In this week's issue: Finally, it’s here! This year’s TOP 10 ALBUMS of 2025 are just in, and Honky Tonk Hansson offers you his boldest choices this week. Also, we are getting natural high with Girls In Low Places, the British creator who puts the FUN back in country music. And, please follow me inside the famous Nashville Palace on the outskirts of Music City. THAT is what a real honky tonk should look and feel like. Come on in, have a look.
In this week's issue: In this year's first newsletter, we are focusing on preparing for yet another landmark year in country music. I've listened to hundreds of new artists and songs to come up with a condensed list of my 20 top new favorites. So here you go! Honky Tonk Hansson gives you the complete list: Best New Country Artists To Watch 2026. Enjoy.
Ideas and feedback are always welcome at [email protected] (just hit reply!)
Vickie Vaughn is one of the top 20 new artists to watch in 2026
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IN / OUT and About
IN right now:
Just love it! Trace Adkins announced a special 30th anniversary headlining tour for 2026, celebrating three decades in country music with dates extending through the year.
Knowing country music origins from, among other countries, Ireland, it is wonderful to see Irish band Amble starting (slowly) climbing the buzz lists for country-related music. Check out their song “Lonely Island”. Amble. Remember where you read about them first. ;-) Listen here!
Legends Brooks & Dunn honoring the king of country George Strait at the Kennedy Center Honors made up for a perfect match made in heaven. Watch here!
OUT right now:
The old top lists (from 2025), why do we even need them? I suggest we bury every list at year’s end, and all contestants have to prove that they deserve their spot by starting from zero again. This would make room for new names (at least at the start of each new list). But hey, that’s just me. ;-)
Just when you thought the genre couldn't be refreshed, country music is facing yet another brilliant year! There are tons of stories to tell, several new pens to write them down, and a plethora of voices to perform them. I've had fun picking out (only!) 20 of all the new artists who are making a name for themselves, and who all have the songs and artistry to make it in this tough industry. Names alone, however, don't do the songs justice, so go ahead and listen to the 20 NEW HOT NAMES on the playlist and form your own opinion. Follow the ones you like, and you'll help them move forward. Because remember: We're all in country music together. New names are added every day now. Stay Country 2026!
The Jack Wharff Band
A Richmond-based band that carves its own path in the genre by mixing country, rock, and bluegrass with a focus on raw authenticity. They appeared both focused - and fun! - when I met up with them in Nashville this year.
Braxton Keith
A Texas native who channels legends like Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard into a modern, honest sound that has already won a large audience.
Kaitlin Butts
A theatrical storyteller from Oklahoma who blends modern independence with a sound inspired by classic storytelling and neo-traditional country. I met her a few times over the last year and she always acts as a positive force in the rooms she visits.
Kaitlin Butts
Vickie Vaughn
An award-winning bassist and singer with roots in bluegrass who, after years behind the scenes, is now taking her place as a shining solo star.
Lil Man
An artist who dared to cross over from other genres into country and has made headlines with his viral and playful "Sippin Country" style.
Hayden Blount
A 21-year-old outsider from Tennessee who, with his raw, unpolished voice and honest lyrics, has quickly become a favorite among Zach Bryan fans.
Jake Vaadeland
A Canadian multi-instrumentalist who, with his band The Sturgeon River Boys, delivers a charming mix of ‘50s rockabilly and traditional bluegrass. He was happy to talk about his Scandinavian roots when I bumped into him in London town.
Jake Vaadeland
Max Alan
A singer-songwriter from the Appalachians whose dark but beautiful alt-country mirrors the rugged landscape he grew up in.
Ken Pomeroy
An artist of Cherokee descent from Oklahoma who weaves her heritage together with the Red Dirt tradition in a deeply personal folk sound.
Mae Estes
A neo-traditional flag-bearer who is praised for her steel-stringed storytelling and her ability to unite the country of the past with the energy of today.
Tyler Halverson
He calls his music "Western Amerijuana" and combines honest storytelling with influences from both Garth Brooks and modern indie. He was happy to talk about his upcoming adventures when I interviewed him about his smartest career moves.
Tyler Halversen
Zandi Holup
A "wildflower" in Nashville whose raw and unfiltered folk-country is reminiscent of icons like Dolly Parton and Joan Baez.
The Kruse Brothers
A duo from Arizona who, with their background in classical music, bring a unique precision to their country-rock and blues sound.
The Martin Boys
Canadian brothers who impressed on the big stage with their genuine charisma and soulful interpretation of classic country.
Owen Davies
A seasoned songwriter whose Americana-influenced works capture the everyday drama of life with great clarity.
Gareth
A Northern Irish talent who has found success in Nashville by seamlessly weaving together Irish folk music with American country. And a nice down-to-earth guy too.
Gareth
Brendan Walter
The former hockey player from Dallas who traded his skates for a guitar and is now making an impact in Nashville with his introspective songs.
Colton Bowlin
With roots in Kentucky, Bowlin delivers a timeless country that focuses on the small details of life and the stories of the common person.
Spencer Hatcher
A banjo-playing virtuoso who has stepped up from the family band in Virginia to become one of 2026's most promising traditional country artists.
Waylon Wyatt
One of the new standard-bearers for the viral country wave, whose organic sound is predicted to reach the broad masses in the coming year.
Some of you have asked for Honky Tonk Hansson merch, thank you very much. ;-)
But before going to the printers, I thought we should have ourselves a little poll.That is always fun. So, if you are thinking about getting some merch, what stuff and style do you like the best? So CAST YOUR VOTE NOW.
