Country Music’s Next Big 5: The Fort Nash Top 5 for 2025

Dec 17, 2024

5 min read

As country music continues to surge in popularity, the industry and fans are welcoming in a new wave of artists transforming the genre and capturing the spotlight. Like many, some of these stars got their start on social platforms and have evolved this past year into rising stars. Here are 5 artists that are going to be BIG in 2025.

1. Zach Top

Born and raised in Sunnyside, WA, Zach Top grew up immersed in classic country music while working on his family farm. At just seven years old, he formed a band with his siblings, sparking a lifelong passion for music.

Hailed by Rolling Stone as one of the “hottest acts right now,” Top is rapidly emerging as a standout artist to watch. His debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, received widespread acclaim, amassing over 3.5 million streams in its first week.

In 2024, Top earned the Discovery Artist of the Year award at the MusicRow Awards and secured his first nomination for New Artist of the Year at the 58th Annual CMA Awards. Renowned for his “thrilling” live performances (Holler), his Cold Beer & Country Music headline tour sold out within hours of tickets going on sale, coinciding with the debut of his viral single “I Never Lie” on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

This summer, Top joined Lainey Wilson on her Country's Cool Again tour and is set to provide direct support for select Alan Jackson tour dates in 2025.

2. Kashus Culpepper

Alabama-born country crooner Kashus Culpepper embodies the true sound of the South. A devoted student of Southern music—spanning country, soul, blues, folk, and rock—Culpepper delivers self-penned stories with a husky, sandpaper growl that rumbles like a freight train. His songs are as raw and haunting as they are authentic.

Culpepper’s musical journey began at just five years old, when he first found his voice singing in church. But it wasn’t until the global pandemic in 2020 that he transitioned from listener to performer. While deployed with the Navy in Rota, Spain, he picked up a guitar and began playing covers at barrack bonfires. Those covers soon evolved into original songs, and upon returning stateside, Culpepper began cutting his teeth in dive bars along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His fresh yet nostalgic sound quickly earned him a grassroots following as he built his name across the region.

Now crashing into the spotlight, Culpepper has sold out headline club shows across the South—despite never having formally released a single until recently. He’s also shared stages nationwide with trailblazing artists like Charles Wesley Godwin, Charley Crockett, and NEEDTOBREATHE.

With Nashville taking notice, Culpepper found a musical home at Big Loud Records and has already made waves with his debut singles, “After Me?” and “Who Hurt You.

As he prepares to deliver more music in 2025, Kashus Culpepper’s undeniable talent and powerful storytelling mark him as a rising force in Southern music. And that is why he is a part of our list of top 5 in 2025.

3. Lauren Watkins

Lauren Watkins brings an authentic, raw edge to the country music scene, blending her down-to-earth charm with a voice described as “Tennessee limestone gravel.” At just 24 years old, this Nashville-born artist is making waves with candid, relatable songwriting that resonates deeply with listeners. Growing up on the outskirts of Music City, Watkins was influenced by a range of artists—from Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow to Eric Church and Miranda Lambert—shaping a sound that pays homage to country’s roots while pushing its boundaries.

After four years at Ole Miss, Watkins returned home to Nashville, where her undeniable talent caught the attention of GRAMMY-nominated producer Nicolle Galyon. Signed to Songs & Daughters/Big Loud Records, she quickly made a name for herself with two debut projects: Introducing: Lauren Watkins, a seven-song collection, and Introducing: The Heartbreak, a six-song follow-up. Both releases have set the stage for her eagerly awaited full-length album, The Heartbroken Record.

Watkins is currently turning heads as an opening act on Morgan Wallen’s international stadium tour, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. She’s also shared the spotlight with rising stars like ERNEST, Hailey Whitters, and Conner Smith, further establishing herself as one of country music’s most exciting newcomers.

With her honest storytelling, undeniable talent, and commitment to her craft, Lauren Watkins is on a trajectory to leave a lasting mark on the genre.

4. Maddox Batson

At just 14 years old, Maddox Batson navigates the world with a wisdom and wit well beyond his years. Born in Nashville and raised in Alabama, the young songwriter first gained attention with soulful covers of artists like Zach Bryan and Red Clay Strays. But it wasn’t long before Maddox began crafting his own songs, proving his talent extended far beyond covers. Early singles like “Tears In The River” and “I Wanna Know” showcased his knack for heartfelt, homegrown storytelling—an ability he sharpened as a co-writer on Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s chart-topping collaboration, “Tough.”

With the release of his latest single, “X’s,” Maddox is ready to show the world that age is no barrier to becoming the face of country-pop’s next generation. A multi-instrumentalist who plays piano, guitar, and mandolin, he’s preparing for a series of live shows across the country while continuing to release new music.

“It can be overwhelming, this life, but I’ve got a lot of good people surrounding me,” Maddox shares. “I’m still just a kid, though, and I’m happy about that.”

Life may be moving fast, but Maddox Batson is embracing the journey, balancing the excitement of his rising career with the simple joys of being a kid. With undeniable talent and a grounded perspective, he’s carving out his place as one of country-pop’s most promising young stars.

5. Lanie Gardner

Lanie Gardner’s rise in country music is nothing short of inspiring. From her mountain roots to international stages, Gardner carries forward the dreams of her late grandfather, who instilled in her a deep love for music. Her career took off when her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” went viral, amassing over 54 million views and leading to collaborations with David Guetta and MORTEN.

Gardner recently signed a recording deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville and a publishing contract with Big Machine Music, marking significant milestones in her career. She’s been named CMT’s Next Up Now Artist and contributed her song “Chasing the Wind” to the Twisters soundtrack, alongside tracks from Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll. Her debut project, A Songwriter’s Diary, offers a deeply personal glimpse into her journey, blending classic rock and country influences into a sound all her own.

Gardner’s performances at CMA Fest and on tours with Jelly Roll and ZZ Ward have earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Beyond her music, Gardner advocates for women’s empowerment and self-confidence, themes that resonate throughout her songs. With her powerful voice and genre-defying artistry, Lanie Gardner is set to leave an indelible mark on country music.