CountryMusicIsLove’s Ones To Watch In 2011

Written by SLN Staff Writer
CountryMusicIsLove’s Ones To Watch In 2011

Each and every year country music fans are introduced to many new artists and 2010 was no exception. As we approach 2011, we took a look at the new artists who made noise at country radio, television, online, and with fans this year and chose our favorite new male, female, and duo/group as CountryMusicIsLove’s “Ones To Watch In 2011.”

Ones To Watch In 2011: Male

Country music fans were first introduced to Brett Eldredge when his debut single, “Raymond,” made it’s way to country radio this fall. The heart-warming song follows the story of a relationship between a young man and an elderly patient at a nursing home who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease. Eldredge penned the song after learning about the progressing decline of his grandmother's battle with the disease.

For Eldredge, 2010 is a year he will never forget. “2010 was an absolute dream of a year,” Eldredge tells CountryMusicIsLove. “I got to travel the country with my friend, “Raymond” and introduce him as my first single to radio. I also got to meet and make many new friends at radio, as well as play for a lot of great country music fans. My debut at the Grand Ole Opry was absolutely one of the highlights of my year.”

Brett says he’s looking forward to releasing new music in 2011.

“Just in the last few days, I've gotten to hear my finished album and can’t wait to get it out to the world this Spring. I can’t imagine what 2011 holds, but if it’s anything like this year, it’ll be full of surprises! I look forward to getting back out on the road and meeting more amazing country music fans and playing music with my friends. For me, that’s what it’s all about.”

Fans can learn more about Brett Eldredge HERE on his official website. While you’re there, be sure to check out the ‘Gettin’ To Know Brett” video series. You can also follow Brett on Twitter HERE.

Ones To Watch In 2011: Female

Sunny Sweeney’s “From A Table Away” has been climbing the charts at country radio and has made its way into the top 20 giving Sweeney her very first top 20 single. The Republic Nashville recording artist spawned from East Texas and is country down to the core….and that’s why we like her!

So what does Sunny have to say about her success this year? “For me, 2010 was an amazing year,” Sweeney tells us. “I enjoyed traveling around the country meeting so many new fans and also getting to know a lot of people at radio. For next year, I’m excited for everyone to hear my first EP, which is due on iTunes in early 2011, and getting back on the road, meeting fans and doing shows…more than anything, I love playing live.”

Check out more of Sunny’s music HERE. Become a fan on Facebook HERE.

Ones To Watch In 2011: Duo/Group

2010 has been quite a year for husband and wife duo Thompson Square.They burst onto the scene with “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” this summer, hit the road with superstar Jason Aldean in the fall, and made their Opry debut on November 26. It’s been a whirlwind year for the duo and we have a feeling it’s just going to get even crazier as they continue to introduce their country/rock music to fans.

Shawna and Keifer both moved to Nashville to pursue solo careers and met at a singing competition just a few days after each of them moved to town. Once they met, they continued to do their own thing for a while until one day they decided to try becoming a duo.

“She was doing her own thing, and I was doing my thing,” Keifer says. “After a while it made sense to combine what we did. We looked at each other one day and said, 'Why haven't we done this before?'” And so Thompson Square was born and today, the Stoney Creek Records duo has a song in the top 30 (and still climbing!).

Become a fan of Thompson Square on Facebook HERE and follow them on Twitter HERE.

What do you think of our “Ones To Watch In 2011″… will you be keeping tabs on Brett, Sunny, and Thompson Square throughout the new year? Who are YOUR ones to watch in 2011?