CountryMusicIsLove’s ‘Ones To Watch’ in 2014
A new year means new music and NEW artists! As we look forward to what 2014 has in store for country music, we’ve selected five talented newcomers as our “Ones To Watch” in 2014. The list includes an actress who is chasing her country roots, a talented new duo comprised of real-life brothers, a 24-year-old singer/songwriter/guitar slinger, a gifted duo who met by chance in Music City, and a solo male artist who is already making waves at country radio.
Check out CountryMusicIsLove’s ‘Ones To Watch’ in 2014 below.
Cole Swindell – In just a few short years, Cole Swindell went from selling Luke Bryan’s merchandise, to a sought-after songwriter, to a Gold-selling solo artist. In 2013, the Georgia native made waves with his smash hit “Chillin’ It” and it went on to become the highest selling debut single from a solo country male last year. This is only the beginning for Swindell. On January 16, he’ll hit the road with Bryan on the 2014 That’s My Kind of Night Tour, and on February 16, Swindell will release his much-anticipated Warner Bros. Records debut album. 2014 will likely bring a No.1 single (perhaps more than one!) and a handful of award nominations his way. The success he saw in 2013 is only the beginning for this budding superstar.
Keep up with Cole Swindell on Facebook and Twitter.
Lindsay Ell – Stoney Creek Records newcomer Lindsay Ell is catching the attention of fans and critics alike with her debut single, “Trippin’ On Us.” It was the No.1 most added song at country radio upon its release last month, earning 50 adds across Country Aircheck / Mediabase and Billboard. The 24-year-old, who is also an extremely talented musician, is gearing up to hit the road with The Band Perry on the upcoming North American leg of the trio’s We Are Pioneers World Tour. Expect to see (and hear!) a lot more from Ell in 2014.
Keep up with Lindsay Ell on Facebook and Twitter.
Dan + Shay – Warner Bros. Records’ hot new duo Dan + Shay, comprised of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, burst onto the scene in the fall of 2013 with their debut single, “19 You + Me.” Upon its release to country radio, the track set the record for the biggest first week by a new duo in Country Aircheck history with 59 first-week adds. “19 You + Me” is already inside the Top 25 and there’s no sign of it slowing down anytime soon. Smyers and Mooney are armed with killer harmonies, a unique sound, and impressive songwriting skills. Fans should expect big things from them in the new year.
Keep up with Dan + Shay on Facebook and Twitter.
Lucy Hale – One might think Lucy Hale is just another actress gone wannabe country star, but don’t be so quick to judge. Hale, who is best known for her role as Aria Montgomery on ABC Family’s “Pretty Little Liars,” is country at heart, and if you give her the chance, she’ll likely impress you. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Hale was exposed to country radio at a young age. She grew up listening to some of the greatest female voices of the 1990’s, including Martina McBride, Faith Hill and Shania Twain. Hale has slowly introduced her music to programmers on her fall 2013 radio tour and will release her debut single, “You Sound Good To Me,” on DMG Nashville/Bigger Picture Group on January 7.
Keep up with Lucy Hale on Facebook and Twitter.
Brothers Osborne – Nashville is buzzing about EMI Nashville singer/songwriter duo Brothers Osborne. The duo, made up of real-life brothers TJ Osborne (guitar/vocals) and John Osborne (guitar), hit country radio in the fall of 2013 with their debut single, “Let’s Go There.” They capped off 2013 with an opening slot on David Nail’s fall tour and will release their debut album later this year. We’re looking forward to hearing more from this talented new duo in 2014!
Keep up with Brothers Osbourne on Facebook and Twitter.
