There are artists to watch, and then there are RISERS. Seven artists set to become stars in 2017 and beyond were revealed on Wednesday morning (March 1). It's a diverse list that includes solo males and females, and groups. Some you may know. Most you'll wish you'd met earlier.

The RISERS advisory panel that helped choose this list of fresh faces was made up of some of the top radio and streaming programmers, country club owners, fans and country music media. You'll find artists with success on traditional radio like Brett Young and artists who've scored satellite and streaming hits, like Kalie Shorr. Brandon Lay is a tireless road warrior who bought his own RV to tour colleges before signing with UMG Nashville. Aubrie Sellers has invented her own sub-genre of country music. Garage country combines rock, blues, bluegrass and country into one original sound. It's captivating and genuine.

RISERS Hot Seat winners Farewell Angelina are one of two all-female groups. Runaway June join them as RISERS, and during the photo and video shoot in Nashville this winter both went out of their way to show support for the other. Finally, there's Jacob Davis, whose Louisiana showmanship mixes with his pure country roots every time he takes the stage. Kelsea Ballerini's labelmate is someone you can't stop watching.

This month original performance and interview videos will further illustrate who this first generation of RISERS are. No country music outlet has put this kind of commitment into a project that focused on newcomers. Exposure on Taste of Country Nights radio and invitations to play at festivals nationwide all come as part of the RISERS package. A month-long rollout of video and photo content begins on Monday (March 6).

See Behind the Scenes at the RISERS Shoot

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