The Best Under-the-Radar Country Music of 2023

[@GradySmith]

This is the conclusion of my comically over-ambitious attempt to feature FORTY up-and-coming artists that I love right now. I'm gonna try and update the description with links to their best videos or their tiktoks or whatever -- but until I do that, you'll have to go search em out yourself!! This was a bear to edit, and I hope you find something you're looking for!

[@ktoler6547]

Hey man listen to She Ain’t You by Kix Garcia Band that song deserves so much more credit

[@Spitfirethedragon]

Hayden Baker is already famous nationally thanks to Brad Paisley. Hayden did KZbin videos for lessons on how to play Brad Paisley's songs on guitar, and Brad was impress and took him under his wings. Brad featured Hayden in his video No I In Beer along with a big Canadian artist that is trying to make it big here in the US of Brett Kissel.

[@becoming_superhuman]

Hey Grady. Love your channel and I’ve become familiar with so many great artists. Thank you! Have you checked out Drake White? Incredible lyricist and sings with soul. Recently opened for Whiskey Myers. Give this Alabama singer a listen. Won’t regret it.

[@tylerhalverwho]

thanks for the shout!🫡💨

[@jakekohnmusic2334]

I appreciate this very much grady. Thank you for including us Winchester boys...

[@GradySmith]

the whole left half of the thumbnail is my lowkey Virginia-country-music propaganda!

[@whyy__it]

Thank u grady for introducing me to Mr. Kohn and thank u Jake for putting your talents out in the world… incredible stuff

[@Josiahandthe]

incredibly honored. and i can't wait for the world to hear Levi. Thank you so much for what you do brother.

[@officialWWM]

My sons name is Levi Turner. Cheers from Tasmania :)

[@TioMogi]

Been a patreon supporter for almost a year now, keep it up Josiah 👌 should do a Zach bryan cover next! PS - HIGHLY recommend Hotel Mayday for anyone who hasn't listened to it yet! Also it is available on vinyl

[@lowgap]

It’s crazy to think that the guy who showed us Zach Bryan and Ian Noe is now showing our music. Thanks always Grady!

[@gxtmfa]

In all fairness, people in the know know you guys

[@TroyerFilms]

I really appreciate the little clips you include for almost every artist, it helps narrow down who I want to follow up on tremendously! 🙌

[@GradySmith]

Thanks for noticing!!

[@joshmccoy8600]

I remember videos like this one when we talked about Zach, CWG, 49 Winchester, flatland Calvary all as under the radar artist. It's so cool that we are seeing a new wave of great artist!

[@RachelMcIntyreSmith]

So grateful to be named among these great artists. THANK YOU for all your hard work to support artists like me. You’re the best 🙌🏼

[@mckenziecampbell5335]

"Josephine" by Tanner Usrey broke me the first time I listened to it. It was the same feeling as when I first listened to "Stronger than the Whiskey" by Poor Man's Poison or "Saving Amy" by Brantley Gilbert. Like deep in the marrow of my bones heartbreaking.

[@kadehoffman]

Can’t tell you how much this means man, thank you so much 🙏🏼

[@Miruble82]

Your music rocks man

[@HuskerNinja]

Emily Ann Roberts is definitely someone I'm going to be keeping an eye on. Whole Lotta Little and The Building are both stellar pieces of music in two completely different ways.

[@courtney.22]

The Building stopped me in my tracks the first time I heard it. Her range is absolutely insane.

[@josephdeluna615]

This right here. This is why Grady is the ultimate country music KZbinr

[@user-op7ct9ip3d]

You should look up Benjamin McNeal. He just released a song. Lots of steel like 90's country and well written.

[@SharonRobinson-dj9vk]

Agree. That song is so sweet!!

[@BeachBlvd]

Thanks, y'all!! Crazy to be scrolling comments on a Grady Smith video and see yourself mentioned! Much love!!!

[@bluegrassmaniac3740]

Thanks for always introducing amazing artists I would have never found.

[@sethwade1430]

I'm a singer songwriter out of NE Missouri and when I release an all original record I'll definetly share it with you in hopes you half way enjoy something on it. Thanks for what you do Grady. Your content is far above average. I always look forward to checking out your recommendations and fwiw you're not a simp for main stream music. You're arguably the best independent voice at raising the voices of independent singer/songwriters in the Americana country relm. Keep doin exactly what you're doin.

[@Jeepgirlcj7]

I am so glad you mentioned Evan Honer...I stumbled across him on youtube and LOVE his music!

[@gracenwiggins2206]

anyone else stressed the whole second half of the video about how late Grady was gonna be? haha thank you for this vid!

[@haydenbakerofficial]

Honored to be apart of this buddy, thank you!!!

[@nasanoir310]

So glad you noticed Aidan Canfield. For a while, I thought I was the only person who knew about him, and when I first heard Technicolor, I was just amazed. The production is amazing, and the new album is super cool. Thanks for the video, as always. Cool list, lots of good suggestions.

[@brennanedwards1298]

Thank you for having me on this list!!!

[@basedrooster]

Virginia country music scene blowing up, you love to see it

[@acepilot22]

Brennan Edwards and David Pugh are awesome so thank you for pointing them out!!!

[@carbine.h9830]

If Tanner Usrey is in your blind spot, you really need to dive in. Everything off Medicine Man is outstanding, he puts on a great live show and has an album on the way this year. Definitely going to pop off

[@aaronpeoples9103]

I credit you for introducing me to tyler childers and since then my faith In country music has been restored and please find us more underground artists

[@brianedwards9886]

Brennan Edwards writes killer songs and shreds on the guitar! When playing with the band monday blues the songs are taken to another level.

[@kelseyezell61]

That’s awesome that you mentioned Colton Venner! We went to college together! He’s a great guy!

[@aust_inc]

You definitely spend a good amount of time on both mainstream and indie country acts. Thanks for all the recommendations!

[@austinhamiltonmusic]

All my favorites in here! 🔥👏

[@HuntFishColo]

We’ll, here goes my next week of rabbit hole indie country!!

[@michellestratford9753]

It's awesome that you do this for artists trying to break through the loud crowd of singers. You're a really nice guy 😊❤

[@vennermusic]

Thank you for the love!

[@jacksiegel6078]

They’re not quite as young as the rest of these artists, but “The Barlow” are unequivocally the most under appreciated group in all of country music.

[@noahgricemusic]

Definitely some new additions to my playlist thanks man!

[@RICKYESCOBARJR22]

These folks are unique in the best way

[@drewselm1198]

Hey Grady! Someone I think you should look into is a guy named Tanner Usrey. I've been following him for a couple years now and he even release a new song called "Give It Some Time". Listen to his Medicine Man album, worth a listen

[@jamiecollins32]

"Whoa, funky immediately"

[@BlackSheepCap]

Yessss. Blood Moon is one of my favorite songs right now so so melodic and cosmic. Also that Brennan Edwards jam is OBSCENE its so good

[@brandonk2560]

How did I know you’d LOVE “Bandit”. What a song.

[@justincobb9622]

I would recommend checking out Jake Worthington’s debut album. So so very good! I heard someone say his voice is a mix between George Jones and Sammy Kershaw

[@Odin31b]

Automatic like. This is my place for finding new music since I don't listen to fm.

[@Pasadena_Music]

Great list. Looking forward to more videos like this!

[@jakekohnmusic2334]

Kade Hoffman is a homie. Incredible artist

[@katiemclaneak5182]

Great way to share the talent and put the word out! Look forward to annual such lists!!

[@MusicOrLoseItTV]

Spencer Hatcher and Logan Michael are my favorites under the radar. Amythyst Kiah too.

[@wyattjones3609]

kadeeeee!! so proud of you brotha

[@speedy371000]

Gavin Adcock- I've been a stranger. Got me through some tough times. 👍

[@bluesdjben]

Great video. Fun to hear so many talented new musicians.

[@davidpughmusic]

Thank you Grady!

[@elissafaustina6243]

Thanks Grady! Gotta go check em out🤠

[@Sumiicho]

SAM BARBER!!!!!!!! love this vid Grady:)

[@brentenstarkey6833]

love this video! it’s great seeing people i listen to all the time get recognition they deserve.

[@kimlaw5378]

Y'all are makin' a country music lover outta me; heretofore, unheard of.

[@bendurand7212]

I love the vids Grady. Keep it up

[@rymorales4]

Saw Maggie’s face on the thumbnail and immediately clicked! Go Maggie!

[@gxtmfa]

I’ve met people with the last name Coughlin and it’s usually pronounced “Cough-Lin.” Glad you shined a light on one of our people up here in Chicago. We have a small but tight-knit scene here and it doesn’t get much press.

[@amandaperkins4210]

I LOVE Emily Ann Roberts!!! Mae Estes is great too! And Megan Moroney has great potential to become one of my favorite artists ever. I LOVE almost everything she’s done so far. Mackenzie Carpenter is another one that kinda flies under the radar, but is still definitely worth checking out. She has a new song called “Throw You Back” that gives off early 2000’s country vibes, and is a great track.

[@justinphillips9680]

I saw Josiah at the Cains in Tulsa opening up for Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors. Really cool sound and seems like a great dude.

[@jennifergoetz4716]

You are so casually hilarious 😂 I want to add Emily Nenni! Found her opening for Kelsey Waldon and fell in instant love. I hope she makes it big (:

[@samyoung7096]

like how you give love to the people that are starting

[@bubbaholmberg7057]

Hannah Dasher!!!! Cant rave about her enough. Shes just fire and attitude and talent

[@isaacvandenbush9446]

Love your content Grady!

[@Wdmurdoch15]

Started listening to Low Gap and Aiden Canfield after the last video you mentioned them. Already one of my favorites thanks. I was wondering if you had listen to any Pony Bradshaw. He is definitely up next

[@jamestomasch783]

That Levi dude is so good 🙏🏻

[@RandolphandCo]

Colton Venner Finally Getting Some Recognition! He’s awesome! I love his tunes!

[@countrymonkOSB]

Kudos for mentioning Low Gap, man! They are one of my favorite groups/duos, talented as heck and humble on top of it all. Still wish you'd do something on Sam Williams, bro

[@Justin-rv7oy]

Have you ever heard of Rob Baird? Seems to be this pretty talented songwriter from Memphis, going at it for like 15 years, the definition of under the radar.

[@emmahaven3164]

He is so freaking good!!!

[@toml5697]

Great video as always

[@StephanieMT]

Amanda jordan is my favorite singer starting out. She sang one of her songs on the bachelor

[@andrewbranson4874]

Love the indie spirit!

[@nikkiinnashville]

Dude this is a STELLAR list

[@TexasArmyVet]

Pecos & The Rooftops are amazing

[@sassyoung6388]

I found Emily Ann Roberts from one of your earlier videos and I’m obsessed. I’m half a song into Mae Estes but I can already feel myself clicking with her sound

[@gavinc1539]

Grady, you MUST listen to Donice Morace, specifically “through the jukebox” “good Time Machine” and “a swing like that”.he’s like a mix of George Strait and Jon pardi and not very well known so maybe you could give him a spotlight

[@Spitfirethedragon]

Donice is on the Musci Row charts with two songs already. He is starting to blow up nationally.

[@gavinc1539]

Yea but I’m talking abt the KZbin community, he only has like 600 something subscribers

[@Spitfirethedragon]

@@gavinc1539 Because people don't know he is on KZbin yet. Just need to spread the word out there. The Texas artists like him, Hayden Baker, Will Carter, Clay Hollis, Triston marez, Hayden Haddock, David Adam Byrnes, Grant Gilbert, Jody Booth (thanks to his daughter Lacy Kaye Booth), and others are starting to get noticed big time nationally. Aaron Watson, Josh Abbott Band, Randy Rogers, Mike and The Moonpies, Cody Jinks, and Josh Ward also made a splash on national charts as well. It is a slow climb, but they are getting there. Maybe we can get traditional country sound back on the main charts soon.

[@lynorarose7019]

Fantastic video. Cool to see the up and comers I know and ones that aren't on my radar. Would definitely love to hear your opinion of Jodi Jones someday in the future!

[@brandonk2560]

Can not explain how damn obsessed I am with Evan Honer

[@kalebbryce]

Brielle singing Hits Different wasn’t something I expected to see on your channel, but you’re a swiftie so I guess it checks out

[@bretsutton1295]

I got one. Jordana Bryant. She's great pop country and is putting out her first EP on next Friday

[@cnyari]

some incredible songs on this list, wish they were on Spotify!

[@mikie.8989]

Bro was on the Levi Turner hype Eaaarly, hard to find anybody hyping him up

[@realSeanMcMahon]

Nice list, checking em out thanks. I wonder if us New Englanders make your grade!

[@jeffreylafary5217]

I’ve been listening to Tanner Usrey and Pecos and the Rooftops for a while and they’re SO GOOD

[@erickent4248]

Well damn, this is almost too much goodness at once. 30+ people that have yet to fully blossom but that all have great material, I am gonna have to go through this more thoroughly when I have more time.

[@nicholassalley1865]

YES! Finally Tyler Halverson!

[@zachsummers2872]

You should check out Josh Meloy, Garrett Owens, and Jordan Foster

[@JordanLive3]

I would love a Megan Moroney video, I have fallen in love with her songs.

[@smellyplays2286]

Glade you mentioned Tyler Halverson ive met him in real life and he’s a great person

[@HaydanJinnette]

Austin Snell is bringing the 'rock-infused country' and I'm here for it!

[@josephtill5613]

I was looking for a video where you mention him but @GradySmith you have to check out Ellis Bullard! His first album is awesome and he has new music coming out this year. He’s Austin born and bred he’s absolutely dope and vintage honky tonk. Also, Treaty Oak Revival is an amazing band with an awesome debut album!

[@Spitfirethedragon]

Ned LeDoux is finally breaking out. He was the drummer for his father Chris until Chris died, but was away from music. He recently started making music since 2016, and he is now blowing up on the Music Row national charts and the CDX country music charts. James Robert Webb have several hit songs on the smaller national charts. He got his first top 10 last year on the Music Row Charts. Donny Lee is from Canada, and he have been getting songs on the Music Row charts as well. He is trying to make it big. As for Hayden Baker? He was discovered by Brad Paisley because he did videos on guitar lessons on how to play Brad's hits. Brad featured him in his video in 2020. Clay Hollis is one that is under the wings of Jon Pardi, Tracy Byrd and Mario Flores. He is an independent Texas singer, and he starting to go nationally. Alex Miller is getting noticed on some charts now. Reed Foley is started to be on the charts now as well. David Adam Byrnse from Mena, Arkansas signed a major publishing deal with Universial I think. He does not have a label yet, but he really big in Texas region radio. Caden Gillard is another one to watch for. Caden was a former bull rider just like Cody Johnson. He have similar sound as CoJo. Boom Town Saints is starting to take off. Someone already mentioned Donice Morace, and he have two songs that made the Music Row charts and CDX Charts. Noah Cyrus, a lot of her songs sounds like Zach Bryan and others like Americana Country, and some like pop like her sister Miley. Dylan Gerard, Ashley Barron, Tiffany Woys, Sweat Tea Trio, Thomas Mac, Darrin Morris Band, Flat River Band, Frankie Justin, Andrew Farriss, Walker Montgomery, and Trey Lewis. About Kings is a country rock band out of Austria that got a couple of sounds on the Billboard top 60 Indicator radio charts for small markets.

[@drowebot7487]

This Damn Song by pecks popped up in a rotation for me awhile ago and I’ve been obsessed lol

[@GradySmith]

tbh it's the only Pecos song I "get"

[@drowebot7487]

@@GradySmith fair. I don’t think I’d consider them “country”. Sorta in that Koe Wetzel vein to me. Mixing rock with country themes. Not a direct comparison just sort of the vibe I get from ‘em.

[@johnmossawir3314]

Holy shit - Jake Kohn doesn’t even have any facial hair and he sounds like he has been smoking diesel exhaust for 50 years

[@coffeeguy957]

I saw Pecos and the Rooftops open for Koe Wetzel last year. Not blown away by their live show. Their studio stuff sounds good though

[@joshuanybroten7837]

Love the video. I think you gotta listen to some more Tanner Usrey though, I love his music!

[@macylightfoot]

Spotify have been pushing Josiah and The Bonnevilles at me for a few months now, and I'm not mad about it. I assumed he was much bigger, or more established than he is because the music sounds so good. P.S. Coughlin is an Irish name and is pronounced Cock-lin here. No idea how that guy pronounces it though.

[@beplanking]

Emily Ann Roberts was on the same season of the Voice as the girl I was taking to Homecoming, so I remember her from way back when! Glad to see she made it out of wherever it is all the people who win that show go to hide! That reminds me, I should really look up Sawyer Fredericks

[@williamproctor9519]

I actually went to school with Levi. He's an amazing guy

[@Patriots_1211]

ELLA LANGLEY! COOPER JAMES!! TYLER ANTHONY!!

[@markchapman1095]

I really love Dustin Chapman music and Ryleigh Madison music.

[@carlhuber7690]

First time commenting. Thanks for the great recommendations! I wanted to throw Danno Simpson's name out there. I saw him at a show in Denver that featured Logan Halstead, Cole Chaney, and Drayton Farley, all of whom were fantastic. But Danno Simpson blew me away with his songwriting and delivery... very Isbell-esque. I think he's from Colorado, so there's a bit more of a western flare as well.

[@LewisConnorRyan]

One of those artists I feel has always flown under the radar is Lindi Ortega. Banging country artist, she needs a look in!