second song, a country-rap tune titled “If You Were A Country Girl” was also penned by Robbins alongside lauded storyteller Hillary Lindsey and country rocker heavyweight HARDY.

She then released “Who’s Who,” a song co-written with Ballerini, which received high praise from her. “I’ve always faaaking loved this song from the second it was written. I’m so happy she found a home with you, you sound like a dream and like it’s always meant to be yours,” Ballerini shared at the time.

Demps has followed those songs up with a string of releases including, “Rough Cut Diamond,” “Forgot To Take A Picture,” “I Care What You Think,” and a cover of the Christmas classic “Santa Baby.” Raised in Plant City, Florida, Demps, who has a variety of influences that range from The Rolling Stones to the late Whitney Houston, shows no signs of slowing down. And, with her background as an influencer, she has all the tools to keep fans engaged to become one of the next stars in Country music.

Charly Reynolds

Charly Reynolds, Photo Provided
Charly Reynolds, Photo Provided

Charly Reynolds has plenty of confidence and sass to carry her all the way through 2025. But, her music speaks for itself. The Florida-raised singer/songwriter’s tunes have landed her spots on a handful of playlists, including Spotify’s New Music Nashville and Fresh Finds. She has also nabbed spots on various tours for artists like Elle King and Lainey Wilson, among others.

Reynolds caught attention with her rendition of Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon,” which earned a placement on Season 5’s finale of THE RESIDENT on FOX. But she has a plethora of songs from her own catalog that have resonated with listeners far and wide.

In 2023, Reynolds dropped her debut EP entitled Perfect Timing, which featured six songs. 2024 fans got even more of a taste of Reynolds music with her 2024 album, Off The Record. Reynolds has all of the ingredients to see her star soar, from a bubbly persona, to honeyed vocals that call to mind the early days of Carrie Underwood and Gretchen Wilson to energetic dance-worthy cuts. It will be interesting to see where her music takes her in 2025.

Matt Ferranti

Matt Ferranti, Photo Courtesy of 6 Inch Media

Matt Ferranti is a multi-talented musician who plays several instruments and developed his skills performing at church services. The rising country star from Michigan is now making a name for himself with his natural talent and raw ability to connect with his fans through his lyrics.

In 2013, Ferranti moved to Nashville, where he met Brett Young and joined his band, becoming a fixture of the group. Along with his stint touring alongside Young, Ferranti also jumped on tour with Jelly Roll, playing with his 36 Hour Band. Then in 2022, Ferranti formally announced he was exiting Young’s band. On Instagram, he wrote, “My wife and I are making this decision because we have come to a place to GO ALL IN on my solo career. We have been building a new team and slowly getting things in motion to be able to give all of my fans MY All.”

Ferranti has since been growing his fan-base as a solo act, incorporating hypnotic beats, R&B and pop elements, into his original songs. The talented artist, who plays keys and guitar, worked alongside Jimmy Robbins to create his debut self-titled EP. He has also given fans songs like, “That Guy,” “Still Talkin,” and “Pick Up.”

Greylan James

Greylan James, Photo Provided
Greylan James, Photo Provided

It’s no secret that some of the best songwriters live in Nashville, Tenn., and one of them just so happens to have been born and raised in the Volunteer State. Greylan James has co-written several standout songs for some of the top names in country music, including Kenny Chesney, Cole Swindell, Bailey Zimmerman, and more. He even earned an ACM Award and a CMA Award nomination for Jordan Davis’ No. 1 smash, “Next Thing You Know,” co-written with Davis alongside Chase McGill, and Josh Osborne.

And while James has shown strength behind the pen, he always knew he was destined for more! In fact, he started playing guitar at the tender age of 5 and has been honing his stage presence and musicianship ever since. James’ debut single came in 2022 with “Young Man.” He followed that up with his self-released and self-produced five-track EP entitled I Hope She Hears These.

The collection, which finds James showing off his instrumental skills, includes tracks: “Anything Cold,” “Walls,” “Where You Got It From,” “Make The Best Memories,” and “Damaged.” Jame’s star has continued to take shape throughout the years, having signed on with Big Machine Label Group in 2023, sharing follow-up releases, “My Future,” “Young Man,” “Who Broke Up With You,” “Things That Change,” and “Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout You.”

Having nabbed high profile tour slots with artists like Swindell, Old Dominion, and Scotty McCreery is a clear indicator that fans will continue to see James on the road. In 2025, he plans to join Ashley Cooke on her Your Place Tour.

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Melinda Lorge is a Nashville-based freelance writer who specializes in covering country music. Along with Music Mayhem, her work has appeared in publications, including Rare Country, Rolling Stone Country, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Wide Open Country and more. After joining Rare Country in early 2016, Lorge was presented with the opportunity to lead coverage on late-night television programs, including “The Voice” and “American Idol,” which helped her to sharpen her writing skills even more. Lorge earned her degree at Middle Tennessee State University, following the completion of five internships within the country music industry. She has an undeniable love for music and entertainment. When she isn’t living and breathing country music, she can be found enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.

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