After spending 2017 touring with 2016’s breakout star Maren Morris, the Orangeville, California native had his own breakthrough year. The singer-songwriter signed a record deal with Warner Music, and despite only having one single out, it’s proving that big things lie ahead for Dawson: “All On Me” currently sits at No. 13 on the Country Airplay chart (dated Jan. 6). And with his debut album Dark Horse coming Jan. 19, that momentum (and chart position) is likely to grow.
Caroline Jones
If there’s any justice in the music business, this unique musical gem will find a place in the hearts and minds of music fans everywhere in the coming year. Her music is a little country, a sprinkle of pop, and a dash of folk, but when you hear a song that has the infectious sparkle of “Bare Feet,” you know that Jones is something special. And, no less than the Zac Brown Band thinks so, as the songstress has scored points with his fan base while opening his shows this year.
Cody Johnson
His much-talked-about stage show helped him to set some incredible viral numbers – and bring his unique blend of traditional country sounds to a bigger audience. But, as the Texas native continues to grow his brand (which already includes a No. 2 spot on Top Country Albums 2016's Gotta Be Me) by releasing a new disc in 2018, look for those numbers to grow even more.