What Happens In Country Music In 2013 – Eric’s Predictions

2012 was quite a year for country music.  A lot of things are certainly changing.  Some like it and some don't but change is inevitable.  So what can we expect in 2013?  I have some ideas.

More New Outlaws Will Appear

Look at the success of guys like Eric Church and Brantley Gilbert.  They had some of the biggest songs of the year, and they come from a place country fans used to shy away from.  That's not unlike the outlaws like Willie and Waylon of the past.  I expect more of this 'new outlaw' stuff to become the trend in 2013.

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The New Class Rules

The 3 guys that seem to be taking over country right now have a song out together.  Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Eric Church will soon top the chart with their song, 'The Only Way I Know' and that will be a foreshadowing of the rest of the year for them.  These guys have been selling out shows left and right including the Ford Center and I expect to see their names replacing names like Chesney, Paisley, and McGraw in most award shows.

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Florida Georgia Line

I said it two years ago, that the duo scene needs a new leader since the splitting of Brooks and Dunn.  I don't think we've found a clear leader yet.  Sugarland has taken a break from recording, and Thompson Square is not quite the superpower that B&D was.  I think Florida Georgia Line is that duo to take over.  The fast success of their debut single, 'Cruise' was proof that they know how to appeal to the country audience and much of their debut CD is like that one, so full speed ahead boys!

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Speaking of Duos

Tri-State favorites, LoCash Cowboys have secured a record deal with Average Joe's and they are looking at recording some new tunes.  After their two songwiting Top 10's in 2012 for Keith Urban and TIm McGraw, they are poised to make a run for themselves.  I see the guys getting their first major hit this year!

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Still Speaking of Duos

After a failed attempt at a hit single in 2013 that will be 'too strange and artsy' for country radio, Sugarland will offcially split.  Jennifer Nettles will go solo, and still be unable to score a Top 20 hit on her own.

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He's Back

Mark my words, we will hear a brand new single from Grath Brooks by year's end.  It will sound like nothing we've ever heard from Garth before and the hit will be a setup for the new world tour that will happen in 2014.

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Tate Stevens

This is a tough one.  I've heard both sides of the argument, but I believe the X-Factor champion will have a couple singles in 2013.  Neither will hit number one, but make a respectable showing, and he will get picked up as the first of 3 acts on a major tour by the fall.

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Artists That Will Break Through in 2013

These are the stars that I think will finally make a big impact this year: Thomas Rhett, Tyler Farr, Sarah Darling, LoCash Cowboys, The Henningsens, and JoAnna Smith.