In record sales and on the airwaves, Americana music is on the rise. The genre has become a home for folks who don't identify with mainstream country radio. From rousing country rock to R&B infused country-soul, here are 10 rising Americana artists you need to know.
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10. The Deslondes
The Deslondes, a five-piece band out of New Orleans, have been making waves in the Americana scene since the release of their self-titled 2015 album. Their latest, Hurry Home, is a collection of classic R&B-influenced country with a slight rockabilly edge.
For fans of: Shinyribs, Hurray for the Riff Raff
9. Lillie Mae
Lillie Mae is a member of the impressive and ever growing roster of country artists signed to Jack White's Third Man Records. She cut her teeth playing fiddle in her family band, Jypsi, which she joined when she was nine years old. Then Jack White came calling. Mae played in White's band before releasing her stellar White-produced album Forever and Then Some earlier this year.
For fans of: Margo Price, Nikki Lane
8. Cale Tyson
Texas-native Cale Tyson is a leader of Nashville's neo-traditional country resurgence. His newly released album Careless Soul, recorded at the iconic Muscle Shoals FAME studio, is proof that the next generation of Music City country is in good hands.
For fans of: Townes Van Zandt, Hayes Carll, Sturgill Simpson
7. Dori Freeman
Singer-songwriter Dori Freeman blends high lonesome Appalachian balladry with the classic country storytelling of Loretta Lynn. Her 2016 self-titled album is an Americana triumph.
For fans of: Gillian Welch, Rhiannon Giddens, Elizabeth Cook
6. Robyn Ludwick
Robyn Ludwick comes by Texas country honest. She's the sister of Texas troubadours Bruce and Charlie Robison (and the sister-in-law of Texas country/ Americana singer Kelly Willis). And while Ludwick shares the songwriting prowess of her musical family, her sound is entirely her own. Ludwick's latest release This Tall To Ride is a gorgeous and gritty collection of Lone Star State storytelling.
For fans of: Lucinda Williams, Kathleen Edwards, Mary Gauthier
5. Erin Rae
Nashville-based Erin Rae has been making a name for herself as a sought-after Music City collaborator. But it was only a matter of time before her Joni Mitchell-meets-Patsy Cline brand of dreamy country would take center stage.
For fans of: Hem, Amanda Shires
4. Ruston Kelly
Ruston Kelly is a proven country hit-maker. He's written cuts for Tim McGraw and the Josh Abbott Band, among others. Now the singer-songwriter is stepping into the spotlight with his newly released album Halloween.
For fans of: Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell, Justin Townes Earle
3. The Secret Sisters
Muscle Shoals natives Laura and Lydia Rogers hit the country scene with their 2010 self-titled debut album, produced by Dave Cobb. Their latest effort, You Don't Own Me Anymore (produced by Brandi Carlile), is a stand-out in an already impressive crop of 2017 Americana albums.
For fans of: Brandi Carlile, The Cactus Blossoms
2. Joshua Hedley
Joshua Hedley was already a Music City favorite when Jack White enlisted him as the newest member of the Third Man Records country music roster. The classic country revivalist's upcoming album is one of the most highly anticipated releases in Americana music.
For fans of: Merle Haggard, Ray Price, classic country gold
1. Tyler Childers
If you've been searching for the newest heir to 1970s country music, look no further than Tyler Childers. The Kentucky artist's album Purgatory (produced by Sturgill Simpson) is out on Aug. 4.
For fans of: Jason Eady, Colter Wall, Steve Earle
