Nashville’s Top Emerging Artists

Hit a live music venue on any given night in Nashville, and you will find yourself surrounded with talent. But some of the best sounds to come from the city are those from up-and-coming singers, songwriters, and musicians. Check out these top Nashville-based musicians who are rising to the top of the Music City.

Kassi Ashton

Before she signed with Universal Music Group Nashville and Interscope Records in late 2017, Ashton’s vocals sparked competition among Music Row record labels. Ashton teamed with chart-topping songwriter and producer Luke Laird and together they honed her gritty, fearless storytelling into a stirring and enviable force. Her debut single was released on ….and has been creating quite a name for herself in Nashville.

Tyler Childers

He was named Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2018 American Music Association Honors & Awards with his debut album Purgatory gaining him massive critical acclaim. His upward ascent in the music world has only continued this year – extending his headline tour into 2019, proving he is a must-see live act to those real traditional country fans.

Lauren Duski

She had fans anxiously waiting to hear her first single since being named the runner-up on The Voice a couple of years ago, and she delivered. The Michigan native proved her unmistakable talents with the vulnerable “Costume Party,” released last summer. With props to Maroon 5’s Adam Levine and a tour with radio personality Bobby Bones last August, her music has been well received and rightfully reaching the masses. There is much more to come from the budding singer-songwriter.

Lauren Conklin

As talented an artist as you can find in more ways then one. She paints almost just as well on canvas as she does with her sheet music. Specializing in country bluegrass, this violin fiscianto has been tearing at the heart of Nashville. Born and raised in birthplace of country music, Lauren has become immersed in the many roots and styles of ol’ Americana – clearly visible in her craft. Lauren has toured with the likes of Jools Holland, Montgomery Gentry, Josh Thompson, HighRoad, and Kix Brooks and has worked with artists like Miley Cyrus, Lonestar, Florida Georgia Line, Andra Day, and Lee Ann Womack. As an artist of precision and passion, Conklin is committed to the fiddle as an instrument of expression and she always delivers.

Ron Gallo

Between moving into his new Nashville digs and acquiring a vintage Casio MT-210 synthesizer, Ron has been on a creative streak. “I’ve had the house to myself for a week straight and I’ve been in hardcore song and demo mode.” Gallo spent much of this past year touring, writing music and releasing both his Really Nice Guys EO and his Stardust Birthday Party full-length. The Philadelphia native said he is ready to take strides in 2019 to work smarter, not harder. Throughout history, there has been plenty of rock-and-roll philosophers, but Gallo’s soul-gazing is a breath of fresh air. Look out for him in 2019!

Tim Gent

In 2016 Gent’s profile rose significantly following his song “Lady America,” whose cover art caricatures Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. As of 2018, Gent is still busy performing, working his day job selling phones, and looking after his little 3-year old son, so finding time for new music isn’t always easy. But, Gent’s focus has started to pay off. Playing shows in Miami and New York, has helped his following expand like wildfire. His quick, nimble flow and clever incorporation of melodic hooks is starting to impress the masses, Nashville look out!

Joshua Hedley

Pound for pound, there’s no better artist working in Nashville today. A nuanced, heart-tugging fiddle ace – he was playing in bars before age 11. Hedley has been the go-to sideman for Justin Townes Earle and Jonny Fritz. His voice is a sweet complexion of warm and smooth baritones that’s nonetheless capable of hitting honky-tonk highs. Hedley has become a fixture of the bars on Lower Broadway, and he has surely won over plenty of music-loving hearts.