300 Nashville Fans Just Named the Most Underrated Country Artists

We asked Nashville visitors which local artists deserve way more recognition than they're getting right now.

Over 300 people jumped in with their picks. Some names showed up once or twice. Others kept appearing over and over.

Here's who Nashville fans think deserves a bigger spotlight.

Thomas Sheffield

Thomas Sheffield dominated this conversation.

Ten different people brought him up. That's more mentions than any other artist.

Visitors described his voice as “great” and praised him as a “true country” singer. One person called him “country music” with an “amazing voice and storytelling ability.”

If you're looking for authentic country music in Nashville, Sheffield is clearly connecting with people who've seen him perform live.

Shelly Fairchild

Shelly Fairchild pulled in eight mentions from visitors.

Multiple people used fire emojis when talking about her. That tells you something about the energy she brings to performances.

She showed up repeatedly in comments from people who've clearly seen her perform and want more people to know about her.

John Stone

John Stone got seven shout-outs.

Several people who mentioned him seemed familiar with where he plays regularly. One visitor specifically said to catch him at Kid Rocks bar promising you'll “feel the same” once you see him perform.

Ashley McBryde and Randy Houser

Both Ashley McBryde and Randy Houser earned five mentions each.

For Randy Houser, people raved about his “super strong voice” and said he's “awesome.” One visitor put him right up there with the greats in country music.

Ashley McBryde got consistent support from visitors who clearly appreciate her talent.

Cooper Alan, Scotty McCreery, and Emily Ann Roberts

Cooper Alan came up multiple times from Nashville fans who think he deserves more attention.

Scotty McCreery has some name recognition from his time on American Idol, but visitors think he deserves more spotlight than he's getting.

Emily Ann Roberts also came through American Idol. Several people brought her up as someone worth watching.

Joe Nichols

Three different visitors mentioned Joe Nichols.

One person got specific: “He has the best, most country voice in country music. Right up there with the greats.”

Another put him alongside Mark Chesnutt as an artist who deserves more recognition.

The Artists Playing Your Favorite Venues

Some artists got mentioned because of where they perform regularly.

Tyson Hanes plays at Lucky Bastards, and multiple visitors brought him up specifically.

Dean James got name-dropped by people who've seen him perform, particularly when his band plays.

John England performs at Robert's Western World. One visitor said once you see him there, you'll understand why he deserves more attention.

Wendy Newcomer plays at Robert's Western World with her bandmates. One visitor called that a “no-brainer” for their list.

The Royal Hounds earned a mention as an amazing act worth catching.

Dan Smalley and Mark Burke got praised by someone who just came home from a week in Nashville and saw both perform live. They rated them 100%.

More Artists Worth Knowing

A bunch of other names came up once or twice but deserve a mention:

Dillon Carmichael, Mitch Rossell, Chris Young, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Brett Young, and Kip Moore all got mentioned by visitors who think they're underrated.

Lauren Alaina appeared on several people's lists as deserving more recognition.

Mitchell Tenpenny, Morgan Myles, and Tucker Wetmore also made the list.

Some visitors highlighted artists playing specific venues regularly — like Shelby Lowe at Chiefs, or various performers at different honky tonks around town.

Artists Just Starting Out

A few people promoted family members or friends trying to make it in Nashville.

Someone mentioned their daughter KC Bruner as “up and coming” and encouraged people to check her out.

Others promoted local artists they believe in, from spray tan artists with music careers to painters who also perform.

The Real Point Here

Nashville has more talent than the radio can possibly showcase.

The artists getting mentioned here are performing regularly at Broadway venues and other Nashville spots. They're building fanbases one show at a time.

Next time you're catching live music in Nashville, pay attention to who's on stage. You might discover your new favorite artist before they blow up.