If you think the CMA Awards are stacked with talent, you’ve got to check out the lineup of rising artists hitting the stage at Ole Red Nashville. Come on down for Ole Red on the Rise: Awards Show Edition on November 19th at 10 p.m. This must-see event is all about showcasing up-and-coming talent, hand-selected by Ole Red’s country music experts. Best of all? It’s FREE. Join our host, athlete and TikTok star Caden McDonald, and come discover the next big thing—right from your barstool.
CHECK OUT THIS LINEUP:
JULIA COLE
Texas-born artist Julia Cole grew up playing sports, singing the National Anthem at her own games. She’s since swapped out high school gyms for some bigger stages, playing to massive crowds at NFL, MLB, and NASCAR events. Inspired by her sports background, Julia infuses messages of empowerment and self-worth into her music and blends the eclectic sounds of her locker room mixes into her country storytelling. With over 300 MILLION global streams, Julia’s career is taking off—she was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country in 2022 and in that same year, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Julia’s also toured the world, opening for big names like Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Dan + Shay.
KASHUS CULPEPPER
Kashus Culpepper’s gritty, raw voice encompasses the sound of the South. Blending country, soul, blues, folk, and rock, Kashus tells stories from the heart in his self-written songs. Kashus’s journey has taken him from church pews, to bonfires, to dive bars, to sold-out clubs, to opening for national acts like Charles Wesley Godwin and Charley Crockett. Now signed to Big Loud Records, he’s released three singles and has another one, “Pour Me Out,” coming on November 22nd. Y’all better watch out—Kashus’s star is rising with no signs of stopping.
KYLIE FREY
A third-generation rodeo girl and Louisiana state goat-tying champion, Kylie Frey grew up as country as it gets. Named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country in 2024, she brings a timeless authenticity to contemporary cowgirl country. As a singer-songwriter, she channels the sounds and landscapes of her upbringing into her storytelling. “I just wanna own my story so much it makes someone else own theirs,” she says. This summer, Kylie released her latest EP, Wild Horses. She’s a force to be reckoned with—as tough and genuine as your favorite blue jeans.
CALEB LEE HUTCHINSON
Caleb Lee Hutchinson grew up listening to cassette tapes of Mississippi John Hurt and Waylon Jennings with his dad, and those early roots in country storytelling took hold and spread. His powerful voice and sharp wit helped shape his 2019 debut EP, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, along with his follow-ups, Slot Machine Syndrome in 2021 and Songs I’ll Never Sing Again in 2022. Caleb’s latest project, Southern Galactic, shows his versatility as he branches out into new styles, but this country boy is still staying true to his origins with a rooted, Americana sound.
BRENDAN WALTER
A singer/songwriter from Dallas, Texas, Brendan Walter has spent most of his life on the ice instead of on the stage. He spent years playing semi-pro and college hockey but retired in May of 2023 to chase his lifelong dream of being a musician. Now fully focused on his music career, Brendan has gained over 150K followers on Instagram and TikTok for his popular covers and original tunes. He’s gone from being an online presence to playing live at venues around the nation, opening for Wyatt Flores and Evan Honer’s 2024 tours, and we can’t wait to welcome him to the Ole Red stage.
SEE THEM LIVE
These artists are makin’ waves, and they’re just getting started. Mark your calendars, grab your boots, and come see us for an unforgettable night at Ole Red on the Rise. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just want some “I-saw-them-first” bragging rights, this is one show y’all don’t wanna miss.
