Spotify Spotlight on Country Reveals New Artists to Watch for 04

Country music artists expected to make waves in this year include Cole Swindell, Brandy Clark, Dan Shay and Frankie Ballard

Spotify today revealed the artists it has tipped to make it big in Country music in 2014 via its Spotify Spotlight on Country roundup of emerging artists in the genre. The list covers new Country artists supported by Spotify in 2013 who made a strong showing on its viral charts and who Spotify predicts growing success for in the year ahead.

Check out the full list here:

Spotify Spotlight on Country 2014

The Spotify Spotlight on Country includes a range of up and coming talent from across the US including infectious Country newcomers Dan Shay, Nashville-based songstress Brandy Clark, industry-favorite Frankie Ballard, hit songwriter Eric Paslay, and one of Music City's most exciting young performers, Cole Swindell.

2013 was a tremendous year for Country music and we think the year ahead will be even more exciting due to an incredible crop of talented new artists we're supporting, said Steve Savoca, Spotify's Head of Content. More and more Country fans are coming to Spotify to hear the catalogs of their favorite classic artists, current Country hits, and also to discover the best new artists through features like Spotify Spotlight on Country.

Spotify champions new music artists through its Spotlight section, helping fans get closer to some of music's best emerging talent, including exclusive content. Spotify also supports new artists on an ongoing basis by hosting live sessions and one-on-one interviews made available to its listeners.

Spotify Spotlight on Country Artists for 2014:

Brandy Clark

Her debut release, 12 Stories, aims to establish this accomplished songwriter as a performing artist. The album, a collection of a dozen songs ranging from rollicking back-porch jams like Crazy Women to vulnerable tear-at-your-heart ballads like Hold My Hand, touches on her dark comedy inspirations; things like divorce, death, addiction and unfulfilled desire.

Real people who are just surviving their life and getting through their day. That's who I write songs for, explains Brandy. I want to write songs for somebody who is working at a bank-if that person could write a song, what they would write. That's my goal.

Brett Eldredge

Quickly gaining exposure and career momentum, country newcomer Brett Eldredge is busy on the road honing his craft and playing his huge 2013 #1 hit, Don't Ya to packed venues across the US.

Brothers Osborne

The Brothers Osborne are currently finishing their debut album, an album they describe as aggressive, bold and fragile at times.

Chase Rice

Within a few short years of moving to Nashville, country music artist Chase Rice has already built a loyal fan base across the country through his energetic live shows and gained the attention of industry professionals with his edgy, eclectic sound. Rice first made waves as a co-writer on Florida George Line's massive crossover hit Cruise, and his star continues to rise with the chart-topping success of his new EP Ready Set Roll and single of the same name. Released on Rice's own Dack Janiel's label in partnership with T8 Records, Ready Set Roll has already sold 50,000 units to date. Strong play on Siriux/XM has driven singles sales to 200,000 and counting.

Cole Swindell

Cole's huge debut single, Chillin' It is a song as infectious and groove-laden as anything out there, with a laid-back summertime charm that perfectly captures the guy who wrote and performs it.

Dan Shay

Dan Shay first collaborated as songwriters, but from those sessions their relationship grew to include performing together. From there, the duo discovered an infectious original sound all their own, mixing country rock/pop seamlessly throughout intimate power-ballads and stadium-worthy hits.

Eric Paslay

Over the last year, Eric has been nominated for multiple awards for his songwriting including GRAMMY Best Country Song, ACM Song of the Year and CMA Song of the Year. ABC Nightline correspondent Juju Chang recently shadowed Eric for a day in the life segment that aired in September and focused on what it takes for an artist to become the next breakout country star.

Frankie Ballard

His new single Helluva Life is a perfect summer uplift, a song about the magic inherent in small moments that can bring joy and perspective to modern lives with more than their share of challenges and big questions.

Jon Pardi

His debut album, Write You A Song (coming this January), delivers a sound that is uniquely Pardi - a traditionalist at heart, influenced by his grandmother's classic country tastes in George Strait and ALABAMA, but with just a bit of swagger that gives a little edge to his undeniable appeal.

Thomas Rhett

In addition to recording hit songs like It Goes Like This,' Thomas Rhett is a talented and successful songwriter. His successes include Jason Aldean s '1994,' Lee Brice s Parking Lot Party' and the monster Florida Georgia Line song Round Here'.

LINK:	http://press.spotify.com/uk/2014/01/15/spotify-spotlight-on-country-re...
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