We, at New England Country Music, are continuing our series spotlighting women in country music. While the acronym WCW, standing for ‘Women Crush Wednesday,’ is often used for physical attraction, that is not the case here. This series will feature talented women who are crushing the country music scene.
This week, we’re featuring Abby Anderson, an up and coming country singer/songwriter originally from Dallas, Texas. Growing up, she shared a house with six siblings. Music was a part of her life from a very early age. When she was a little girl, she played the piano and sang whenever and wherever she could. In her bio, she mentions: “My earliest memory is my dad always singing so loud in church. I remember asking him, ‘Dad why do you sing so loud? It’s embarrassing.’ He looked at me very seriously and said, ‘God gave me a gift and I’m gonna use it. If I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing loud.'” She finished high school early and at age seventeen, she packed her bags and made the move north to Music City. Shortly after getting settled in, she signed a record deal with Black River Entertainment. In September of 2018, Anderson released her first EP, ‘I’m Good,’ which has reached over 25,000 streams. She co-wrote all but one of the five tracks. Her new single, ‘Good Lord’ was just released a few weeks ago. Keep an ear out because it is due to hit country radio on Marathon Monday. This WCW is passionate about her music and reached out to her fans by saying: “The most important thing to me is that whoever is listening to my music, no matter what your age is or what your gender is, that you feel more confident, that you love yourself more, and that you feel more love when you listen to it.”
Although she’s just getting her feet wet in and around the country music scene, Abby Anderson continues to be recognized. She was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country. She got a spot on Pandora’s popular 2018 Country Artist’s to Watch list. And she has been named one of Music Row’s Next Big Thing for 2019. In January, she was included as part of Bobby Bones’ all-female Class of 2019.
Abby Anderson had an amazing experience touring with Brett Eldredge and Devin Dawson last Fall on The Long Way Tour. Hopefully you caught a glimpse of her in October, when she stopped in Kingston, RI at the Ryan Center or Manchester, NH at the SNHU arena.
She’ll actually be in Boston tonight for 101.7 The Bull’s
Country Uncorked at City Winery with Tyler Rich, Travis Denning, and local
favorites Martin & Kelly.
Be sure to download ‘Make Him Wait’ from her EP ‘I’m Good’ on iTunes here.
In the past, we’ve projected breakouts from artists like Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, LANCO, Morgan Wallen and many more! The following artists are our 2019 class of Artists to Watch. Whether they’re new to the scene and just start to be heard or someone that we think is going to take the next step in their careers, they are all ones you should check out and keep tabs on.
Abby Anderson
Abby moved to Nashville in 2015 after graduating high school early to pursue her dream of country music. She was a member of the 2018 class of CMT Next Women of Country. The Black River Entertainment recording artist released her ‘I’m Good‘ EP on September 7th to rave reviews. The EP featured her debut single ‘Make Him Wait.’ Abby spent much of the year touring with artists like Chase Rice and Russell Dickerson as well as Brett Eldredge and Devin Dawson on the fall leg of The Long Way Tour.
Hambrick really broke into the country music scene as a songwriter, penning some big songs for major acts. He co-wrote Dan + Shay’s ‘How Not To’ and Justin Moore’s ‘Somebody Else Will.’ Inspired by artists like Alan Jackson, Joe Diffie and Mark Chesnutt, he released his debut single ‘Rockin’ All Night Long’ back in September which is crazy infectious. It’s time for the world to hear more of Adam and we think 2019 will do just that.
Brown and Gray really stepped into the scene in 2018 with their infectious single ‘Top Down.’ We heard it all over The Highway before FM stations began playing the single. And they really impressed us when we saw them live at the WKLB Street Party last year! We think Brown and Gray continues to ride their hot hand into 2019 and really take off even more!
Chances are you’ve never heard of Carlton. But he is absolutely one of our favorite new artists. The native Texan just has this very genuine sound with his traditional voice and plays with contemporary themes in his debut single ‘Drop Everything.’ He was frequently found playing in Honky Tonks up and down Broadway in Nashville over the past few years and you can still find him playing writers rounds in Music City these days. If you love a great smooth, traditional country voice, you MUST check out Carlton!
Caroline Jones is someone who had a fantastic 2018 as she opened for some of the biggest stars in country music and beyond. Artists like Zac Brown Band, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Jimmy Buffett and more! When you’re playing for these artists’ fanbases, you’re destined to have a great year. And she’s definitely riding that wave as she will be touring with none other than Kenny Chesney in 2019! How awesome is that? Oh and did we mention that Caroline hails from Connecticut!? A New England girl going on tour with Mr. Kenny Chesney! Yep, 2019 is going to be a helluva year for this talented artist!
She will be playing a show in Boston, MA on January 19th and another show in Uncasville, CT on January 20th!
Dillon Carmichael
GRAMMY award winning producer Dave Cobb has worked with some of country music’s biggest and best stars. Artists like Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, Jamey Johnson and many more. And add Dillon Carmichael to the list. For a producer like Cobb to latch onto Carmichael says a lot. And it should, as he is such a rising star with this classic smooth baritone voice that hits you right in the feels. You most likely won’t hear Carmichael on the radio as even Chris Stapleton doesn’t get the airplay he deserves, but that shouldn’t stop Dillon from taking off in 2019. We see a huge fanbase coming together and supporting this Kentucky boy through and through based on his undeniable talent alone. Give this guy a listen!
This young lady is another one of our favorite rising acts. She’s opened for everyone from Lee Brice to Russell Dickerson and Jake Owen and she is one of the members of the newest CMT Next Women of Country class! She will even be on the Next Women of Country Tour that will also feature Cassadee Pope and Clare Dunn (and will come through New England!). Her self-titled EP showed so much versatility with piano ballads to up tempo songs meant for live shows.
Hardy is another guy who made his first big break in country with songwriting. He is one of the co-writers on Morgan Wallen’s smash hit ‘Up Down’ as well as Florida Georgia Line’s ‘Simple.’ And the guys of FGL knew Hardy had the star power as they invited him to join them on stage several times this summer on their festival circuit appearances. Hardy released his ‘This Ole Boy’ EP back in October which features the fun ‘Rednecker.’ Watch out 2019, Hardy is comin’ for ya.
By now, you’ve heard of Mitchell. He took 2018 by storm with his debut single, ‘Drunk Me,’ hitting the top of the charts just a few weeks ago. We fell in love with his sound back in 2017 which led us to bringing him to our festival in August where he absolutely killed it. Now, all we see is videos on social media of massive crowds singing his songs back to him. His ‘Telling All My Secrets‘ album was one of the best debut releases we’ve heard in a long time- which is why you’ll find it on another of our lists that you’ll see in a couple days! Not many people had a better 2018 than Mitchell but we think 2019 could be even bigger. We wouldn’t be surprised if ‘Alcohol You Later’ is the next Number One in Tenpenny’s catalog.
This young lady caught our attention with her mesmerizing vocals and her powerful piano ballads. Her poignant debut single, ‘Damage,’ caught our attention the first time we heard it and we were absolutely hooked. And she showed off her talents while she was on tour with Brett Young this past fall and winter. In a time where country radio needs more female voices, Rachel Wammack is here to answer the call.
You may not know Ray Fulcher by name but you know his work- guaranteed. He just happens to be the co-writer on 8 of the tracks on Luke Combs’ ‘This One’s For You‘ record including ‘When It Rains It Pours.’ Pretty impressive stuff from the Georgia native who is also a performer in his own right. Combs isn’t the only who who has recognized Ray’s talent as he has shared the stage with artists like Old Dominion, Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Kid Rock and many more. He will be joining Luke Combs on his headlining tour this summer- including a show at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford. So make sure you check out Ray’s music and go see him live with Luke Combs later this year!
We fell in love with Riley in 2018 as he captivated us with his debut single, ‘There Was This Girl.’ I mean, this song is so catchy. It’ll have you bobbing your head and singing along on the first listen, guaranteed. Hell, his whole EP is special. He’s an absolute star in the making that is going to take the world by storm in 2019. Trust us.
Ross was named a ‘Highway Find’ on Sirius XM The Highway in 2017 and ever since has been a staple on the satellite radio channel. We particularly love his single ‘Ghosts,’ which really shows off his unique voice. Ross has also had some success with songwriting as Tim McGraw cut ‘Neon Church’ last year- a song that Ross co-wrote with Ben Goldsmith and Ben Dennis. He’s set to play the iconic Stagecoach festival in April but we’re expecting even more from Ross in 2019!
No that isn’t David Ashley Parker from Powder Springs but it is the man behind the debut single, Travis Denning! After a few years of playing bars in Georgia, Travis made the move to Nashville in 2014 where he scored a publishing deal that led him to cuts by Jason Aldean, Michael Ray, Justin Moore and Chase Rice and eventually a record deal with UMG in 2017. Fans love his debut single ‘David Ashley Parker from Powder Springs’ with its upbeat sound and relatable theme of a fake ID. Denning is set to join his fellow Georgian in Mexico later this month for Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa. He also has a headlining tour set for next month and a brand new single, titled ‘After A Few,’ which will be released next week.
It cannot be debated that Abby Anderson is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter that you should be paying attention to. With recognition from Pandora as a 2018 Country Artist to Watch, from CMT as a 2018Next Woman of Country and as a Listen Up Artist “18 for 2018,” and from The Boot as a 2018 Artist to Watch the country music community has certainly taken note of her. Her debut EP, ‘I’m Good‘ was just released September 7th and contains 5 confident pop-country songs that touch on love and heartbreak. The 21-year-old Texas native is living up to our expectations with her bold sound and solid debut EP.
1.) ‘I’m Good’- Written by Abby Anderson, April Geesbreght, and Jason Massey. Impression: The title song of this EP sets the tone with prominent base, a pop vibe, and a confident message. Abby is sure that she is better off without this guy in her life, no matter what tactics he tries to get her back. She makes it clear by responding, ‘I’m Good’ just as you would to any little offer you aren’t interested in. Favorite Lyrics:No more feeling sorry for myself, our history books are on the shelf. What’s done is done. There’s nothing else to say.
2.) ‘Make Him Wait’- Written by Abby Anderson, Josh Kerr, and Tom Douglass. Impression: ‘Make Him Wait’ slows things down to accompany its more serious tone. It touches on the popular advice to take things slow when dating someone new. A backdrop of piano complements vivid imagery of many milestones in a developing relationship. In the true fashion of country music, the song blends a moral message and with lyrics that tell a relatable story. Favorite Lyrics:Walk slow, take your time, while your daddy cries and your momma smiles,when they’re throwing rice into the air, and those tin cans roll away.
3.) ‘This Feeling’- Written by Abby Anderson, Jesse Frasure, and Jimmy Robbins. Impression: The feeling of falling for someone is the focus of ‘This Feeling.’ It perfectly describes the sensation that falling in love can change you as a person. She explains, This is uncharted territory, A whole new chapter in the story. The chorus showcases the power in her voice as Abby belts out, I’m not used to this feeling, I think I could get used to this feeling. Favorite Lyrics:Doing things I don’t and I don’t understand how inhibitions turn to keys in the ignition, I’m driving fast and I’m not holding back.
4.) ‘Dance Away My Broken Heart’- Written by Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Kelsea Ballerini, Rhett Akins, and Thomas Rhett. Impression: ‘Dance Away My Broken Heart’ fittingly sounds like a dance song. The lyrics incite the carefree courage you need to move on and get out again after a nasty breakup. A form of therapy, dancing helps her to shake off these scars as the first step in healing her heart. Favorite Lyrics:It’s a couple steps to the left, I forget how he left. Then move to the right, and it starts to feel alright again. Drop it low ’cause I ain’t feeling low no more.
5.) ‘Naked Truth’- Written by Abby Anderson, Jason Deere, and Kent Blazy. Impression: The final track on the ‘I’m Good’ EP tells the complete story of finding out that your man has been sneaking around. A transformation occurs from the start of the song with an admission that she has been crying to the end describing a mountain top epiphany. Abby sings confidently that this man has no place in her life and that it is a win for her. Favorite Lyrics:Wham Bam Instagram, She never shoulda posted that with my man.
Make sure to listen to and download the ‘I’m Good‘ EP and keep up with Abby Anderson on her Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Website. She currently has two shows scheduled in New England, opening for Brett Eldredge on his The Long Way Tour. Tickets are still available for the shows in Kingston, RI on October 11th and in Manchester, NH on October 13th.
Dallas Native, Abby Anderson, teased us with her YouTube release of the acoustic recording of ‘Make Him Wait’ about a month ago however, her debut single was officially released on Friday, April 27th. Abby co-wrote this powerful song with Tom Douglas and Josh Kerr and sends a strong message to all of her fellow females earning herself a spot on a few 2018 Artists to Watch lists as well as being named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country.
If you remember Brad Paisley’s ‘Waitin’ on a Woman’ back in 2005, Abby’s new single ‘Make Him Wait’ conveys a very similar message that hits home. Listen here to know what we are talking about!
While this song is directed towards her female fans, it’s easy to connect to. The lyrics are familiar, they sound almost identical to what we were told growing up, the values that were instilled in you, you can’t get it back when you give yourself away… a boy’s gonna run but a real man’s gonna stay… make him wait. ‘Make Him Wait’ is a love story. From waiting for the first phone call, to planning the first date. From meeting Dad, to the debating on whether or not a sleepover is the right decision. Abby knows it can be difficult to wait, it’s easier to stay the night but reminds us to take a deep breath and do the opposite of what you wanna do, make him wait.
13 years ago, Brad knew what what he was talking about when he sang it was worth it, waitin’ on a woman. Abby is right on track with instilling the same message. This love story gets its own happily ever after with a walk down the aisle. Listeners can hear the clear message that love is worth the wait.
While we don’t necessarily want to wait to hear more of Abby Anderson, we are excited that she will be coming to Boston on June 2 with Russell Dickerson at the Paradise Rock Club.
Favorite Lyrics:When they’re throwing rice into the air and those tin cans roll away and you look into his eyes and realize it was worth the while to make him wait…
