Things move fast in country music these days. Some of the biggest artists on the planet today were simply underground just a few years ago. Platforms such as TikTok and streaming have allowed for artists to go from virtual unknowns to headlining acts overnight. With that said, here are a few artists primed to break out in a big way this year.
Dylan Gossett
The quickest path to stardom today is going viral on TikTok, and Gossett has utilized the platform perfectly. His song “Coal” went viral back in July, which catapulted the Austin, Texas native to signing with both Miranda Lambert’s Big Loud Texas label in November as well as Mercury Records. At the beginning of 2023 Gossett didn’t have a single song on his Spotify page, and 365 days later he has over 4 million monthly listeners. His No Better Time EP was well received, and the 24 year old is set to kick off a headlining tour in February. Gossett has the mix of soulful, traditional sound with crossover appeal that is the recipe for success in today’s country landscape.
Hailey Whitters
Another TikTok product, Whitters has quietly been putting out records since 2016 to middling success. That all changed last year when her single “Everything She Ain’t” went viral and earned her a newfound audience. She released her I’m In Love EP back in July, but hasn’t dropped a full length project since early 2022. We should see a new album from the Iowa native this year, and combined with a robust tour schedule in 2024 that includes support for Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, and Dan + Shay, don’t be surprised to see Whitters reach a new level this year.
Ella Langley
Much like Gossett, Langley is a relative newcomer, first hitting the scene in 2021 before signing with Sony Music Nashville early this year. Langley first garnered attention with 2022’s “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” but it was her collaboration with Koe Wetzel on “That’s Why We Fight,” as well as her debut EP Excuse the Mess that made her a name to watch going forward. Langley has the voice, the look, and the sound to make her way to the top in a largely male dominated country scene.
Treaty Oak Revival
You can make an argument that 2023 was Treaty Oak‘s breakout year, but the group has been on an upward trajectory for a while with no signs of stopping. Their sophomore album Have a Nice Day was one of the best records of the year, and its late in the year release means they should carry much of that momentum into 2024. Whatever you want to call the subgenera of hard rocking country that features the likes of Koe Wetzel and Pecos and the Rooftops, it is as alive as its been in a long time, and Treaty Oak has all the makings of being the next big name in that space.
Dylan Marlowe
Marlowe has been a name to watch for several years now as he continues to grow his audience and expand his sound. Another Sony Music Nashville signing, the Georgia native had a strong 2023 with the release of his long anticipated Dirt Road When I Die EP, as well as his duet with Dylan Scott “Boys Back Home.” Marlowe has gotten quite the push from Nashville early in his career, and we should be due for a full length project at some point in 2024. Don’t be surprised if he finds his way onto the top of the charts real soon.
Zach Top
Top is probably the smallest name recognized here, but don’t expect it to stay that way for long. The 24 year old made his Grand Ole Opry debut this year, and has made a name for himself as having one of the most traditional country sounds out there. Although a Washington native, Top’s music is a unique mix of Texas and bluegrass styles that makes him a refreshing throwback. We haven’t seen a full length project from Top yet, but assuming we do in 2024, expect to see his name much more going forward.
Priscilla Block
If the first you’d heard of Priscilla was her hit duet with Justin Moore “You, Me, and Whiskey,” you wouldn’t be alone, but she has steadily been putting out music since 2017. 2023 was by far the most successful year of her career, but she has been laying the groundwork for an even better 2024. She released a short four song EP in November, and this week posted a TikTok teasing an upcoming song seemingly titled “Good On You” that took off with fans, garnering over 150,000 likes. That kind of buzz heading into the new year is exactly the type of start that could launch Block into a huge 2024.
Check out the TikTok here:
Check out a few songs from these artists below: