Part of the fun of this job is stumbling upon artists that cut through the static and make an impression on us -- and Lord knows the static is loud and perpetual.
This year (like all years) saw exciting releases from select artists that were fresh to us and some we've had on our radar the past few years. From folk to funk to roots to country, there's never a shortage of quality new music getting pumped out into the sonic wilderness, and it's up to folks like us to forge our way through it for the gems.
Without further fanfare, here is a list of 10 breakthrough artists hovering in the country, roots, and Americana genres that put out some cool shit in 2024, and should be on your radar in 2025.
10. Jonivan Jones
This no-frills folk picker continues to quietly release quality songs, with his latest album, Two Piece, dropping in March of this year. If you're a fan of old time roots singer-songwriters with gravelly voices and existential storytelling, Jones is your guy.
9. Derek Dames Ohl
Another more old school folk n' roots singer-songwriter, Derek Dames Ohl, harnesses a Blaze Foley essence with a modern charm, as displayed on his July album, Someday I'll Be Happy (And Rule The World). Also for those who dig the simpler down-home sound with quality lonesome cowboy-style songwriting and vocals to match.
8. Billy Broome
Texas has arguably produced the best songwriters in the country. I would love to hear an argument against that, and this is coming from an Upstate New Yorker. Not saying Billy Broome is a Waylon Jennings-meets-Townes Van Zandt hybrid, but when born and bred Texans are making music, I want to listen. Broome and his band released their 8-track album, Cosmic Grooves, in February, which offers a fun potpourri of country, rock n' roll, folk rock, and more. The guy is a live music stalwart, so if you find yourself in or around Austin, seek him out.
7. The FBR
I first saw this husband and wife duo perform in the Gibson Garage here in Nashville earlier this year, and it was impressive. The FBR (Fabulous Blue Raincoat -- yes, Leonard Cohen-inspired) are led by powerful songstress Malarie McConaha and her hubby guitarist Tim Hunter, and the two delivered their album, Ghost, in January. With a distinct blend of blues, rock, soul, and Americana, this outfit and their band rip both live and in studio.
6. Sonny Gullage
Back in August, audiences were gifted a high-powered roots n' soul record, Go Be Free, from the mind of one Kevin "Sonny" Gullage. His signature soulful southern vocals resonate strong, and his background growing up in and out of studios in New Orleans lends itself to the trajectory of this natural born songsmith. Gullage navigates the intersection between traditional and modern Deep South soul and blues music with a blend of both finesse and grit.
5. Chris Bullinger
Some folks are just born with the gift of unique observatory songwriting abilities, perceiving the world around them in ways others typically don't. Nashville folk singer-songwriter Chris Bullinger is one such picker able to deliver songs steeped in wit and thought-provoking storytelling with stellar instrumentation to match. And not just a single here or there -- this year, Bullinger released his 12-track album, Waitin' To Be Seen Part 1, naturally with Part 2 waiting in the wings. It followed his 2023 album, How to Bleed, and his 2022 album, True Rendition.
4. Alexa Wildish
This Midwest indie folk singer-songwriter garnered national praise as an alumnus on The Voice, and in September, she released her unique covers EP, After Love. The range and power in Wildish's vocals are something special, and the top tier instrumentation on the album matches wonderfully on cover songs like Cher's "Believe" and Tom Petty's "You Don't Know How It Feels" among other notable tracks.
3. Wesley Dean
This Australian American Idol winner from 2008 has been on a tear in recent years. With a poor man's Chris Stapleton vibe to him (that's a compliment), this Americana and roots rock songwriter put out his badass album, Music From Crazy Hearts, in April. The now Nashville-based artist put on a helluva album release show to a full house at The Basement back in the spring, and it was clear to see the heart and soul he puts in his studio work also translates to his live performances.
2. The Lostines
This delightfully serene New Orleans duo delivered their debut album, Meet The Lostines, in April. Their sound very much harnesses a timeless 60s pop energy akin to that of The Ronettes and the like, but with a country n' roots twist. Beautiful harmonic vocals float over easy-on-the-ears melodies making for an excellent record and group to keep an eye on.
1. Denitia
Taking home the top prize on this highly prestigious list is Denitia, who put out her debut album, Sunset Drive, in September. For the sake of comparison, it's not farfetched to hear a Sheryl Crow-Kacey Musgraves hybrid in her vocals. The instant one hears the first track on the album, "Good Life," chanes are they'd be hard-pressed not to want to hear the other 11. I love the phrase "easy-on-the-ears" (see above), and this is the auditory equivalent to sunshine, rainbows, and gently swaying on a hammock with a crisp beverage in hand. The album is breezy and beautiful, with resonating lyrics and top notch country roots instrumentation. Denitia has rightfully captured many an ear this year, and you can expect to see her star rise in 2025 and beyond.
Featured photo: Denitia
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