BY: BEN PAPAGEORGE
Spring has officially sprung and summer is on the horizon so we’ve decided to put together a list of the Top Country artists to watch in 2018. Nothing beats warm weather and country music! You may be familiar with some of the names on this list or may discover some great new music to enjoy but no matter what, these artists are sure to have a big impact on country music in 2018.
Shawn Austin
Last year, Shawn Austin landed a recording deal with SteelHead Music and released his debut single, “Paradise Found”. The song hit the top 10 at Canadian country radio setting up what will be a big year for the Vancouver native. His newest single, “Get Me There” is available now.
Tenille Arts
After releasing her debut EP in 2016 in which it quickly rose to the top of the iTunes charts, Tenille Arts has steadily been perfecting her craft and working on new music. Her highly anticipated performance on ABC’s The Bachelor was a huge stepping stone to more notoriety and she has since landed a recording deal with Reviver Music.
Levi Hummon
The son of Grammy-Award winning writer Marcus Hummon, Levi is making a name for himself across country music. His first two independently released singles “Don’t Waste The Night” and “Stupid” each hit over 11 million streams in less than a year. Recently, he teamed up with his dad and Tom Douglas to write “Love Heals” which features family friend and bluegrass-country icon, Alison Krauss. His latest song “Songs We Sang” is sure to be another hit. Check out Levi Hummon’s TC Favourites here!
Leaving Thomas
Leaving Thomas’ recently released self-titled debut EP hit number one on the iTunes Canadian Country charts on the first day of its release. The single, “Blame It On The Neon”, is in the top 20 at Canadian country radio and the duo has many performances at marquee festivals lined up for 2018. Make sure to check out their recent Top Country feature right here!
Devin Dawson
Devin Dawson is tearing up the charts with his hit single “All On Me” off of his debut album “Dark Horse”. The song has charted on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. Devin Dawson is easily one of the biggest names to keep an eye on in 2018. Ontario fans, catch him at Boots & Hearts this summer!
The Reklaws
Jenna and Stewart Walker are the brother-sister combo that make up The Reklaws. The duo from Cambridge, Ontario released their major label debut “Hometown Kids” in 2017 which charted highly and garnered them over 1 million streams on Spotify alone. Having just released their new EP “Long Live The Night” along with the title track single, The Reklaws have a ton of momentum in 2018 and are sure to make even more waves across country music in Canada and elsewhere. Find out if they can finish these Top Country lyrics.
Sons Of Daughters
Comprised of Chrystal Leigh and Jimmy Throw, this duo from Vancouver was recently featured on the first season of CTV’s The Launch. Their EP entitled “Pick Your Poison” is just the beginning of great things to come in 2018.
Muscadine Bloodline
This duo from Mobile, Alabama has spent the better part of 2017 performing shows and opening for acts like Luke Combs while gaining thousands of new fans in the process. Their self-titled EP reached over 7 million streams on Spotify and they have new music ready to release this year. Expect Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster to be mainstays on country radio and playlists in 2018.
Colter Wall
For fans of Johnny Cash, Colter Wall is a Swift Current, Saskatchewan native who blends blues, folk and Americana with classic Canadian grit. His first EP, “Imaginary Appalachia” caught the attention of renowned producer Dave Cobb who helped him create his first full-length record which was released last year. His song “Sleeping On The Blacktop” was featured in the Oscar winning film “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”.
