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5 Country and Americana Albums to Start With
A listening route through Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, Sierra Ferrell, Zach Bryan and Colter Wall, with a first song and a next step for each album.
WHISKEY TWANG
Behind the music.
The records, the people, and the roads that connect them.
Next Up
6 Country and Americana Artists to Know: September 22, 2026
From Blue Ridge Band’s Canadian competition win to new music from Ken Pomeroy and Boy Golden: six discoveries, six starting points, and what to follow next.
Next Up
After AMERICANAFEST 2026: 3 Emerging Artists to Hear Next
Where to start with Ken Pomeroy, Boy Golden and Crowe Boys—and the new releases that keep the discovery going after Nashville.
The listening room
Americana, Outlaw Country and Red Dirt: What’s the Difference?
A clear guide to three overlapping music labels: Americana’s roots community, outlaw country’s 1970s history and Red Dirt’s Oklahoma connections.
Next Up
Blue Ridge Band Wins Top of the Country 2026: Meet the Three Finalists
The Quebec trio won in Saskatoon, with Morgan Griffiths and Shawnee Kish named runners-up. Here is where to start with each artist’s music.
The listening room
How to Read Album Credits and Find Your Next Favorite Song
Learn what songwriter, producer and musician credits tell you, where to verify them, and how to follow real connections through country and Americana records.