A notable trend is emerging in country music radio, with Kacey Musgraves’ novel single, “Dry Spell,” gaining significant traction in specific markets. While the song has been added to the playlists of 23 Mediabase reporting stations, one station in particular is driving a disproportionate amount of airplay: Griffin Communications’ “Large Country 99.5” KXBL in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
KXBL played “Dry Spell” an impressive 30 times last week, double the number of spins compared to the next-highest reporting station, Tyler Media’s “93.3 Jake FM” KJKE in Oklahoma City, which played the track 15 times. This concentrated support comes as Musgraves prepares to release her new album, “Middle of Nowhere,” on May 1st via Lost Highway Records. Billboard reported on the unusual radio support for the single.
This focused airplay in Oklahoma isn’t an isolated incident. Several other singles outside the Mediabase Country Top 50 are also experiencing concentrated support from a small number of stations, highlighting a fragmented landscape of emerging country hits.
Emerging Country Tracks Gaining Momentum
Beyond Musgraves’ “Dry Spell,” several other artists are seeing their music championed by specific radio stations. Ashley McBryde’s “What If We Don’t” received significant play at KTTS Springfield (41 spins), KFDI Wichita (41 spins), WKHK Richmond (34 spins), WCYQ Knoxville (34 spins), and WZZK Birmingham (33 spins). Hudson Westbrook’s “Painted You Pretty” also saw strong support, with KTTS Springfield leading the way with 41 spins.
Other tracks receiving notable spins from individual stations include Atlus’ “Devil Ain’t Done” (54 spins on WLHK Indianapolis), Randy Houser’s “Back in the Bottle” (33 spins on WKRO Daytona Beach), and Turnpike Troubadours’ “Heaven Passing Through” (37 spins on WKRO Daytona Beach and 35 spins on KKBQ Houston). Tyler Nance’s “Keeps Me Sane” also garnered 36 spins on WLHK Indianapolis.
Regional Hotspots and Emerging Artists
The data reveals distinct regional preferences. Stations in Daytona Beach, Florida (WKRO) are actively promoting both Randy Houser and Turnpike Troubadours. Houston’s KKBQ is championing Aaron Watson’s “Pontiac (So Tell Me Momma)” with 39 spins, and Cody Johnson’s “Travelin’ Soldier” is gaining traction at WKHX Atlanta and KKBQ Houston. Shinedown’s “Searchlight” is also seeing a boost with 36 spins on WIL St. Louis.
Ty Myers’ “Thought It Was Love” is performing well in several markets, including Wichita and Springfield, while Luke Combs’ “Be By You” is experiencing a surge in Denver (62 spins on KYGO) and Seattle (33 spins on KKWF, a jump of 26 spins). Gavin Adcock’s “Last One to Understand” is gaining momentum in Houston (34 spins on KKBQ), and Megan Moroney’s “Wish I Didn’t” is seeing increased play in Denver (38 spins on KYGO).
Limited Distribution, Focused Support
The Mediabase chart also highlights tracks receiving significant airplay from a limited number of stations. Ella Langley’s “Dandelion” is getting 33 spins on WCKN Charleston, while Alex Warren & Luke Combs’ “Ordinary (Live)” is being played 32 times on WBWL Boston. Bailey Zimmerman’s collaboration with The Kid LAROI, “Lost,” is also gaining traction with 44 spins on WBWL Boston.
The concentrated airplay patterns suggest a strategy of focused promotion, where certain stations actively champion emerging artists and tracks outside the mainstream. This approach can be crucial for breaking new music in a competitive radio landscape. As these songs continue to build momentum, it will be interesting to observe whether this localized support translates into broader national recognition.
The coming weeks will be critical for these artists as they aim to expand their reach beyond these initial pockets of support. Continued monitoring of Mediabase data will reveal whether these “outlier” tracks can break into the Top 50 and establish themselves as mainstream country hits. Listeners can also follow these artists and their music on their respective social media channels and streaming platforms.
What are your thoughts on these emerging country artists? Share your opinions in the comments below!
