country artists to watch in 2015

Chris Lane is a natural choice for Taste of Country's top Artist to Watch of 2015. It's unlikely you've heard of him yet, as he doesn't even have a record deal. However, Lane rose to the top of this list -- a list that took notice of Sam Hunt last January, long before 'Leave the Night On' hit airwaves -- like he does everything ...

OK, we know -- Striking Matches made last year's Artist to Watch list as well. But this year really is their year!

So much is made about Chase Bryant's guitar playing style (upside down and backwards) that what's truly remarkable about his debut single 'Take It on Back' gets lost. This Texan can pick, but man can he ever sing!

Earlier this month, Mickey Guyton's debut single 'Better Than You Left Me' went for "adds," meaning it officially launched as a potential single for radio stations nationwide to consider.

Part of what makes the men of Old Dominion such an exciting act to watch moving forward is what they've done in the past.

The four other songs on RaeLynn's 'Me' EP prove the unique, sharply-penned 'God Made Girls' wasn't just a happy songwriting accident. This 20-year-old has serious skills in the writer's room, and she's friends with some of the hottest writers in town.

Logan Mize snuck up on country music fans in 2014, although it's difficult to see how.

Little-known fact about country newcomer Clare Dunn: she's the female voice supporting Luke Bryan during the chorus of 'Country Girl (Shake It for Me).' Now with her own record deal and a crowd eager to see her as a headliner, the Colorado native is likely through taking a backseat to anyone.

The Railers are more fun than a pocket full of Black Cats.

"Now this is country!" That's the most-heard exclamation from those listening to Mo Pitney for the first time. If there's going to be a renaissance in Nashville -- a return to songs that celebrate three chords and the truth -- artists like Pitney are going to need to be at the forefront.