Drake Tigges is considered to be a renowned artist development manager in the music industry and has heard many stories over the years. Here’s a list of 10 artists from him who have achieved remarkable accomplishments in 2024, that are recognized across the industry.
Ashley Walls
Ashley Walls stands out as an undeniable star in the industry, transcending boundaries within country music and captivating audiences across genres. With a voice that has an inexplicable allure capable of capturing the attention of any audience, Walls’ effort merges the narrative of modern day country music with infectious pop melodies. Her ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners has cultivated a rapidly growing fanbase, with each passing day seeing an increase in Walls’ online presence gathering over 250K+ followers on all platforms.
Ashley embodies the essence of a contemporary cowgirl, forging a path that unites fans of both pop and country music. With her latest album, “COWBOYS,” exuding a vibe reminiscent of a “Halsey of Country,” and a string of performances spanning the nation, it’s only a matter of time before this talented native of Georgia becomes a household name.
Jay Ernest
Jay Ernest, a native of New Ulm, Minnesota, has carved a remarkable path in the realm of music and theater. Leader of the Johnny Cash cover band (Church of Cash), his new venture, “Folsom Prison Experience” showcases his versatility as both a musician and a playwright. Co-written by Jay Ernest and Tom Pickard, and directed by Stephanie Long, this show promises to be a captivating blend of drama and music, drawing inspiration from the events of 1968. With over 4,000 live performances under his belt, Jay Ernest has graced stages across the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia, leaving audiences speechless and overjoyed with his electrifying performances. Get your tickets today!
Francesca Tarantino
Francesca Tarantino, a powerhouse musician from Orlando, Florida, mesmerizes audiences with her soulful voice, versatile guitar skills, and captivating performances. In 2024, she dazzled crowds with 64 live shows across 25 venues—and she has plans for an even busier year ahead. Now, at 15, she’s fully committed to making and performing music, with each song drawing from her personal experiences and set to resonate with listeners on a profound level. With an upcoming single, “Crawling,” slated for release in the fall and an EP on the horizon for early 2025, Francesca Tarantino is poised to continue enchanting audiences with her heartfelt lyrics and authentic artistry.
Trae Taylor
Trae Taylor, from a small town near Richmond, Virginia, is pursuing his passion for music with unwavering dedication. Trae has already made significant strides in the music industry, garnering over 150k streams and 19k followers on all platforms. Now based in Nashville, Trae’s career is poised for further growth as he shares his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, promising to captivate audiences with each performance. Trae has a newly released single, “Chasing Lightning,” and looks to drop his debut album in 2025.
Emma Forgette
Emma Forgette, a 19-year-old sensation originally from New Jersey but now firmly rooted in Ocala, Florida, is making waves in the contemporary country music scene. Her latest release, “Somebody’s Somebody,” is a standout track on her upcoming debut album, which features a mix of her original songs and compositions by top Nashville songwriters. With her dynamic voice and compelling storytelling, Emma is poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences as she embarks on her musical journey.
Urban Blaze
Urban Blaze is a 22-year-old business mogul from Missouri with a passion for music. Urban currently releases around once a year with his first two songs gathering over 510k streams. His current release, “Watching Stars,” is a blend of pop and country whereas his next release is a blend of edm and country—“Turn off your phone”. Urban looks to make music that brings enjoyment to the crowd. He doesn’t classify himself as an artist with a genre but just someone who makes music as a hobby.
Nic Johnson
Nick Austin Johnson, a 27-year-old singer-songwriter hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, is poised to make waves in the country music scene with his highly anticipated debut release set for late 2024. Renowned for his extraordinary stage presence, Nick captivates audiences with his mastery of the guitar and heartfelt lyrics, setting the standard for independent country artists. Beyond his musical pursuits, Nick is dedicated to his studies in music business, aspiring to carve his own path to success while remaining true to his independent spirit and brand ownership. With each performance, Nick Austin Johnson not only shares his passion for music but also creates opportunities to connect with fans and fellow enthusiasts, making every show an unforgettable experience.
Jason Broderick
Jason Broderick’s music transcends mere melodies, embodying a journey of personal transformation rooted in his own experiences of recovery and renewal. His latest album, “Alternate Energy,” reflects this profound evolution, each note resonating with the weight of his narrative. Jason’s path to creating this album was marked by struggle and introspection, as he confronted inner demons and external pressures. “Alternative Energy” is now available on all platforms.
Cat Flint
Cat Flint, the talented singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee, is making her mark on the music scene with her debut single “Sadder Day” in February 2023, followed by her introspective tracks “door Matt” and “Easy,” all self-penned. Her music combines witty yet genuine lyrics with vocally impressive performances, creating a captivating and unique sound. Fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming EP, “Heaven, Are You Real?” set to release this winter, with the standout track “Life of The Party” already drawing attention. Through her music, Cat encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and take risks, making her an inspiring voice in the industry.
Kendall Eugene
Kendall Eugene is a proud Texan who embodies the raw authenticity of country music, drawing inspiration from a childhood steeped in its twangs and tales of heartbreak. Kendall is currently working on his Debut EP which is set to release in early 2025. He is collaborating with a reknowned artist development manager to ensure his debut EP captures the essence of his musical journey.
Rolling Stone MENA newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
