
Five Artists to Watch
You know that feeling when you hear a song for the first time and immediately need someone else to hear it too? That’s where I am with these five artists.
Share
You know that feeling when you hear a song for the first time and immediately need someone else to hear it too? That’s where I am with these five artists.
They’ve had me playing songs on repeat, checking tour dates, buying merch, and wondering how much longer we have before everybody else catches on. From country songs that break your heart to pop songs you can’t get out of your head, there’s a lot to love here.
And I have a feeling we’re going to be hearing these names a whole lot more. Let me introduce you to your next music obsession…or five.
1. ASHLEY ANNE
My prediction is that Ashley Anne is on the cusp of joining the ranks of Carly Pearce, Ella Langley, Carter Faith, and Kelsea Ballerini. She writes like she has lived a few lifetimes worth of love, heartache, and dreams. She delivers every line with vocals that make you feel like this song was written just for you and the life you’ve lived.
The first time I heard “nevermind,” I felt like I was discovering a star in real time. The first verse draws you in so easily with its slow build that you feel like surely you’ve heard this song before. But then that chorus comes in, and you realize you’ve never heard anything like this song.
That slow build turns into a crushing and beautiful chorus that carries so much weight you feel like you just got your heart broken all over again. This song is a hit…there is nothing like it.
But Ashley switched gears in 2026 with the pop country easiness found in “seat of my skirt” and “2016.” These songs make any day better. They could both be on mainstream country and pop radio stations right now, and honestly, I can’t for the life of me figure out why they aren’t.

But if 2026 Ashley Anne has shown us anything, it’s that she’s in it to win the long game. She’s trusting God’s plan, putting in the work, and playing by her own rules. The last time we saw a female artist do that was Ella Langley…right before she took over the world!
2. TWIN FIN
According to Spotify, at least 1.6 million of us have already realized that Twin Fin is more than a band – it’s a music obsession.

They showed up in my inbox a few months ago, and I have never, not once, gone to an artist’s website to check the tour and buy the merch so fast.
And I really can’t describe what it is because it feels like they truly did the unimaginable – they created a sound that really is all their own while still feeling mainstream enough to hit it big on radio. These days, that’s almost impossible to achieve.
Their newest release “Gasoline” is truly addictive. I dare you to try and play this song only one time. And if you can do that, I’m not sure we can be friends.
Remember that summer we all discovered Role Model? I’m placing my bets on Twin Fin for the next “overnight success.” If you’re not riding the Twin Fin wave yet, it’s time.
3. LOGAN CROSBY
I’m not sure we’ve seen an artist who knows himself this well since Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs started lighting up our worlds with their honesty and authenticity.
Yes, I’m putting Logan Crosby in that boat. He deserves to be there. The thing about Logan is that it’s more than the voice, the songs, and the charisma.
He seems to have figured out exactly who he is and what kind of artist he wants to be much earlier than most.
“Did I Stutter” instantly became one of my favorite songs this year. I find myself singing it in my head, out loud, in the car, around the house…it’s just one of those songs that was written to be blasted on repeat.
But two tracks later, on the same album, “Love Without You” cuts so deep that it feels like if it gets a chance, it will take off like Garth Brooks “More Than A Memory.” It’s a masterpiece. Absolute perfection in a song.

And the contrast between these two incredible songs shows me that Logan Crosby has the depth to be the kind of artist with staying power. He’s the kind of artist that can take you on a journey. And yes, I’m writing this while I’m wearing my Logan Crosby sweatshirt. Go get yours…trust me, you need it.
4. TRINITY LAKE

The first time I heard “Run,” I was actually speechless. Pop Perfection!!! Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, and Raye – make some room because Trinity is on her way to hang out with y’all on the pop charts.
Trinity also released “Obsessed With Me” this year, and it’s officially an anthem. Play it loud, memorize every word. I need Mikey Piff from Sirius XM Hits One to get a hold of this one and blow it up. But truthfully, every one of Trinity’s songs feels like it should be on pop radio right now.
If you’re just learning about Trinity Lake now, RUN to Spotify and follow her. You can say you were there from the start.
5. MATT WILLS
Like Twin Fin, at least 1.6 million of us are already following Matt Wills. The rest of you can join us right now!
His latest release “Home Run” has the potential to take over the internet just like Jamie Miller did with “Babydoll.”
If I had to put Matt in a group with other artists, I’d put him in a group with Noah Kahan, Ed Sheeran, The Lumineers, and Benson Boone.
My prediction is we’re not far from a full album release from Matt. I sure hope I’m right!

You know that feeling when you hear a song for the first time and immediately need someone else to hear it too? That’s where I am with these five artists.
Which one are you playing first?
Let me know over on Instagram or Facebook—and don’t forget to send me the new releases you think deserve a spot on next week’s list.







