615 Picks: 10 Artists to Watch in 2013
Expect great things from new or emerging artists in the country and Americana worlds in 2013. Here's the 615's picks for ten artists to keep a keen eye on, from the Brooklyn-based Americana band the Lone Bellow to a new album from Pistol Annies star Ashley Monroe to the throwback sounds of Coy Taylor.
Amber Hayes -- Few country newcomers have as much reverence for the format's past - as well as an optimistic eye to the future as Hayes. Her latest EP, "Any Day Is A Good Day," shows tremendous growth as not only an artist, but as a writer as well. Look for big things from this Oklahoma native in 2013.
High Valley -- With their debut single "Love You For A Long Time" poised to make an impact, this trio of brothers from Canada have the talent, harmonies, and the songs to make it in 2013.
The Lone Bellow -- We're really excited about the future for this Brooklyn-based trio that runs the musical gamut. They are a little bit country, a little bit Americana, but in the end, they are a whole lot good! Their self-titled debut hits stores on January 22, and we think their future is nothing but bright.
Ashley Monroe -- Though she is known as a member of the Pistol Annies, Monroe has been at it a while. Her upcoming "Like A Rose" album is one of Music City's most anticipated projects, set for a March 5 release. Take one listen to a cut like the retro-ish "Morning After," and we think you just might agree that Monroe might be the most talented female traditional-based newcomer since Lee Ann Womack.
Kacey Musgraves -- Her debut single "Merry Go Round," reminds us of something that Loretta Lynn might have written had she arrived in Nashville today. It has that same earthy feel of many of the icon's classic hits. The Sulphur Springs, TX native is definitely going to make quite an impact in 2013.
"Nashville" -- Though the Nielsen ratings jury is still out on the ABC drama, I have been intrigued by the music that has been coming from the show. Hayden Panettiere's "Telescope" is entertaining, but Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio's "If I Didn't Know Better" is simply a riveting piece of relationship-inspired angst -- television show-based or not. With T. Bone Burnett leading the musical charge of this show, we think it's inevitable that it will inspire more great musical moments.
Scarletta -- The trio of Nathan Stoops, Benji Harris, and lead singer Aubrey Collins have been turning ears and heads with their energetic sounds, and with a new project in the works, 2013 promises more of the same.
Coy Taylor -- Coy Taylor is a modern-day throwback to legends like George Jones and Johnny Paycheck, and he has attracted the attention of Average Joe's Management. A listen to his latest material proves that they - as well as he, are both on the right course.
Chris Weaver Band -- There is no other band on the market that sounds quite like this. They blend contemporary country with classic sounding R&B in what seems like an effortless manner. Their latest disc, "Standing In Line," is one that deserves quite a bit of attention - and we think they will receive it.
Drake White -- MCA Nashville has a lot of hopes riding on their new artist, and well they should. He possesses a sharp wit in his songwriting that is comparable to that of an early Brad Paisley. Anyone who cites bluegrass and freestyle sounds in his bio is sure to be a little off-center musically, and that is a very good thing. With material like "Fifty Years Too Late," White is sure to make a mark with audiences in 2013!
