Curating our “Country Artists to Watch 2022” list is one of the most exciting times of the year! We get to share with you artists that have released amazing songs and ones whom we believe will make an impact on real country music.
You may notice that artists from our previous lists have risen to the top of others’ lists in the industry. We’re really happy that our past artists are getting even more exposure. To view our previous lists, visit 21 Country Artists to Watch in 2021 and 20 Country Artists to Watch in 2020.
Country Artists to Watch in 2022
- Chad Cooke Band
- Charlie Marie
- Alex Miller
- Allie Colleen
- Hayden Haddock
- Morgan Wade
- Nate Smith
- SJ McDonald
- Teague Brothers Band
- Holly Tucker
- Jesse Keith Whitley
- Teea Giabs
- Buck Ford
- Leah Blevins
- Tainted Lyric
- Lexie Hayden
Chad Cooke Band
We recently premiered “I Just Want You” by the Chad Cooke Band and this song is bound to be a hit! Their last five consecutive singles went number one on Texas Regional Radio and we just know that there are many more to come.
Charlie Marie
Rhode Island native Charlie Marie makes classic country for the modern world. Last year, she released her first full-length album Ramble On, which includes one of our favorites “Heard it Through the Red Wine.”
Alex Miller
You may recognize Alex Miller from season 19 of American Idol. Alex brings a fresh spin on traditional country, with his first album due out this year. You can listen to the first single “Don’t Let the Barn Door Hit Ya” on our playlist below.
Allie Colleen
Allie Colleen is an American Folk Country artist, singer and songwriter from Oklahoma. Her recent album Stones is a must-listen, along with Carter Winter’s single “I Love Like I Drink,” in which she was featured.
Hayden Haddock
We’re excited to premiere Hayden Haddock‘s new song “Better Than Your Memory” later this week! You’re in for a treat with this 90s country vibe. Hayden said, “We just haven’t put anything out like that yet.” Hayden will release his latest EP this year.
Morgan Wade
Morgan Wade is a force to be reckoned with. She released her debut album Reckless last year and the deluxe edition this year. She told us how fond she was of the process for making the album. “I kinda miss it a little bit, I’m ready for record number two.” We can’t wait!
Nate Smith
Nate Smith’s latest single “I Don’t Want to Go to Heaven” has over five million streams on Spotify, but that’s just a drop in the bucket compared to his other releases, “Sleeve” and “Under My Skin,” which garnered over forty million streams.
SJ McDonald
SJ McDonald’s latest EP features a variety of songs, like the sassy “Hot Damn,” the heartwarming “Apple” or the song about being fed up with a guy in “Stop Sending Me Love Songs.” The Virginia native certainly has a strong writing ability and we look forward to hearing what else she has in store.
Teague Brothers Band
The Teague Brothers Band is an Americana Folk Country Rock group led by U.S. Army & songwriter veteran front man, John Teague. They released the EP American Folk Songs in 2021, which includes the popular single, “Don’t Want to Go Home.”
Holly Tucker
Holly Tucker’s latest single “Rose in the Red Dirt” exudes grit and perseverance. Holly joined Team Blake on season four of “The Voice” after receiving a four-chair turn for her impressive vocals. She has a list of tour dates, beginning in February, and we’re excited to hear more music from his talented lady!
Jesse Keith Whitley
Jesse Keith Whitley, the son of the legendary Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan has emerged as a talented country artist himself. His album Breakin’ Ground is one you’ll want to add to your playlist (or better yet, buy the CD!).
Teea Goans
Teea Goans wrote her latest album All Over the Map with one of Nashville’s highly regarded songwriters Jim “Moose” Brown. Vince Gill even joined her on “That’s What I Know.” We’re hoping for great things from Teea in 2022!
Buck Ford
Buck Ford began his journey as a motocross racer, but put that endeavor on hold to pursue his dream of playing country music. Like many of our favorite artists, his style is traditional country with a modern spin. Be sure to check out his latest album, I’m Gettin’ There.
Leah Blevins
Leah Blevins describes her latest album First Time Feeling as vintage country music and the grace of gospel. It’s a unique blend of sounds, time-stamping the feelings and experiences of her twenties. She said it’s “more than just a coming-of-age story.” It’s a fantastic album!
Tainted Lyric
Tainted Lyric’s newest single “A Beer Won’t Bitch” caught our attention in the best way. It’s incredibly catchy and has the traditional country vibes we crave. Be sure to check out this Alabama native on TikTok!
Lexie Hayden
Lexie Hayden is a talented songwriter and artist. She cowrote Pricilla Block’s latest single “My Bar,” which was released to radio this year. In 2021, she released three singles: “Another Friend,” “Take Me Home” and “Pretty Damn Close.” In total, her her songs have over a million total streams.
I just want you. Is a great song! Chad Cooke Band is a really great band!