On The Verge – Independent Country Artists Class of 2022

Here at The Nash News, we love supporting the incredible independent artists making a name for themselves in Nashville. We’ve created a list of 12 indie country acts that we can’t wait to watch in 2022.

1. Carter Faith

North Carolina native Carter Faith was still a student at Belmont University when she was working on and released her debut EP Let Love Be Love. The six-song project shows off Carter’s range as a vocalist and a songwriter with the summery road trip anthem “Joyride,” the dreamy and romantic “Cowboys & Dreamers,” and the dark, wild wild west themed “Lasso.” She even got to close out the Whiskey Jam 10 year anniversary party at the infamous Ryman Auditorium.

2. Brittney Spencer

Although Brittney Spencer has only released one single this year, the gorgeous and harshly realistic “Sober & Skinny,” she’s taken the country world by storm by going on tour with Jason Isbell, performing with The Highwomen, and is currently on her own headlining tour visiting cities around the US. She also performed at the 2021 CMA Awards alongside Mickey Guyton and Madeline Edwards for one of the most moving performances of the night.

3. Ashley Cooke

Ashley Cooke has had a major 2021 and she’s bound to continue on an upward trajectory. After gaining popularity by posting challenges and original music on TikTok, she’s gone on to release her debut full-length album titled Already Drank That Beer – Side A. She’s also collaborated with artists like Roman Alexander and Jimmie Allen. Next year, Cooke has already gotten herself a slot opening for Cole Swindell on his ‘Down To The Bar Tour.’

4. Spencer Crandall

Spencer Crandall blew up with the help of TikTok; his song “My Person” went uber viral as people used the intimate, romantic track as the soundtrack to their wedding videos. The song has over 30 million streams on Spotify alone. His latest single, “Made,” which details the effort needed for a healthy relationship, has also garnered much-deserved attention. Crandall also used his time in 2021 to create his own podcast called “Why Are We Here” and went on his own headlining tour. Next year, he’s already set to open for Lauren Alaina on her ‘Top Of The World Tour.’

5. Alana Springsteen

Singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen released her EP History of Breaking Up (Part One) with relatable songwriting that describes the ups and downs of love with tracks like “Girlfriend” and vulnerable standout track “God Must Be Mad At Me.” Her song “Zero Trucks,” which was co-written by Walker Hayes, has amassed over three million streams on Spotify alone. To close out her 2021, she opened for LANY on big stages in the southern part of the US.

6. Cooper Alan

Country artist Cooper Alan has captivated audiences with his deep voice and his creativity on TikTok; he currently has 5.8 million followers and over 54.6 million total likes on the platform. Throughout 2021, he’s released singles like “Too Soon,” “Came After You,” and “Can’t Dance.” He’s also collaborated with artists like Sammy Arriaga and Julia Cole. He also joined fellow independent artists Alexandra Kay and Thomas Mac on their ‘In Real Life Tour.’

7. Jordan Rowe

After releasing his debut EP in 2019, up-and-coming country act Jordan Rowe showed off different sides of himself with his first LP titled, Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy. The project features collaborations with Lainey Wilson and Ashland Craft, as well as Eddie Montgomery and Rhett Akins on the closing track “10-4.” Rowe sets himself apart from his counterparts by doing an excellent job of mixing contemporary country sounds with the current soundscape that’s heard on the radio.

8. Leah Marie Mason

After a viral video on TikTok, Leah Marie Mason has had an exceptionally big year. Her track “Far Boy” immediately became a fan favorite due to its relatable lyricism. Mason followed it up with other memorable tracks like “I Wish,” “Hannah,” and most recently, “Miss Us Then.” She’s also gotten to collaborate with Austin Burke and Kidd G. We know 2022 will be just as big of a year for the singer-songwriter. 

9. Alexandra Kay

Rising country singer Alexandra Kay rose to popularity through TikTok by performing covers of classic country songs while making her morning coffee. She’s caught the attention of icons like Randy Travis and Tim McGraw, the latter even inviting her on tour with him for his 2022 dates. In 2021, Kay even went on tour with fellow TikTok stars Cooper Alan and Thomas Mac performing in front of sold-out crowds across the country.