4 Artists To Watch: Cory Cross, Kentucky Gentlemen, Jason Scott, and Lane Bricker
Let's talk about the future and how we talk about the future
Hello!
You probably didn’t expect to hear from us again so soon, but here we are with thoughts to share and things to promote. Did you have a good weekend? My parents had the baby, so we fit in three movies. Late Night With The Devil was great. Ghostbusters Frozen Empire was a snore (why does it takes over an hour to meet the villain? Why are there so many Ghostbusters, but so little ghost busting?). Road House was…Well, let’s just say it is a movie with where Breland briefly appears.
What we’re talking about today:
New country music (and my problem with how we talk about new country music)
Country Headlines
A NEW Playlist
Final Thoughts
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Four Future Country Stars Artists You Need To Know
Nothing drives me crazier than a list of 20 or more unknown country artists you need to discover. Who has time to intently listen to 20 new artists, let alone all at once? It’s a kind gesture, but let’s be honest: that type of content primarily exists to drive clicks and shares, not discovery.
I want to take a different approach. Every so often, for no reason, I will share a small handful of musicians I have on repeat. These artists are largely unknown, but some may be familiar to those who spend too much time online (like me). I hope one of them speaks to you, but if not, that’s OK too. Maybe someone in the next batch will hit a little differently.
If you want to be featured or if you know someone I should listen to, please don’t hesitate to let me know. We read every message we receive.
Cory Cross
Cory Cross is an old soul in a renegade’s body, a traveling troubadour moving from town to town delivering honkytonk country to all those ready to listen and enjoy the journey. With a take-no-prisoners band by his side, Cross tells it like it is, embodying the spirit of the last true country musicians. He's a hardworking, rolling stone whose songs are as much a narrative of his life as they are a testament to the enduring power of country music. Not only do his tunes resonate with authenticity, but they're also downright fun to listen to. Dive into his latest track, “Cryin’ In A Honkytonk,” to experience the raw, unfiltered essence of Cory Cross.
The Kentucky Gentlemen
Twin singer-songwriters Brandon and Derek Campbell are the most exciting breakout duo of 2024. Born and raised in Kentucky, the pair have quickly developed a passionate global following thanks to their heartfelt lyricism and undeniably unique sound. Blending traditional country, pop, and modern R&B, The Kentucky Gentlemen offer a smooth sound that's as easy on the ears as it is pleasing to the heart. What truly sets them apart for me is their authentic storytelling, capturing the spirit of Kentucky with a contemporary twist. Check out their latest hit, “Beg Your Parton,” and see why they’ve kept us dancing around Country Minute HQ for months.
Jason Scott and The High Heat
Listening to Jason Scott And The High Heat is akin to cracking open a cold beer on a blistering summer day - refreshing, invigorating, and oh-so-satisfying. Melding southern rock with authentic country and a sprinkle of honky-tonk audacity, Scott and his ensemble of musical renegades are swiftly carving out a niche of their own. They’re the masters of emotional contrast, capable of melting hearts with poignant verses before igniting spirits with rousing hooks. But what sets them apart isn’t just their knack for crafting compelling music; it’s their uncanny ability to cut through the monotonous drone of cookie-cutter country, reaching listeners precisely when they need an uplift the most. Their tracks don’t just resonate; they transport, delivering the sort of feel-good vibes that many artists only dream of creating. Dive into “Me & The Bottle” to experience the unique blend of heat and heart that Jason Scott and The High Heat serve up—it's an experience that promises more than just melodies but a momentary escape from the ordinary.
Lane Bricker
With just 509 monthly listeners on Spotify as I write this, Lane Bricker remains one of country music’s best-kept secrets. Hailing from the heart of Texas, his tunes carry the red dirt of his home state, perfect for keeping the dance halls lively and the late-night spots bustling. His music provides a sanctuary for the soul, offering easygoing country vibes that speak to those who've faced life's tougher battles. Sitting musically between the likes of George Strait and Travis Tritt, Lane’s songs resonate with a raw authenticity and heart. If tales of love, loss, and resilience speak to you, then his tracks are sure to hit home.
Dig even deeper with this playlist
Country Headlines
Ahead of its release this Friday, we now know the tracklist for Hixtape Vol. 3, which will feature covers of iconic Joe Diffie songs. We still do not know who is singing on each track, but I welcome your guesses in the comments below!
Kacey Musgraves’ new album, which I wrote about earlier this month, has debuted at number two on the Billboard album charts with the sales/streaming equivalent of 97,000 units being moved in its first week of release.
After acquiring the publication with fellow country star Morgan Wallen earlier this year, Eric Church has been announced as the headliner of the inaugural Field & Stream Music Festival taking place this October in South Carolina.
Beyonce’s country album comes out on Friday and everyone is writing/talking/tweeting/tiktoking about it. I like this piece from the Houston Chronicle.
InStyle believes we are in a ‘country music cultural renaissance.’ Do you agree?
Hot on the heels of her viral song “Austin,” Dasha has become the latest member of the Warner Records family. Congratulations!
A NEW Playlist
In addition to our popular New Music Friday playlist, we are thrilled to begin sharing Heavy Rotation, a collection of songs we have on repeat in and around Country Minute HQ. This is the music we play when we’re not worried about making content—the songs that are getting us through work, being new parents, or just trying to survive Monday. We hope to update it as often as our tastes change, and we hope you follow along.
Final Thoughts
Writing a newsletter more than once a week is a goal and not a requirement. Any previous attempts to guarantee the frequency of these emails have failed. Still, we are committed to bringing you as much excellent country content as possible as often as possible. Have a great week, y’all!