WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN RELEASES NEW MUSIC AND NEW VIDEO WITH THE NEW YEAR

'Whiskey Kinda Night' brings country music comfort to 

die-hard traditionalists

Today, Mississippi native William Michael Morgan releases a new track for country music lovers called “Whiskey Kinda Night.” This is the first of six upcoming releases from a mix of full band production with alternating acoustic classic recordings that William Michael will make available throughout the year.  

The music video was directed by Victoria Metzger, a past winner of the Berkeley Student Film Festival, and was shot at local honky-tonk Scoreboard Nashville.

"Whiskey Kinda Night" written by Morgan, Doug Johnson and Adam Wood is the kind of song that calls up a memory from the days of slow dancing on a hardwood floor. Morgan says, "I've written a bunch of songs with Doug and Adam, who are also the producers on this track, but every once in a while you hit on something special. Very honored to have worked with those guys, the studio musicians and my team on this new project. Sometimes nothing gets you over her like a whiskey kinda night."

Morgan’s new recordings build on the success of his rising young career. He earned a No. 1 single with his Gold-certified debut, “I Met A Girl,” that Rolling Stone described as a “laid-back ode to the joy of romantic discovery” and was named one of NPR Music’s Top 100 Songs of 2016. His widespread adoration from country fans paved the way for his album Vinyl to debut Top 5 on the Billboard Country albums chart, earning critical acclaim in the process. Morgan has a voice that “resonates with the flawless timbre of someone who has been singing country music for decades beyond his years” (Pandora). As one of the 2017 CRS New Faces of Country Music he has already accumulated nearly 100 million on-demand streams.

Listen and download "Whiskey Kinda Night" HERE.

PEOPLE.COM HIGHLIGHTS KAREN WALDRUP'S "ME AGAIN" FEATURING WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN

VIRAL SENSATION KAREN WALDRUP RELEASES RAW, EMOTIONAL SINGLE

 “ME AGAIN” FEATURING WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN AFTER TUMULTUOUS 2018 

PEOPLE.COM SHARES WALDRUP’S STORY FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH; 

SONG LANDS ON SPOTIFY AND PANDORA PLAYLISTS 

Cover art photo credit: Walter White

Viral sensation, creative entrepreneur and charismatic entertainer Karen Waldrup’s new single “Me Again” featuring William Michael Morgan is available now. The country singer/songwriter went through trial after trial in 2018 in her personal life as well as professional life which spawned the new song, penned by Waldrup and hit songwriters Danny Wells and Philip White.

Read the People story here. 

“2018 was such a trying year for me,” explains Waldrup. “My fans, friends and family stood by myself through it all and now I’m stronger than ever with a story to tell. I’m so thankful for all the support that lead me to believe in me again.”

Waldrup began performing “Me Again” during her live shows this summer and garnered countless standing ovations which prompted her to record the song. Waldrup teamed up with award-winning producer Dave Brainard to create the hauntingly beautiful track with a traditional country vibe with Bruce Bouton on steel guitar. William Michael Morgan’s smooth collaborative vocals add another layer to the throw-back vibe.

Billboard included the song in their new music round-up among Miranda Lambert and Garth Brooks and Blake Shelton, saying, “Waldrup’s whispered vocals pair beautifully with William Michael Morgan’s delicate country belt on the heartfelt 'Me Again'.” The Boot also included it in their New Music Everyday, it’s currently on Spotify’s New Music Nashville and Pandora’s Rising Women in Country playlists.

Waldrup is playing a rare hometown show tonight in Nashville at Analog at Hutton Hotel sponsored by Country Rebel with a special guest appearance by William Michael Morgan. She will perform the National Anthem at the Chicago Bulls game on November 22.

www.karenwaldrup.com 

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN IS MAKING HIS MARK ON 2017

Will Join Facebook Live Chat with Rare Country from the 

Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on January 25 

William Michael Morgan is making his mark on 2017! After his national TV debut on NBC’s TODAY January 4, performing his poignant No. 1 hit “I Met A Girl,” it was just announced that the critically acclaimed rising country star will be included in the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s new exhibit, American Currents (The Music of 2016), set to open on March 17. Fans can get a behind the scenes look at the upcoming exhibit by joining Morgan and Rare Country LIVE via Facebook on Wednesday, January 25 at 2:00PM CT.

Morgan’s debut effort, VINYL, landed him on many year-end best albums lists, including Rolling Stone, iTunes, Saving Country Music, and top song of the year nods for “I Met A Girl” from Billboard and NPR. The New York Times declares “…in the emergent field of gentleman country — an antidote to the bros of the last few years — William Michael Morgan stands tall.” The praise continues, referring to “Vinyl” as a “sturdy, reflective debut album…. a throwback to the temperate wisdom of midcareer George Strait.”

Named an “Artist To Watch” by Pandora, Rolling Stone, Taste of Country, The Huffington Post and more, 2017 shows no sign of slowing down as Music Row’s “Next Big Thing” prepares for his upcoming CRS “New Face of Country Music” performance in February. Morgan’s follow up single “Missing” written by Rhett Akins, Marv Green is impacting country radio now. The video for the track, which Saving Country Music describes as one that “taps right into that genuine country music goodness … gives you a sense that everything’s right in the country world,” recently premiered via Rolling Stone Country.

The 23-year-old Vicksburg, MS native is currently on the road with country music stars Lee Brice and Justin Moore on the “American Made” Tour with dates running through March. His breakout mega-hit “I Met A Girl,” which topped Country Radio charts and SiriusXM’s “The Highway” Top 45 Countdown chart, has garnered over half a billion audience impressions, including over 20 million on-demand streams. His critically acclaimed album VINYL debuted in the Top 5 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart.

For more information and tour dates, please visit www.williammichaelmorgan.com

#COUNTRYREWIND - WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN PERFORMS ON TODAY SHOW

Photo ID: (L to R) Hoda Kotb, William Michael Morgan, Jenna Bush Hager

Photo Courtesy Warner Music Nashville

William Michael Morgan kicked off the new year with Hoda and Jenna on NBC’s TODAY, making his national TV debut on January 4 performing his No. 1 hit “I Met A Girl."  The poignant song, along with his newest single, “Missing,” are featured on his recently released critically acclaimed debut album VINYL. Click here to see performance - http://on.today.com/2hRo3TN

Morgan’s debut effort lands him on many year-end best albums lists, including Rolling Stone, iTunes, Saving Country Music, and top song of the year nods for “I Met A Girl” from Billboard and NPR.  The New York Times declares “…in the emergent field of gentleman country — an antidote to the bros of the last few years — William Michael Morgan stands tall.”  The praise continues, referring to “Vinyl” as a “sturdy, reflective debut album….  a throwback to the temperate wisdom of midcareer George Strait.”

The 23-year-old Vicksburg, MS native will join country music stars Lee Brice and Justin Moore on the “American Made” Tour with dates starting in January.  His breakout mega-hit “I Met A Girl,” which topped Country Radio charts and SiriusXM’s “The Highway” Top 45 Countdown chart, has garnered over half a billion audience impressions, including over 20 million on-demand streams. His critically acclaimed album VINYL debuted in the Top 5 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart.

For more information and tour dates, please visit www.williammichaelmorgan.com

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN TO PERFORM ON NBC’s TODAY SHOW IN JANUARY

Critically Acclaimed Debut Album VINYL Releases on Vinyl on December 16

Named 2017 CRS New Face of Country Music and Music Row’s Next Big Thing

William Michael Morgan is set to kick off the new year with Kathie Lee and Hoda on NBC’s TODAY, making his national TV debut on January 4 to perform his No. 1 hit “I Met A Girl”. The poignant song, along with his newest single, “Missing,” are featured on his recently released critically acclaimed debut album VINYL.

The project, hailed by Roughstock as “one of 2016’s absolute best…” will be released on vinyl on December 16 and may be purchased at WilliamMichaelMorgan.com. To celebrate the release, Morgan will be performing on the Grand Ole Opry presented at the Ryman Auditorium that night. Following his performance on the historic stage, he will join fans to sign copies of his CD and LP. For tickets and information, please visit opry.com.

To add to the New Year excitement, Morgan has been selected to join an elite class as a member of the 2017 New Faces of Country Music and will be performing at CRS on February 24th at Nashville’s Omni hotel. For more information visit countryradioseminar.com. He’s also been named a 2017 Next Big Thing artist by Music Row.

The 23-year-old Vicksburg, MS native will be far from “Missing” as he continues on the road throughout the fall before joining country music stars Lee Brice and Justin Moore on the “American Made” Tour in 2017. His breakout mega-hit “I Met A Girl,” which topped Country Radio charts and SiriusXM’s “The Highway” Top 45 Countdown chart, has garnered over half a billion audience impressions, including over 20 million on-demand streams. His critically acclaimed album VINYL debuted in the Top 5 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart.

For more information and tour dates, please visit www.williammichaelmorgan.com.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN TO PERFORM NATIONAL ANTHEM AT TENNESSEE TITANS GAME IN CELEBRATION OF COUNTRY MUSIC MONTH AND “THE 50TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS”

Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville artist and traditional Country Music torchbearer William Michael Morgan will perform the national anthem at the Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts game on Sunday, Oct. 23 as he joins the Country Music Association in celebrating Country Music Month and “The 50th Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 2 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Morgan recently earned his first No.1 for debut single, “I Met A Girl,” from his recently released Top 5 Billboard Country Albums LP, Vinyl. The breakout star receives high marks with Rolling Stone praising the album for “leading a traditional revival” and Saving Country Music notes that Morgan is the “traditionalist that mainstream needs…his touch can turn something to country gold.” NPR applauds Morgan for standing on “solidly traditional footing” while Taste of Country hears “a young George Strait in its straightforward earnestness.” Produced by award-winning Scott Hendricks and Jimmy Ritchey, Vinyl also features his next single, “Missing.”

Morgan has come a long way since his days of playing the legendary “Louisiana Hayride” once a month and other various local bookings secured by his parents. The 23-year-old Vicksburg, MS native continues to hit the road throughout the fall, and will kick off 2017 by joining country music stars Lee Brice and Justin Moore on the “American Made” Tour. Morgan will start the trek January 12 in Indianapolis, IN and continue through March, playing 20 cities across the country.

For more information and tour dates, please visit www.williammichaelmorgan.com /
Follow William Michael Morgan on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram.

CD REVIEW: "VINYL" - WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN

CD: "Vinyl"

Artist: William Michael Morgan

Release Date: 9/30/16

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

Times are changin' and so is the direction of country music thanks to artists like William Michael Morgan. His Sam Hunt penned debut single, "I Met A Girl", put the country music charts on a new tilt and went all the way to #1 after 49 weeks, setting a Mediabase chart record for longest climb to number one. It may have taken awhile to find it's way to the top of the charts, but it sure didn't take long to find it's way to the #1 place in the hearts of traditional country music fans, Now, with the release of his much anticipated debut album "Vinyl", fans have even more reason to be excited. It takes a special kind of artist to start a fire and William Michael Morgan seems to be just the spark that's needed.

Each track on the album reflects who William Michael Morgan is, honest and simple with a deep love for the style of country music that seems to have gotten lost somewhere along the way but that so many of us have held on, waiting for it to find it's way again. He isn't just looking the part with his cowboy hat and Wranglers, he IS the part. His voice is pure and smooth with a hint of Strait that will make your belt buckle. What a refreshing thing to hear when you turn on the radio. Yes, I said radio because even they've seen that what he has to give is much needed. Thank you to all of the stations who took a chance and added the single to their playlists. I promise you that your listeners appreciate it. Even today's younger demographic is pleased in two ways, "I Met a Girl" is a well written song by one of pop country's most popular artists, Sam Hunt, and a well sung song by one of country's hottest traditional newcomers, Morgan. It appeals across the dial.

This is a CD that should be purchased in it's entirety and not limited to the purchase of one or two individual tracks because every track delivers. With songs written by some of country's best writers including, in addition to Sam Hunt, Rhett Akins, Trent Tomlinson, Casey Beathard and Kevin Denney, you really can't go wrong. There is no wrong on this CD, nothing that honest critics can give a thumbs down to. There will be more hits on the way from this album, I'd bet the ranch on it. William Michael Morgan has proven he has more than just potential as a bonafide country artist, he's cemented his future in the genre.

Track Listing for Vinyl

1. People Like Me
2. Vinyl
3. Missing
4. I Met a Girl
5. Spend It All on You
6. Beer Drinker
7. I Know Who He Is
8. Cheap Cologne
9. Somethin' to Drink About
10. Lonesomeville
11. Back Seat Driver

"Vinyl" is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and Walmart.

Connect with WMM online 

Website - www.williammichaelmorgan.com
Twitter - @WMMorgan
Facebook - WilliamMichaelMorgan
Instagram - wmmorganmusic
Youtube - wmmorganmusic

A MESSAGE FROM WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN ...

THIS WEEK'S #1 SONG BY WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN PROVES TRADITION IS VERY MUCH ALIVE AND BREATHING

Everywhere you look on social media these days, country music fans are posting the same thing - "What happened to country music?", "I want to hear something traditional" or "radio doesn't care about REAL country" ... today those questions were answered.

Traditional artist, Warner Bros. own William Michael Morgan took the #1 Mediabase position with his twang of a hit, "I Met a Girl" (ironically written by one of the least "real country" artists but amazing songwriters out there, Sam Hunt.) By passing by artists with current rising hits like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, and Florida Georgia Line, William Michael Morgan proves that country music isn't dead, it was merely waiting for the right time and that time was today. It shows that there's room for more than one style of country and that tradition is still very much alive, even in radio. It doesn't get much more "real country" than William Michael Morgan.

Thank you to Warner Bros/WMN and the fans for believing in this song and making radio believe in it enough to give it the maximum spins needed to break though the 58 weeks of air play and the 49 weeks of sitting at various spots on the Mediabase charts. This makes "I Met a Girl" the longest chart run to #1 in history so three good things came out of this - a deep breath of country life on the charts, the first #1 hit for William Michael Morgan and the single set a new music history record!

Stetsons off to the Warner Bros/WMN team who stood behind this single and pushed it until it finally happened:

WMN SVP Radio & Streaming - Kristen Williams
WMN VP/Radio & Streaming - Chris Palmer
WMN VP/Original Content & Radio Marketing - Chad Schultz
Warner Bros./WMN National Director/Radio & Streaming - Katie Bright
Radio & Streaming Regional Mgrs - Mallory Opheim, Mark Niederhauser, Rick Young, Lou Ramirez
Coordinator/Radio & Streaming - Branden Bosler

Job well done and song well sung!

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN RAMPS UP FOR VINYL STREET WEEK

Debut Album Includes Mega-Hit “I Met A Girl” Available Friday, September 30

On the eve of the release of his debut album, VINYL, Rolling Stone Country Artist You Need To Know singer/songwriter WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN is ramping up for a big week! Riding high on the momentum of lead single, “I Met A Girl,” which is approaching No. 1 on the radio charts, Morgan will be hanging with fans on the road, at radio, and in person to celebrate the career milestone.

On Friday, September 30, Morgan will be performing at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, followed by a hometown in-store appearance at the Vicksburg, Mississippi Wal-Mart on Saturday, October 1. He will head to New York City afterwards for a special Opry in the Park performance on Monday, October 3 at Bryant Park and other media in support of album launch. He’ll round out the week with an Opry Classics show at the mother church, the Ryman, in Nashville on October 6.

“I Met A Girl,” co-written by Sam Hunt, along with Trevor Rosen (Old Dominion) and Shane McAnally, continues to climb towards No.1 on the Billboard and Mediabase airplay charts and has already topped SiriusXM’s “The Highway” Top 45 Countdown chart. The track boasts impressive vocals and numbers with half billion plus in audience, and more than 13 million streams, including over 5.7 million views of its official video.

William Michael Morgan was 11 years old when he got his first guitar and by age 13, he started playing out with guys three or four times his age, learning the old songs and savoring that classic honky-tonk style. His parents were right there, driving him to and from late-night gigs, often hours away, getting little sleep before they headed to their own jobs.

“They always encouraged me,” he says, “and a lot of people say it, but I wouldn’t be anywhere without them.” His dad handled an early MySpace account, networking and looking for opportunities. One came in the form of the Hayride, which William Michael played at least once a month for years starting at 14. That set in motion a chain of events that led to Nashville songwriting appointments and meetings with Music Row executives that eventually landed him both a publishing deal and a major label record deal with Warner Bros. Nashville.

He has written with and drawn from many of Music City’s biggest present-day hit-making songwriters all the while taking inspiration from country music heroes like Keith Whitley, George Jones and his friend and mentor, '90s honky-tonk king Mark Chesnutt. The captivating combination creates a neo-traditional sound that is all his own.

VINYL which is produced by award-winning Scott Hendricks and Jimmy Ritchey, includes 11 songs and is available tomorrow at: iTunes: http://smarturl.it/vinylwmm, Google Play: http://smarturl.it/vinylwmm_gp, and Spotify: http://smarturl.it/vinylwmm_sp.

VINYL is already receiving rave reviews from some of music’s toughest critics:

“Must hear.” 

- Rolling Stone.

“Country Song of the Summer” – “I Met A Girl” 

- Billboard

“…He knows his stuff and stands on solidly traditional footing.” 

- NPR

“Steeped in all the goodness of ’90s country…William Michael stands in stark and proud contrast to the plethora of urban-influenced and inspired country songs on the radio today. And that’s a good thing.” 

– Nash Country Daily

“…Reminiscent of a young George Strait in its straightforward earnestness.” 

– Taste of Country

The 23-year-old Vicksburg, MS native continues on the road throughout the fall before kicking off 2017 by joining country music stars Lee Brice and Justin Moore on the “American Made” Tour. Morgan will start the trek January 12 in Indianapolis, IN and continue through March, playing 20 cities across the country.


For more information and tour dates, please visit www.williammichaelmorgan.com, follow William Michael Morgan on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram.

ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2016 - VOICES THAT ARE GONNA ROCK THE NEW YEAR

Another year of great music comes to a close in a couple of weeks but that means a start to another year of even better music to come. 2015 introduced us to several new artists who took off in a big way and are going to make an even bigger impact on country music in 2016. Here are the names, faces and voices that we think you should keep on your 2016 radar. It's shaping up to be a fantastic new year!

William Michael Morgan  -www.williammichaelmorgan.com
Twitter - @WMMorgan
Facebook - WilliamMichaelMorgan
Instagram - @wmmorganmusic

There's a lot of country tradition under this guy's hat. With a Keith Whitley soul and a voice that immediately brings to mind what country used to be, William Michael Morgan is reminding us what country was meant to be - pure, simple and honest. There's no fluff, no unnecessary excess ... he doesn't need it. What William Michael Morgan portrays is exactly who he is. His debut single, "I Met a Girl" is turning hats everywhere and making people stop to listen. While he may have met a girl, country music is the lucky one because we met one heck of an artist.


Leah Turner - www.leahturner.com
Twitter - @LeahTurnerMusic
Facebook - LeahTurnerMusic
Instagram - @LeahTurnerMusic

Leah Turner dared you to "Take the Keys" on her debut single, now she's taking those keys and opening the door to new beginnings with her new single, "Cowboy's Love". The single's video has been on the CMT Pure 12 Pack for a few weeks now and the single officially comes to iTunes on Friday, 12/18. She's grit and grace, the daughter of a team roper who isn't afraid to wrangle with anyone who tries to change her style. We think she'll be roping in a winner with the new single and you'll be hearing a lot more from Leah in the upcoming year. Leah is a country bad ass, but in a Loretta Lynn "Fist City", "You Ain't Woman Enough" way. Fans need to take country radio to "Fist City" and let them know that she's a "must add."

Mo Pitney - www.mopitney.com
Twitter - @MoPitney
Facebook - MoPitneyOfficial
Instagram - @MoPitney

Mo was another one we named an artist to watch in 2015 and now we add him again to the must watch list for 2016.

If you're a country music fan, I mean a TRIED and TRUE fan of twang, tradition and storytelling, you need to tune into Mo Pitney. Remember the name because Mo is the real deal, the next voice of traditional "sop grandma's homemade biscuits up with some gravy" country music. Trust me, country isn't dead, it's just starting to come back to life with a revival of the likes of new artists like of Mo, Craig Campbell, Sturgill Simpson, Cody Wickline, and William Michael Morgan. These new artists are knocking at country's door and fans are starting to answer the door with an enthusiastic response.

In June 2015, Pitney became the first debuting performer in 14 years to earn a standing ovation at the Grand Ole Opry. The last one was Turner. It could be a while before someone shows the merit to repeat that feat.

He's released several songs this year -  "Country", which was a writing collaboration with country legend "Whisperin" Bill Anderson, the personal and emotional tearjerker "Clean Up on Aisle Five", the upbeat invitation to "Come Do a Little Life" and the flirty and fun "Boy and a Girl Thing." There's nothing that isn't genuine about Mo or his music. We do take a chance on assuming that you're gonna love what you hear and that fans will be making him a voice of 2016.

Cam - www.camcountry.com

Twitter - @CamCountry
Facebook - CamCountry
Instagram - @CamCountry

You've seen her everywhere this year since releasing her debut single, "My Mistake to Make" and it's platinum certified follow up, the hauntingly beautiful "Burning House". Cam has graced many magazines, talk shows, radio shows, and stages in 2015 and hopefully we'll see her accepting her first Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance for "Burning House." Cam has a classic quality in her voice and an infectious attitude that seems to spread throughout a room quite quickly. It's qualities like this that make the difference between a wannabe and a star and Cam is star quality and she's more than proven it in such a short time. With the success of both singles, the "Burning House" video and her recent critically acclaimed CD, "Untamed", as strange as it seems, 2015 was just a beginning for Cam. I think it's safe to say we can expect another banner year for her in 2016.

Chris Stapleton - www.chrisstapleton.com
Twitter - @ChrisStapleton
Facebook - ChrisStapletonOfficial
Instagram - @CAStapleton

We had Chris as one of our artists to watch in 2015 and we weren't kidding. Chris released his then unknown "Traveller" CD which stayed behind the scenes until the ACM Awards where this quiet, unassuming bearded guy in a hat took over the night and surprised the music world by swooping in like a hawk collecting his prey and walked away with 3 of the night's most prestigious awards. While it may have been a shock to those at home, it was in no way a surprise of any kind for any country music industry person or fan in the know that night, we were all cheering and hitting social media with "I Told You About This Guy A Long Time Ago" accolades and congratulations. His performance of the George Jones' classic, "Tennessee Whiskey" with Justin Timberlake was one of the most talked about performances in ages and left a mark where it counts, in the hearts and ears of listeners. His CD sales shot through the roof and radio FINALLY got a clue and started adding his music to their rotations. 2016 is shaping up to bring country back full circle and there is "Nobody to Blame" but Chris Stapleton.

Kasey Tyndall - www.kaseytyndall.com
Twitter - @KaseyTyndall
Facebook - KaseyTyndallMusic
Instagram - @KaseyTyndall

What's that quote by Shakespeare? Though she be but little, she is fierce? Well he obviously had a premonition about Kasey Tyndall. She's a petite little thing but her voice is absolutely fierce and her "get it done" attitude would make Larry the Cable Guy proud. Picked out of tons of video entries, Keith Urban personally chose Kasey to sing a duet with him in Raleigh during his tour stop in August 2014 and her career has been nonstop since then, having moved to Nashville and working with Tennessee East Management (run by Dave Rose of Deep South Entertainment who works with Parmalee, Stryper and other well known artists and Kevin Frazier, local NC venue owner). She's caught the ear of industry professionals, is opening for well known artists as well as performing on her own and released her first single, "Prove Me Wrong" in 2015 with a follow up single on the way. Kasey's a strong one and she's gonna prove them all wrong in 2016!

Morgan Myles - www.morganmyleslive.com
Twitter - @MorganMylesLive
Facebook - MorganMylesLive
Instagram - @MorganMylesLive

Morgan isn't just another blonde in the country crowd because she was born to stand out. With an edge in her voice that reminds one of early Miranda Lambert and a confidence that rivals any top selling country female, Morgan Myles does anything but fit in. With a new EP on the way, "Miss Morgan Myles" is gonna make her mark on 2016. We're really diggin' what Morgan has to offer and after you go to her website and take a listen to "Whiskey Dreaming", I think you'll be right there with us on this one.

Drake White - www.drakewhite.com
Twitter - @DrakeWhite
Facebook - DrakeWhiteMusic
Instagram - @DrakeWhiteStomp

His music just "Feels Good." Really, that's how I'd sum up Drake White. You can't help but move when his music comes on and it really does just give you a good feeling. We've followed Drake for awhile now ever since seeing him open for Montgomery Gentry a few years back in Danville, VA. He's come a long way since then and has performed on the historic Opry stage multiple times. His shows are electric, energizing and over the top fun. His positive attitude and interaction with his fan base makes him a top favorite for 2016.

Chris Janson - www.chrisjanson.com
Twitter - @Jason_Chris
Facebook - ChrisJansonMusic
Instagram - @TheChrisJanson

Chris is another artist who had one hell of a breakout in 2015, but again, that was just the start of what we're gonna see from him in the upcoming year. His independently released single, "Buy Me a Boat" hit the top of the iTunes charts, a relatively unknown feat for an unsigned artist and that set off a fireworks display of major proportions in the industry, leading to a video being funded by CMT, a major label signing with Warner Bros, a re-release of the single to country radio which resulted in his first #1 hit on Mediabase and a platinum certification just this month, multiple appearances on the Opry stage, the release of his debut album and the release of his follow up single "The Power of Positive Drinkin'".  Chris Janson is here to stay and I wouldn't hesistate to say we'll be seeing him at #1 during the next year.

Granger Smith - www.grangersmith.com
Twitter - @GrangerSmith
Facebook - GrangerSmith
Instagram - @GrangerSmith

What can I say other than it's about damn time that the world caught on to Granger's music. They caught onto his alter ego, "Earl Dibbles, Jr." a long time ago. Who would have thought that anyone would attempt the alter ego thing since the whole Garth Brooks/Chris Gaines thing (even though that's one of my favorite albums), but Granger did it and it works. His music works just as well as his sense of humor. His previous CD, "Dirt Road Driveway" released in 2013 was great but just didn't take off but thanks to his new single, "Backroad Song", Granger Smith is back on the highway and headed a new, successful direction. He recently made his Opry debut and you can count on hearing much more from him in 2016.

Maren Morris - www.marenmorris.com
Twitter - @MarenMorris
Facebook - MarenMorris
Instagram - @MarenMorris

At the age of 25, Maren Morris has already established a name for herself in the ultra-competitive Nashville circles with her multi-stylistic vocal influence. Maren signed a publishing deal with Big Yellow Dog Music after winning the 2012 New Music Seminar's "Artist on the Verge" award. Maren's songwriting credits include cuts by Kelly Clarkson and Tim McGraw. Maren has shared the stage with artists such as Gary Allan, Marty Stuart, Radney Foster, Eli Young and others. She recently released her own single, "My Church", which is garnering acclaim on Sirius XM's The Highway and is being picked up by stations nationwide.

Chris Carmack - www.chriscarmackmusic.com
Twitter - @RealCarmack
Facebook - @ChrisCarmackMusic
Instagram - @RealCarmack

Best known as super jock Luke on "The O.C" and for his modeling turns with Abercrombie and Fitch and other well known brands, Chris Carmack has become a well known face and voice around Music City since taking on the role of "Will Lexington", a singer/songwriter struggling not only with his music but with his sexuality, on ABC's "Nashville". This role has made Chris not only a household face, but a household name with his vocal ability. His chiseled features and smoldering good looks are just added bonuses to his musical talent. Chris just released his debut EP, "Pieces of You" to critical acclaim. Entertainment Weekly called the release "Stunning" while Digital Radio compared him to Keith Urban. Chris Carmack's fictitious character may be having a hard time coming to terms with who he is, but the real Chris Carmack has made it clearly known that he knows who he is and has already left his mark on the country music industry.

- Jenn

Follow me on Twitter at @lovinlyrics