Every country fan has had to hear “They’re just not making good country music anymore,” at least once. However, fans know “they” absolutely are. The problem is what they consider “good” or “real” country isn’t what’s playing on the local terrestrial radio station. Instead, the country music they file under “real,” “good,” or “real good” is coming from independent artists.
The list of top-notch independent country artists below will dispel the myth that the genre died decades ago. At the same time, it’s a good resource for those looking to find new artists and broaden their horizons. Whatever the case may be, these five artists are keeping the things that make the genre what it is alive and well.
Pony Bradshaw—The Next Independent Country Artist to Break
Pony Bradshaw’s music comes from Northern Georgia. More specifically, it comes from Southern Appalachia. With arrangements led by fiddle and acoustic guitar, Bradshaw’s three albums transport listeners to the hills, hollers, and small towns of the region.
A stellar songwriter, Bradshaw paints portraits of the places to which his music transports listeners. Bridging the gaps between poetic and literary, songwriter and storyteller, this independent artist offers a thoughtful escape from boring commercial country music.
Song Selection: “In the Cinnamon Glow” from Thus Spoke the Fool (2024)
Van Plating—Great Country Music from the Sunshine State
Van Plating is a prolific and talented independent artist who makes great country music that embodies the best parts of life in Florida. She released her self-titled debut album in 2019. Since then, she’s released a total of three full-length records. Her latest, Orange Blossom Child (2023) saw the artist coming into her own.
Plating calls her signature style Orange Blossom Country. It combines bluegrass, old-time, Outlaw Country, and the heartland rock of artists like Tom Petty to create something new, distinct, and refreshing.
Song Selection: “Zion Is a Woman” from Orange Blossom Child (2023)
Will Payne Harrison—An Independent Country Artist from the Swamps of Louisiana
These days, Will Payne Harrison is a staple of the East Nashville music scene. However, he hails from a small town in Louisiana and wears his Cajun influences on his sleeve. His signature blend of classic Nashville country and Cajun music makes him a standout among independent artists.
Harrison’s music packs more than just a sound that will keep listeners’ toes tapping. His songwriting is also top-notch. He’s a plain-spoken storyteller who isn’t afraid to inject a little humor into his music. On the other side of the coin, he’s not shy about opening his heart and pouring out love and pain through his lyrics.
Song Selection: “Lover’s Arms” from Tioga Titan (2023)
Matt Moran—Somewhere Between Rock, Country, and Heartbreak
Backed by his band, The Palominos, singer/songwriter Mat Moran creates what he calls “existential country.” As the moniker suggests, it’s not average country music. With sounds varying from heartland rock to acoustic ballads, Moran and the band hit all the sonic sweet spots. However, his songwriting is the star of the show.
Moran might be one of the most vulnerable songwriters in the game today. A recovering alcoholic, he has felt and caused his share of heartache over the years. He channels much of that pain and uncertainty into his music.
Song Selection: “Tequila or Me” from Heartbreak Kid (2022)
Ben Jarell—An Independent Artist Making Pure Country Gold
Ben Jarell is an independent country artist from Alabama who leans hard into the genre’s traditions. He wears the influence of genre titans like George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, and John Prine on his sleeve but isn’t a stranger to blues-infused southern rock when a song calls for a harder-edged sound.
Jarell’s music makes it obvious that he spent years listening to the greats. It’s packed with pedal steel, fiddle, Telecaster twang, and acoustic guitars. However, he’s not just stepping into a studio—or onto a stage—and copying those who came before him. Instead, he distills those sounds into something fresh but familiar.
Song Selection: “Hole in the Sky” from A Country Song (2024)
Featured Image by Steve Galli/Shutterstock
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