Every year, we’re exposed to emerging artists from all corners of the Great White North. 2023 was no different.
With talented artists competing in talent competitions, signing their first record deals, and hitting the road for the first time, a number of emerging country artists are turning heads.
Each year, we compile a list of emerging artists destined for the spotlight.
We’ve got them on our radar … so should you.
9 Canadian Country Artists To Watch in 2024
Every year, we have a lot of fun making this list. So in no particular order, here are the 9 Emerging Canadian country artists that you need to have your radar for the next year.
Big things are coming for the class of 2024.
1. Teigen Gayse
Teigen Gayse has had an incredible year. Her smash single “If You Show Me Yours” cracked the Top 30 at radio, along with scoring her iHeartRadio Future Star and Rogers One To Watch. Teigen was a finalist in the 2023 SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition.
RELATED: Teigen teamed up with Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger for “If You Show Me Yours” Learn more …
Teigen also made her debut at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, LASSO Music Festival, and accompanied both Gord Bamford and Tim Hicks on their respective tours this year.
Teigen’s current single “Sleeping With Her” is #36 at Canadian country radio. With no sign of slowing down, Teigen is sure to have another incredible year ahead.
Teigen Made Us Try Disgusting Food Combos On Our Podcast
2. Brock Phillips
Brock Phillips is the newest addition to the Local Hay Records roster, and the first since Shawn Austin’s signing in 2021.
Brock may just be one of British Columbia … and Dallas Smith’s, best kept secrets.
Brock has been making his rounds on the West coast, playing at the Commodore, opening for Dallas Smith, and more. We don’t know too much about Brock yet, but we’re excited to see his introduction to the Canadian country landscape this year.
If you want to check Brock out for yourself, he will be opening for Josh Ross on February 4 at the Commodore Ballroom.
3. Zach McPhee
Zach McPhee is featured on a number of editorial playlists on Apple Music. This early find first peaked our ears earlier this year.
Zach released his album “Feels Country To Me” in September after a number of singles throughout the year.
Born and raised in Vernon, British Columbia, Zach grew up playing junior hockey. Committing to a career in music, he released his first single in January of this past year.
His down-home acoustic sound is compelling, yet refreshing and paired with thoughtful lyrics. We’ve got our eyes on Zach McPhee as he continues to emerge this year.
4. Shantaia
Shantaia was crowned winner at the 2023 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase. She also released her debut album in February, featuring smash Top 40 single, “Broke To Brand New”, along with “Know You” and TikTok viral, “Damaged Goods.”
Shantaia will be releasing a single with Universal Music Canada as part of her prize for winning the Emerging Artist Showcase, so we’re looking forward to seeing what she releases.
She will also take the stage at Boots and Hearts following the 2024 Emerging Artist Showcase. Shantaia will be headed East for Cavendish Beach Music Festival in summer 2024 as well.
It’s going to be a big year for Shantaia.
Listen To Our Chat With SHANTAIA On Our Podcast
5. Dawson Gray
Dawson Gray is another newcomer from the West coast.
He didn’t really rationalize a career in music until after university. Originally set on playing professional baseball, a sight disorder prevented him from pursuing professional sports.
Gray picked up the guitar to occupy his free time, and quickly learned he had an affinity for songwriting and singing.
Just this past year, he released 5 singles, which have seen success across streaming platforms.
We’ve got our eye on Dawson Gray in 2024 and you should too!
6. Kalsey Kulyk
Kalsey Kulyk closed out 2023 with her single “Love Me Like an Outlaw” continuing to climb the Canadian country radio charts.
RELATED: Learn more about Kalsey’s song “Love Me Like An Outlaw” and give it a listen …
The single is currently sitting at #21 after being recognized as Stingray Trending Track and Rogers One To Watch. Kalsey also competed on the 2023 season of Canada’s Got Talent.
Last year, Kalsey spent some time on the road with Hunter Brothers in Fall 2023 opening on their Burning Down The Barn tour.
She has won the CCMA Discovery Award and received a CCMA Nomination for Roots Album of the Year.
Kalsey’s slow and steady climb has positioned her as an emerging artist to keep your eye on.
Kalsey Joined Us For A Chat On Our Podcast. Get To Know Her More
7. Noah Derksen
Noah Derksen captured the ears of country listeners in 2023 when landed a finalist position in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country competition. At the Top of the Country finale, Noah captivated the audience, serenading the crowd with his indie-folk originals.
Noah released the album Sanctity of Silence in Spring 2023, and the EP Nothing Lasts Forever (B Sides) in November. He toured with fellow Winnipeg artist, Ariel Posen, took the stage at LASSO Music Festival and showcased at CMA Fest.
2023 was an incredible introduction for Noah to the Canadian country landscape, and his captivating indie style has us hoping for new music this year.
Noah’s Spotify Bio Took Us By Surprise So We Asked Him About It
8. Elyse Saunders
Elyse Saunders is the first iHeartRadio Future Star for 2023 with her upcoming single “Never Have I Ever”.
Elyse received her first CMAOntario award for Music Video of the Year for her single “Genes” in 2023.
RELATED: We were able to premiere her music video for “Genes”, so go give it a listen …
She has been turning heads in the Ontario country music scene for a number of years. Her 2021 EP “Free” included a number of top streaming songs, including “Sunshine State of Mind” and “Free” which garnered global attention.
As a songwriter, Elyse has been shining with thirteen of her songs released with other artists since just 2021.
Elyse Saunders Was The First Guest On Our Podcast
9. Mitch Zorn
Mitch Zorn first crossed our desk when he was a wild card finalist for the 2023 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase. He released three singles in 2023, including the track “The Rust” which is currently featured on Spotify’s Next From Nashville playlist.
Mitch spent the last year touring the West Coast, clocking 75 shows in 2023 alone, including BC’s Denim on the Diamond.
In September 2023, Mitch announced the signing of his first record deal with 604 Records.
We’re excited to see new music from Mitch through 604 in the upcoming year.
Will 2024 Be The Best Year For Music?
2024 is going to be another big year for music in Canada!
We’re looking forward to seeing how artists continue to connect with listeners in creative ways, leverage their platforms to raise awareness to social issues, and keep putting out new music to get us through.
We’re looking forward to seeing these artists make some big moves in 2024.
We have a Spotify playlist that features all the best in indie country music in Canada. Be sure to give it a follow and listen.
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
