Country Music’s Next Generation Of Female Artists

By Katie Colley. 4 Mar 2020 2:30 PM

There is no doubt some of country music’s biggest-selling and most popular songs are by women. Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and more recently, Shania Twain, and Carrie Underwood have paved the way for the country genre.

It’s time to take a look at the next generation of female artists with heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocal ranges, who are poised to launch into the country music mainstream.

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Carly Pearce
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Carly Pearce instantly made a name for herself back in 2017 with her debut album Every Little Thing. Now, the singer has just released her self-titled sophomore album and continues to showcase her ability to tackle the most difficult subjects through her insightful songwriting.

Pearce is climbing the country charts with her current single “I Hope You’re Happy Now” featuring Lee Brice, about an emotional breakup from two different sides.

The singer is currently on the road with Old Dominion and will take the stage at several festivals this summer, including Michigan’s Faster Horses.
Tenille Townes
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Alberta’s own Tenille Townes is one of Nashville’s most promising new artists, best known for her No. 1 debut single “Somebody’s Daughter”.

Townes has come a long way since belting out Shania Twain in the back of her parents’ car and writing her first song at the age of 14. Since releasing her debut EP Living Room Worktapes, the singer has opened for Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert and recently led the pack at the 2019 CCMA Awards, winning all four categories in which she was nominated.

The 26-year-old is getting ready to release her full-length debut album with Nashville producer Jay Joyce, who has worked with country music’s biggest names, including Little Big Town, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and many more.

The singer is also up for New Female Artist of the Year at the 2020 ACM Awards.
Runaway June
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Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland, and Jennifer Wayne of country trio Runaway June will quickly bring you back to the early days of country music with their natural flowing harmonies and traditional lyrics.

Their breakout single “Buy My Own Drinks” became the first Top 20 radio single by a country female band since the Dixie Chicks 14 years ago.

Having spent several years navigating tour life, the girls will hit the road on Luke Bryan’s upcoming “Proud To Be Right Here” tour, kicking off May 28.

The trio’s long-awaited debut album Blue Roses is available now.
Ashley McBryde
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Arkansas-born Ashley McBryde brings a refreshing raw sound to country music. From her gritty vocals to brutally honest and vulnerable lyrics, the “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” hitmaker should be on your radar.

Since releasing her first EP in 2006, McBryde has caught the attention of some of country music’s biggest names, landing herself opening gigs for Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Combs.

The singer picked up Best New Artist at the 2019 CMA Awards and earned herself two Grammy nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Album in 2020.

McBryde is set to release her sophomore album Never Will on April 3.
Lindsay Ell
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There’s lots to celebrate for Canada’s own Lindsay Ell, who just landed her first No. 1 song for her and Brantley Gilbert’s duet "What Happens in a Small Town".

After releasing her first album as a teenager, Ell got her big break in 2017 following the release of her debut major label album The Project, which was named Billboard’s Best Country Album of 2017.

Ell has toured with Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, among several others, and is up for New Female Artist of the Year at the 2020 ACM Awards.
Ingrid Andress
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Born in Denver, Col., Ingrid Andress originally spent time as a songwriter and producer working alongside artists like Sam Hunt, Bebe Rexha, and Charli XCX. Making the transition from songwriter to solo artist, the 28-year-old had a breakout 2019 with her heartbreak ballad “More Hearts Than Mine”, which became the only debut song by a solo woman artist to land in the top 20 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

Andress just earned herself an ACM nomination for New Female Artist of the Year and will be hitting the road with Dan + Shay and Tim McGraw for a string of dates across the U.S. and Canada.

The singer’s debut album Lady Like is set to arrive Mar. 27.
Gabby Barrett
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She may have placed third on “American Idol” but Gabby Barrett is quickly making a name for herself in the country music scene. After signing with Warner Music in 2019, the singer has earned herself multiple accolades in just a few short months. Her debut single “I Hope” made the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and she was recently spotlighted as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country.

With power vocals comparing to Carrie Underwood, there’s no doubt the 19-year-old will be around for years to come. Barrett will be hitting the road on Brad Paisley’s upcoming world tour, kicking off May 15.

Country Music’s Next Generation Of Female Artists

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