Eric’s Country Music Predictions 2015 – How Am I Doing So Far?

At the beginning of every year, I make my predictions for where country music will go in the next 365 days.  Now that we're halfway through 2015, I thought it would be appropriate to see how close I've come so far.

Bro running its course?

I certainly don't think the tailgate songs will ever go away from country, but we may see less on the charts this year, after the much talked about sub-genre has been beat to death. Artists known for 'bro-country' have already started a wave of nostalgic country with a classic feel, like Randy Houser, Jake Owen, and Eric Paslay. I think we'll hear a lot more 'traditional' feeling hits in 2015!

July Update: While the 'bro' stuff isn't gone completely, there is certainly an aversion to it from listeners and the industry.  We have seen more traditional sounding singles too like Ray Scott's 'Ain't Always Thirsty' and Tim McGraw's 'Diamond Rings and Old Barstools'.  My only hope is that more of them will find themselves near the top of the charts.

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Ladies, Ladies, Ladies!

It is a real shame when you can't get one single solo female to score a number one. 2014 may always remembered for that stat. Miranda could pull it off on both charts ('Automatic' hit #1 on one chart only). Taylor jumped to pop. Carrie took most of the year off. Not even Carrie and Miranda TOGETHER could reach the top of the charts! This has also been discussed at length, and I believe things will change. Miranda will lead the charge this year, and go to number one at least twice, with new artists like Raelynn and Kelsea Ballerini following suit!

July Update: Well, Miranda hasn't gotten to number one yet, but she still has a shot to get a couple.  Kelsea, however, became the first female to score a debut number one single since Carrie Underwood.  With many ladies coming out of the woodwork, I'm looking for more to gain success in the near future.

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An Old School Revival

The seeds were planted a couple years ago when Jason Aldean sang about Joe Diffie in '1994.' Now, the world is longing for some 90's country to go with their rock/pop/r&b infused country. I expect more artists from that time to hop on the Nash Icon label, and maybe even go on tour with today's hot acts (like Dwight Yoakam did with Eric Church). Garth is back on the charts, so who says we couldn't see some other 90's legends jump back on as well!

July Update: There is certainly more buzz around 90's country.  Reba has been back on the charts, and I still expect some more classic artists to jump on soon.

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Who's Up and Who's Down?

There are always cycles with the top stars in country, and I think this year, the rocket ship that Florida Georgia Line is on will stall just a bit, with the group finally releasing a single that doesn't go all the way to number one. Luke Bryan on the other hand will continue to rise with a long awaited new album in the spring that will kick off with a fun up-beat single that flies to the top. Jason Aldean will find his star fading just a tad as well, as some are hung up on his relationship more than his music. And finally, a big boost will go to The Band Perry when they put out their 3rd album later this year!

July Update: FGL has scored a couple of number ones on one chart, but only made it to #3 on the other, so there you have it.  7 weeks into his fun, upbeat first single from his upcoming album, Luke Bryan already has a top 10.  Still waiting to hear something cool and new from The Band Perry, but the ROCKED CMA Fest!

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Sam Hunt

Some will love him, some will hate him, but all will talk about Sam Hunt in 2015. His talented, yet VERY different music will polarize country fans like nobody since Taylor Swift. Sam will have some big hits, and some big critics, but one thing is for sure, this year will make or break this newcomer.

July Update: So, far this is spot on...and plenty more adulation/criticism to come, Sammy boy

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Breakout Stars of 2015

It's so hard to predict the future, especially in music, but here's who I'm predicting to have a breakout year:

Sam Hunt, Kelsea Ballerini, Raelynn, Chase Bryant, Old Dominion, Chris Lane...

I also think this year could be the biggest year yet for some folks we've supported in the Tri-State for some time, LoCash, Dylan Scott, and Colt Ford!

July Update: Still a lot of time to go here, but Sam and Kelsea have for sure made their mark, with number one hits.  Old Dominion seems to be breaking out, while Chase and Raelynn have had respectable single success.  LoCash has out their most successful single yet, and I hear BIG things are coming with Dylan and Chris before the end of the year.