Below is a list of country, folk and bluegrass music that should be on your daily playlist. We have included new music from independent artists from all over the world. Check them out!

Country, folk and bluegrass released by independent artists are an important part of country culture. There’s no denying that music is a powerful tool for storytelling and connecting with others, and country artists are using their talents to help spread messages of love and hope.

In the last few years, we’ve seen an uptick in independent releases coming out of Nashville, as well as other areas across the world. Artists are working harder than ever to create meaningful content for their fans—and it’s paying off! We’re here to highlight some of our favourite new releases from independent artists who are making waves in today’s country scene.

Whether you’re looking for a good cry, or just want to jam out with your friends over some cold beer on a Friday night (or both), this list will have something for everyone!

Mermaid Avenue releasing Embers Of Fires Gone

1) LEWIS MCKALE – Self Help Tape

As a solo artist, Lewis McKale has been writing, recording and touring for more than 12 years, performing in the UK, Europe and the United States, and has also played alongside some of the biggest names in music including John Power (Cast/The La’s), Matt Owens (Noah & The Whale) and many more.

”At the start of 2020, I moved to Spain (just before lockdown) and I dealt with a big life change during a difficult time. During that time, not being able to tour, I kept myself focused and wrote a 10-track album focusing on mental health and dealing with change.” – Says Lewis

His latest album, Self Help Tape, has a classic sound with soft acoustic instruments that create a soothing atmosphere for easy listening.

He incorporates some folk into his songs as well as rock-pop influences to create a unique sound that’s perfect for those who love indie folk and singer-songwriters.

Lewis McKale is an artist you should definitely check out if you’re looking for something new to listen to this summer! Check out his website, and follow his Spotify! Also, check out our entire playlist which this artist and some other great ones are included!

2) TASHA BLACKMORE – Confessions By Candlelight

Tasha Blackmore‘s new single, Confessions By Candlelight, is a highly recommended listen for anyone who enjoys alternative country and folk-pop.

As rare as it is, one can find someone in this world whose talent, personality, determination, charm, and wonderful sense of style all bundle together to create such a beautiful package that is Tasha Blackmore.

She is a Pop meets Country Singer/Songwriter hailing from Northumberland, but with a heart full of Nashville and influences such as Taylor Swift and Staind, Tasha unexpectedly loves house music and her personal playlist is full of dance tracks that she loves.

In 2023, Tash once again proves her songwriting versatility with the emotive country meets pop ballad “Confessions by Candlelight,” a song full of vulnerability and truth that demonstrates the vast styles of her songwriting.

I recommend checking out Tasha Blackmore’s website and Spotify page to learn more about this artist and stay up-to-date on their latest releases! Also, check out our entire playlist which this artist and some other great are included!

3) …AND THE BLACK FEATHERS – In Plain Sight

While most of the time, it’s easy to know what kind of music you like and what you don’t, sometimes it takes a little more digging to find something new that really speaks to you. That was the case when I first heard the ALT ROCK POP band …AND THE BLACK FEATHERS.

The songs on In Plain Sight are so catchy and emotional that I couldn’t stop listening—and I’m not alone! The band has been getting rave reviews from fans around the world for their hard-hitting sound and their powerful lyrics that tell stories!

This is the first extended play from the band, and it shows off the calibre of music the band is capable of at live shows, including raucous choruses and wild screaming guitars.

The EP contains songs that are catchy and have a classic sound. They have a modern twist to them but they also sound like they could be played in the ’60s or ’70s.

If this sounds like something for you, check out …AND THE BLACK FEATHERS on Spotify or visit their website for more information! Also listen to our entire playlist, where this artist and many great ones are also featured, you won’t regret it!

4) CRAIG GOULD – Songs From The Campfire

CRAIG GOULD is a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom who has released a new album called ”Songs From The Campfire”. It’s a great album that combines acoustic and folk sounds with modern, indie-folk elements.

‘Songs from the Campfire’ has been released and it is out there for all to hear! The final part of his three-year campaign with mental health charity CALM, in which he donates all of the profits from this record to the charity in order to help them to help more people.

There are a lot of great things being said about this album and it has been receiving some really great reviews. The songs are both catchy and super edgy. I was also super impressed by how well the artist was able to convey emotion through his voice.

If you’re into folk music at all, then you should definitely check this one out! It’s available on Spotify! You can also visit their website to find out more about the artist and keep up with updates on their upcoming releases.

Also listen to our entire playlist, where this artist and many great ones are also featured, you won’t regret it!

5) JOSH JENSEN – Moon Time

If you’re in the market for some epic Americana, you’ve got to check out JOSH JENSEN‘s Moon Time.

As the name suggests, Moon Time is a solo album written by singer/songwriter Josh Jensen that covers a wide variety of genres and was produced entirely on Josh’s phone.

As you can see, it is a fun mix of tunes that each tell their own, unique story, and I think you will enjoy it.

He has since evolved into an acoustic artist who blends elements of classic rock, blues, rhythm and blues, folk, and Americana. His vocals are laid-back and smooth, with a hint of southern twang that gives his music an old-school feel.

The album has an overall laid-back feel that makes it perfect for listening on a road trip or just chilling out at home after a long day at work (or school).

If you want to check out more tracks by this talented artist, visit their website or follow them on Spotify! Also listen to our entire playlist, where this artist and many great ones are also featured, you won’t regret it!

6) DEAD, DEAD SWANS – Lenses

Alt-country band Dead, Dead Swans is back with their latest album, Lenses. The album was released on April 28th, and it features a blend of acoustic and alternative folk music that will make you want to relax and unwind.

Dead, Dead Swans is a wholly original folk project that combines a variety of styles into one. This is a sincere, earnest work of art that depicts the universal pain and vulnerability that humans experience when they are grieving or losing someone close to them.

The concept and execution of this DIY band and record are both groundbreaking, both in terms of concept and execution. There is nothing better than listening to this record if you are someone who likes to break your own heart with music like I do.

Most of the tracks on Lenses are relatively short—perfect for those who like to listen to an entire album in one sitting or those who just want to kick back with some tunes while they do something else.

You can find it on Spotify or visit their website for more information about upcoming shows and releases from the band. Also listen to our entire playlist, where this artist and many great ones are also featured, you won’t regret it!

7) MERMAID AVENUE – Embers Of Fires Gone

With the release of their third album coming out, Mermaid Avenue is back with their latest single. Mermaid Avenue is a band that loves to mix it up. Their latest single, Embers Of Fires Gone, has all the makings of a banger: it’s got a super catchy chorus, with a cool guitar riff and a great drum beat.

As a result of the feelings going sour and the need to move on, Embers of Fires Gone tells the story of what happens when you no longer feel the same.

Their sound is rooted in classic rock, folk rock, and power pop—but there’s something unique about their approach that makes them stand out from other bands who play similar styles of music.

With its tasty interplay between lap steel and piano, this song displays the band back in their alt-country lane as they look at relationships from every angle possible.

If you love alt-country, Americana or country music then check out Mermaid Avenue’s website today! You can also follow them on Spotify for new music releases as soon as they come out! Also listen to our entire playlist, where this artist and many great ones are also featured, you won’t regret it!