Symphonic’s Top Country, Americana & Folk Artists of 2025

The end of the year is officially upon us! And you know what that means… The time has returned where we highlight some of the best artists in our midst who have been making major waves in the industry. ⚡️👀 Without further ado, these are our final picks for the best Country, Americana, and Folk artists from Symphonic in 2025…

Symphonic’s Top Country, Americana & Folk Artists of 2025

Anna Vaus

Anna Vaus has been making major waves in 2025 with her breezy California‑meets‑Nashville sound. Her debut full-length album, Downhill From Here, showcases her knack for blending heartfelt storytelling with catchy, modern country melodies. Earlier EPs like Wild Honey and Younger Version of Myself cemented her reputation for honest, sun-soaked songwriting, and she’s also written songs for artists like Carly Pearce, proving her chops as both a performer and songwriter. Anna has toured with Willie Nelson and played iconic stages like the Grand Ole Opry and The Bluebird Cafe, and with her authenticity, talent, and growing fanbase, she’s one of the breakout forces in country and Americana this year. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Chance Emerson

Chance Emerson brings a rich, melodic folk‑rock vibe rooted in his unique background, growing up between Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Maine, and now making waves out of Providence, RI. His 2023 album Ginkgo (and lead single “House We Share”) blends emotional songwriting with warm, resonant soundscapes that connect deeply with listeners. As a live performer, Chance has opened for acts like Blues Traveler and toured across the Northeast, building a dedicated fanbase with intimate, powerful shows. And as a winner of the BMI John Lennon Songwriting Award, he’s an artist whose songwriting chops, global roots, and growing momentum make him one of the most compelling voices in Americana and folk-rock this year. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Elyse Saunders

Elyse Saunders has been lighting up the country scene in 2025 with big vocals and real-toned songwriting. The Canadian-born artist scored major radio hits with “Never Have I Ever” and “Dirt,” and recently released “Heartbreak Rodeo,” all showcasing her knack for mixing modern attitude with classic country. She has shared stages with big names and logged hundreds of festival and tour shows, while her songs now boast millions of streams worldwide. As a songwriter with cuts across North America and a dynamic, commanding stage presence, Elyse is not just rising; she is making serious noise in country and Americana this year. //  🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

HAFFWAY

HAFFWAY (Sam Westhoff) flips the folk and Americana script with raw, cinematic songwriting that’s earned him a spot as one of 2025’s most intriguing voices. Since launching HAFFWAY in 2023 with the single “Dirty Fire,” he’s built momentum with emotionally charged releases like 2024’s Lady Lou EP and his 2025 debut full‑length Wither. He blends intimate folk‑alternative vibes with powerful storytelling, addressing love, loss, and mental health in a way that hits hard and leaves a mark. On top of that, he’s toured behind his own music and backed up big acts, proving he can bring his vision to life live. HAFFWAY’s honesty, artistry, and bold sonic identity make him one of the standout breakout artists in the modern folk/Americana scene this year. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

JR Carroll

J.R. Carroll has quietly built a reputation over the last few years as one of country and Americana’s most honest voices. Born and raised in Oklahoma, he grew up singing gospel in his small town church choir before picking up the guitar and transforming those roots into raw, soulful songwriting. His debut EP Long Story Short laid the groundwork, with songs like “Where the Red Fern Grows” and “Grass That Isn’t Green” introducing listeners to his knack for mixing heartland storytelling with a weathered, emotional edge. In December 2024, he released his first full-length album, Dark Cloud, a deeply personal project rooted in his Oklahoma upbringing. Whether playing keys on the road with Zach Bryan or carving his own path as a solo artist, J.R. brings a quiet intensity and authenticity to every song. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Kenny Sharp has been redefining roots music in 2025 with his self‑coined “Brown Liquor Music,” a genre‑bending blend of soul, blues, Americana, and R&B that feels both classic and fresh. He’s dropped standout tracks like “Amy,” “Broken Heart Diamond Ring,” and “Outlaw (Acoustic),” mixing gritty emotion with silky grooves that hit at the heart. Sharp started as a rapper and evolved into a storyteller with a raw, powerful voice… now he writes, produces, and performs with equal passion. His live shows bring full force, backed by a band and stage presence rooted in old‑school soul, funk, and rock ’n’ roll energy. Between TV sync placements, writing credits with other artists, and a breakout 2025 run, Kenny’s one of the most exciting soul‑southern storytellers rising right now. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Kylie Morgan

Kylie Morgan has dominated parts of 2025 with her signature “Oklahoma heart, Nashville hustle” energy and a voice that hits both empowerment anthems and honest love songs. Her 2023 debut full-length album, Making It Up As I Go, built around the breakout radio hit “If He Wanted To He Would”, shows off her honest lyrics, catchy melodies, and relatable storytelling. She’s racked up hundreds of millions of streams, toured headlining shows and major festival stages, and even shared arenas with established acts. With a talent for turning personal stories into anthems that resonate widely, Kylie Morgan continues to solidify her place as a standout force in country music this year. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify… 

Parker Graye

Parker Graye broke through in 2024 with her debut album Lyin’ To Me, a raw, heartbreak-heavy collection that landed her first Top‑40 hit on Canadian country radio with “Good At Gettin’ Gone.” Her 2024 single “Halfway” racked up over a million streams in under four months, showing that her “sad-girl country” sound hits hard and resonates. With emotionally honest lyrics, late-night confessional vibes, and a knack for turning heartbreak into catharsis, Parker has established herself as a bold, authentic voice in contemporary country. Her festival performances and Canadian tours have turned casual listeners into devoted fans, proving her music connects deeply wherever it’s heard. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Rachael Jenkins

Rachael Jenkins has quietly made a name for herself this year with introspective, emotionally honest indie‑folk that resonates. Her 2025 project, The Valley, along with standout recent singles like “Body” and “Allergy Season,” highlight her soft vocals, raw lyricism, and a knack for storytelling that feels personal and real. Her earlier work, including the debut single “untitled”, laid the groundwork, bringing themes of identity and vulnerability into sharp focus. Based in Utah, Rachael crafts songs that cut close to the bone and draw listeners in with their sincerity. Her growing catalog and deeply felt songwriting mark her as a rising voice in folk and Americana this year. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Trudy

Trudy is a Montreal-based singer-songwriter who has been turning heads in 2025 with her heartfelt storytelling, warm vocals, and signature folk-country sound. Her 2023 debut EP, Go Solo, marked a career milestone, earning her the title of iHeartRadio Future Star and four nominations at the Gala Country. She’s taken her music to major stages, including Nashville’s CMA Fest, Montreal’s LASSO Festival, the CCMAS, and the Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase. With her captivating voice, genuine songwriting, and growing presence on both national and international stages, Trudy continues to make a lasting impression in country and Americana this year. // 🎙️ Discover more on Spotify…

Want to hear more of our favorite artists from the past year? 

Check out our ‘Best of 2025’ playlist on Spotify below…