Discover emerging new musical talent and experience their real-life highs, lows, and triumphs on the journey to fame. Hosted by Philadelphia-based journalist, podcaster, and radio host John Morrison, the debut season of Artist To Watch delves into the lives and music of up-and-coming musicians who found support, community, and inspiration through the Black Opry Residency.

First episode launches June 8, 2023. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Episode show notes are available at the Podcast Website

Artist To Watch is a project of public radio station WXPN from The University of Pennsyviania. It is produced by Rowhome Productions, and distributed through PRX.

With looks that don’t match expectations, showing up for gigs has sometimes started with an awkward or even unpleasant welcome for country musician Tylar Bryant. But that’s not stopped him from pursuing his passion. From an unusual encounter on a school bus to a chance meeting with a visionary who gave him the community he didn’t know he needed, this Texas native finds serendipity woven throughout his budding career as a Black Americana artist.

Get the show notes for this episode to learn more about Tylar Bryant and the WXPN Black Opry Residency at Podcast Website

Black artists in Americana and country music are challenging the outdated notion that their lack of representation is due to a shortage of interest or talent. Their rich melodies, soulful harmonies, and artful lyrics  are the newest contributions to a body of work that has for too long been overlooked. Join host John Morrison as he presents five stories of up-and-coming Black Americana musicians seeking to reclaim country music as an inclusive genre.

Each episode of Artist To Watch from WXPN takes you on a deep and personal dive into the real-life struggles of emerging performers and offers up new talent for you to discover before the rest of the world does. The debut season delves into the lives and music of up-and-coming musicians who found support, community, and inspiration through the Black Opry Residency.  These include:

• Songwriter and performer Tylar Bryant, a Texas native now based in Nashville who marries modern and traditional country music with rock and pop grooves

• Samantha Rise, a Philadelphia-based teacher, activist, and performer whose inclusive music evoking their myriad experiences is rooted in indie folk

• Grace Givertz, a Boston-based folk artist and multi-instrumentalist whose witty and honest lyrics bring a refreshing energy and sound to folk music

• Nashville-based twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell, who harmonize, write and perform as The Kentucky Gentlemen, creating a captivating blend of mainstream country influenced by 90s R&B

• Soulful singer-songwriter Denitia, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose poetic lyrics and retrospective music exhibits elements of country and folk

Curated by WXPN, the Artist To Watch podcast shines a spotlight on up-and-coming musical artists and helps you discover your next favorite jam. Black Opry Residency has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Wisconsin-native and Philly-based songwriter Samantha Rise discovered the power of a simple song amidst the raw beauty of Wyoming. From their activism to their pursuits in non-profits and theater, Samantha Rise's journey through professions and song stylings, has been driven by a search for belonging.  Now as a self-proclaimed ‘songcatcher, ‘ Samantha Rise aims to inspire change, foster connections, and create a community that embraces love, acceptance, and social transformation through the power of their music.

Get the show notes for this episode to learn more about Samantha Rise and the WXPN Black Opry Residency at the  Podcast Website -

Each episode of Artist To Watch from WXPN takes you on a deep and personal dive into the real-life struggles of emerging performers and offers up new talent for you to discover before the rest of the world does. The debut season delves into the lives and music of up-and-coming musicians who found support, community, and inspiration through the Black Opry Residency.  These include:

• Songwriter and performer Tylar Bryant, a Texas native now based in Nashville who marries modern and traditional country music with rock and pop grooves 

• Samantha Rise, a Philadelphia-based teacher, activist, and performer whose inclusive music evoking their myriad experiences is rooted in indie folk

• Grace Givertz, a Boston-based folk artist and multi-instrumentalist whose witty and honest lyrics bring a refreshing energy and sound to folk music

• Nashville-based twin brothers Brandon and Derek Campbell, who harmonize, write and perform as The Kentucky Gentlemen, creating a captivating blend of mainstream country influenced by 90s R&B

• Soulful singer-songwriter Denitia, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose poetic lyrics and retrospective music exhibits elements of country and folk 

Curated by WXPN, the ARTIST TO WATCH podcast shines a spotlight on up-and-coming musical artists and helps you discover your next favorite jam.