Rising Artists to Watch at CRS
(Nashville, TN) – The Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025 is set to spotlight a dynamic lineup of emerging artists poised to make significant waves in the country music scene. Among the most anticipated performers are Shaylen, Carter Faith, Chase Matthew, Preston Cooper, and Tucker Wetmore.
Chase Matthew:
Chase Matthew is proving to be one of country music’s most exciting rising stars, coming off a successful run on Jason Aldean’s “Highway Desperado Tour” and preparing to hit the road again—this time with Keith Urban. His time on Aldean’s tour in 2024 gave him the chance to perform in front of massive crowds across the country, sharing the stage with artists like Hailey Whitters and Lauren Alaina. The experience helped introduce his high-energy performances and gritty, heartfelt songs to an even wider audience.
Now, Matthew is gearing up for another major career milestone as he joins Keith Urban on the “High and Alive World Tour,” kicking off on May 22, 2025, in Alabama. The tour will take him across the U.S. and beyond, with a lineup that also includes Alana Springsteen and Karley Scott Collins. This opportunity puts Matthew alongside one of country music’s most respected performers, giving him yet another platform to showcase his powerful vocals and electric stage presence.
With his raw storytelling and deep connection to his fans, Matthew is solidifying his place in modern country music. As he continues to build momentum, his upcoming tour with Urban is sure to bring even more unforgettable performances and cement his reputation as one of the genre’s most promising new voices.
Chase Matthew’s highly anticipated EP, Chase, is set to drop at midnight on February 21, 2025, marking a new chapter in his rising career. Packed with his signature blend of modern country and southern rock, the EP promises a mix of heartfelt storytelling, high-energy anthems, and raw, authentic lyrics that have resonated with his growing fanbase.
Preston Cooper:
At just 21 years old, Preston Cooper is quickly making a name for himself in country music. Hailing from Fredericktown, Ohio, Cooper first gained recognition as “The Singing Mailman,” juggling his postal job with local gigs. A year ago, he took a leap of faith, moving to Nashville to chase his dream full-time—a decision that’s already paying off in a big way.
Cooper’s raw, soulful voice blends classic country grit with hints of rock and blues, a sound that caught the attention of industry heavyweights Brad and Brett Warren. The Warren Brothers discovered him at a songwriter’s round in Toledo and saw something special. In October 2024, Cooper signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and the Warrens’ company, setting the stage for his breakthrough.
His debut single, Weak, co-written with Lance Miller and the Warren Brothers, dropped on January 31, 2025, giving fans a taste of his emotionally charged songwriting and powerful delivery. The track dives into the highs and lows of love, resonating with listeners on a deep level. Shortly after its release, Cooper landed a spot on Riley Green’s Damn Country Music Tour, where he’s been lighting up major venues, including the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
With his authentic sound and undeniable talent, it’s no surprise that Cooper was named one of Pandora’s “2025 Artists to Watch” in country music. As he continues to carve out his place in the industry, there’s no doubt he’s on the path to becoming one of country’s next big stars.
Shaylen:
Shaylen, born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and raised in Dallas, Texas, has swiftly emerged as a compelling voice in country music. Her musical journey began with influences from legends like Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Janis Joplin, shaping her diverse artistic foundation. Initially pursuing a pop career in Los Angeles, Shaylen made a pivotal transition back to her roots in 2022, embracing country music and relocating to Nashville.
Since this transition, Shaylen’s rise has been remarkable. She signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV, allowing her to craft songs that resonate with personal authenticity. Her heartfelt storytelling is evident in tracks like “Roots” and “To Tell You The Truth,” the latter marking her debut release with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment in September 2024.
A significant milestone in Shaylen’s career was her Grand Ole Opry debut on October 5, 2024, where she performed back-to-back shows, introduced by Opry member Chris Young. Looking ahead, Shaylen is working on new music for her debut project under Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, promising more heartfelt storytelling to come.
With her authentic sound and compelling stage presence, Shaylen continues to captivate audiences, solidifying her place as a rising star in the country music scene.
Carter Faith
Hailing from Davidson, North Carolina, Carter Faith is quickly carving out a space for herself in country music with her heartfelt songwriting and smooth, captivating vocals. She first discovered her love for music in middle school, picking up piano and guitar before diving into songwriting as a teenager. After college, she made the move to Nashville, immersing herself in the city’s thriving music scene and collaborating with some of the industry’s top writers and producers.
What sets Faith apart is her unique voice, which carries a warmth and authenticity reminiscent of classic country artists. While many rising stars lean into pop-country influences, she embraces a more traditional country sound, blending timeless storytelling with modern production. Her style draws inspiration from legends like Alison Krauss and Dolly Parton, while still feeling fresh and current.
Faith’s ability to bridge the old and new is evident in her October 2024 EP, The Aftermath, released through Capitol Records Nashville. Produced by Tofer Brown, the project includes standout tracks like Alright, Late Bloomer, Strong Stuff, and Blue Bird, a collaboration with Alison Krauss. The EP showcases her talent for crafting deeply personal lyrics, wrapped in melodies that feel both nostalgic and innovative.
Her music has already struck a chord with listeners, racking up over 117 million streams worldwide with hits like Wild and Greener Pasture. With a sound that stays true to country’s roots while appealing to a new generation, Carter Faith is proving she has the artistry and staying power to leave a lasting mark on the genre. As she continues to release new music and connect with fans, she’s shaping up to be one of country music’s most exciting new voices.
Tucker Wetmore
Tucker Wetmore, born on November 5, 1999, in Kalama, Washington, is quickly making a name for himself in the world of country music. Growing up in a small town, he developed a love for music at an early age, teaching himself to play the piano by age 11. Inspired by legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, Wetmore’s musical journey took a sharp turn after an injury ended his football career while he was at Montana Technological University. This setback pushed him to focus on his true passion: songwriting and performing.
In 2020, Wetmore moved to Nashville, where he started making waves in the country scene. By 2021, he had released a string of successful singles, including Kiss My A$$, Another Shot, and She’s Trouble, quickly gaining attention for his bold lyrics and catchy melodies. His 2024 single, Wine into Whiskey, marked a major milestone, becoming his first song to chart on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts. Building on that momentum, Wetmore released Wind Up Missin’ You in March 2024, which debuted on country radio in June of the same year.
Wetmore’s debut EP, Waves on a Sunset, dropped in October 2024 under Back Blocks Music and UMG Nashville, and it’s a collection of tracks that showcase his ability to blend traditional country with a modern edge. Songs like Silverado Blue and Twister are a testament to his skill in crafting both heartfelt ballads and high-energy anthems. His talent has earned him a place on the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts, with his EP debuting at number 87 and number 18, respectively.
As a songwriter, Wetmore has continued to prove his worth with every release. He brings a raw authenticity to his lyrics, often pulling from personal experiences and the rich storytelling tradition of country music. In 2025, Wetmore’s talent has not gone unnoticed, with a Best New Country Artist nomination at the iHeartRadio Music Awards and an exciting opportunity to join Thomas Rhett on his Better in Boots Tour. Starting in June 2025, Wetmore will perform across the country alongside The Castellows and Dasha, solidifying his place as one of country music’s brightest new stars.
With his honest songwriting, dynamic voice, and relentless work ethic, Tucker Wetmore is a country artist who’s here to stay. Fans can find his music on major streaming platforms and keep up with his journey through his social media channels.
As the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025 draws near, these rising artists—Shaylen, Carter Faith, Chase Matthew, Preston Cooper, and Tucker Wetmore—are setting the stage for an unforgettable year in country music. Each of them brings a unique blend of talent, authenticity, and hard-earned experience to the table, promising to captivate audiences and leave a lasting mark on the genre. From high-profile tours and chart-topping releases to exciting new projects, these artists are poised to take the country music world by storm. As they continue to evolve and connect with fans, CRS 2025 will undoubtedly be just the beginning of their journeys to becoming the next big stars in the industry.
