Country Artists To Watch In 2023

Here at the Nash News, we love supporting rising talent in Nashville. We've created a list of 12 artists that we believe will see big things in 2023. Whether they achieved breakthrough status on social media or released a song hot on the charts, these artists are full of promise. See if your favorites made the list.

Bailey Zimmerman

It was only a couple of years ago Zimmerman was working at a gas pipeline. The young artist decided to pursue music on the advice of friends and people in his hometown, and the rest is history. Zimmerman became the artist to have the quickest debut single chart at No. 1 since 2015 with "Fall In Love." His songs "Rock And A Hard Place" and "Where It Ends" are also fan favorites. In October of this year, Zimmerman released his debut EP with songs riddled with angst and honesty. He is set to tour with Morgan Wallen on the 'One Night At A Time Tour' in 2023, and that surely won't be all he'll accomplish next year.

Megan Moroney

Megan Moroney has caught the attention of country fans with her single "Tennessee Orange." The song went viral on TikTok as soon as it was released. Prior to that however, Moroney released her debut EP Pistol Made Of Roses. Her though-provoking lyrics and and effortless vocals captivate anyone who listens to her music. Her songs "Keep The Flowers" and "Hair Salon" have been touted on several playlists and she just signed her first major record deal with Sony Music. 2023 will see her first headlining tour and now that "Tennessee Orange" has been sent to country radio, it's only a matter of time until she sees success on the charts.

Nate Smith

Rising artist Nate Smith has proved to be unstoppable. He’s gone on his own headlining tour across the United and opened for artists like Larry Fleet and Brett Eldredge. His single “Whiskey On You” hasn’t slowed its roll since its release and even made the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart. The track also made it into the top 20 tracks on country radio and went No. 1 in Canada. Smith’s debut LP will be released in February 2023, and we can’t wait to see where that takes him. He’s also on the bill for Thomas Rhett’s ‘Home Team Tour’ as an opening act.

Avery Anna

Avery Anna has had an electric 2022, and things seem to only be going up. The singer-songwriter signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville this past summer in June after going viral on TikTok; on the platform she currently has over a million followers and nearly 30 million total likes. She’s already made her Grand Ole Opry debut, and her single “Narcissist” has been certified Gold with over 16 million streams on Spotify alone. She’s toured with artists like Spencer Crandall and Jessie James Decker, and next year, she’s on the lineup for the highly-anticipated Stagecoach festival.

Corey Kent

Kent first stepped onto the seen with the help of The Voice in 2016. He has since released an LP titled From The West that has set the stage for his career. Earlier this year, he released "Wild As Her" which has become a smashing success. Kent evokes the kind of country music found in the wild west. He has provided tour support for artists like Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, and Chase Rice. His performances and music present a lively picture of a singer who shows no sign of slowing down. Recently, he's been teasing plenty of new music to look forward to for the new year.

Chapel Hart

Not only was Chapel Hart’s 2021 record The Girls Are Back in Town a treat, the trio only gained more momentum in 2022 after their America’s Got Talent audition went mega-viral on social media. The group made up of Devynn Hart, Danica Hart, and Trea Swindle, have infectious harmonies that immediately catch the ear. Not only are their vocals pristine, but the band has a mesmerizing stage presence. They also recently collaborated with Darius Rucker on the track “Ol Church Hymn.”

Dalton Dover

Dover has become a promising talent in Nashville in the last couple of years. The Georgia native was on Team Blake during season 16 of The Voice. Dover has been named to several watch lists, including that of Spotify and Billboard. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut days ago, and that certainly won't be the last time he sings on that stage. His songs "Damn Good Life" "You Got A Small Town" have introduced him to fans all over social media. Dover brings heart and energy into every song he sings, and he has even more music to release in 2023.

Mackenzie Carpenter

Carpenter is a singer-songwriter who learned how to play guitar from her brothers, and now is making a name for herself on Music Row. She has released songs such as "Can't Nobody" and "Huntin' Season," both setting her a part from her peers. She has a soulful vocal tone that is hard not to love, combined with a fun-loving personality that is evident in her material. Carpenter has opened for the likes of Miranda Lambert and Jake Owen. In 2023, she plans to release her debut EP and will be performing at festivals like Stagecoach.

Jackson Dean

Dean has bursted onto the music scene in the same thundering way he approaches his songs. He is currently riding on the high of his first No. 1 song, "Don't Come Lookin.'" The track was featured on the hit TV show Yellowstone, and has launched his career to new heights. His debut project Greenbroke is critically acclaimed for its distinct sound. His music has elements of country-western, rock, and folk that project his sense of style. Dean is set to tour with Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce in the spring, so there is certainly more to come from this singer-songwriter.

Karley Scott Collins

After signing with Sony Music in January 2022, and releasing her debut single “Heavenly,” it was clear that Karley Scott Collins was different from her peers. Her gritty, softly rasped vocals are unique in their own right, and her brightly detailed lyricism shines in tracks like “Tattoos” and “Better Strangers.” Collins has worked with Nashville staples Liz Rose, Nathan Chapman, Brock Berryhill, and more. She also designs the artwork for her single releases and gives a fan an inside look into how they come about.

Chase Wright

Wright is a singer-songwriter bound to make an even bigger splash in 2023. He has released several songs within the past year that have gone viral, as well as success on streaming platforms. "Wish You'd Miss Me," "Why Should We," and "Lying With You" showcase his talents to a T. With every song he releases, it's as if he wears his heart on his sleeve. The hooks and melodies in his music sound exactly like what the radio needs to play. Wright plans to have more live performances as well as new music coming out, so it's time people took notice.

Madeline Edwards

Madeline Edwards was once known for her musical blend of soul, jazz, and gospel, now she’s creating her very own lane in Nashville. After performing at the CMA Awards with Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer, Edwards became an immediate one to watch. One of Warner Music Nashville’s newest artists, Edwards recently toured with Chris Stapleton on his ‘All American Roadshow Tour’ and released her country LP debut with Crashlanded. The record is filled with twang, straightforward songwriting, and blissful, stinging vocal performances.

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