If you love folk music like me, you’ve probably been captivated by Chris Stapleton’s style of music. I find his ability to blend traditional country, blues, rock, and soul with such raw emotion and honest songwriting incredible. It’s no wonder his style of music resonates with people far beyond the usual country audience.
And for those who can't get enough of that gritty, heartfelt sound, I’ve got some great recommendations for artists who channel a similar vibe. Below, I'll walk you through some notable artists similar to Chris Stapleton, who remind me of his unique blend of musical genres and powerful storytelling.
Chris Stapleton’s Impact on Country and Folk Music
Before I dive into some of the artists similar to Chris Stapleton, it's important to understand why Chris Stapleton has had such a huge impact on country and folk music. Firstly, his rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. He spent years behind the scenes in Nashville, writing hits for big names like George Strait and Luke Bryan. His breakout as a solo artist didn’t happen until 2015 when he dropped his debut album, “Traveller”, which earned him multiple Grammy Awards. That album really set the stage for Stapleton to become one of the greatest artists in new country music.
What I love about Stapleton is his ability to tap into the heart of human emotions—whether it’s love, loss, or redemption—and package it in a way that’s both personal and universally relatable. His music is a mix of country, blues, Southern rock, and soul, with that deep, husky voice delivering authenticity in every note. This authenticity is what connects him to a broader spectrum of artists, from country to indie folk artists, who, like Stapleton, are driven by a deep passion for storytelling and musical integrity.
My Top 10 Picks of Artists Similar to Chris Stapleton
For those who appreciate Stapleton's raw talent and are looking for artists similar to Chris Stapleton, there’s a rich landscape of indie folk artists and new country music artists worth exploring. These artists blend traditional influences with modern storytelling, offering a fresh take on country and folk genres.
1. Logan Ransley
Logan Ransley is a renowned artist with great influence in folk and new country music. He’s often compared to legends like Chris Stapleton, and that's for good reasons. Logan Ransley has a knack for blending country, folk, and indie into a sound that’s very much relatable. Having come into limelight in 2023, releasing his first single titled “Expectations”, he has continued to stay consistent in his craft with many other hit singles.
In 2024, he released a couple of tracks including “The Mountain”, “Son”, “All I Want”, “Gwendoline”, among many others. Consider listening to his songs and you'll see why he is placed among the best artists similar to Chris Stapleton.
2. Sturgill Simpson
Sturgill Simpson is one of the best artists similar to Chris Stapleton. Indeed, he is often mentioned in the same league as Stapleton, both of whom have integrated new country music with a more traditional sound while pushing boundaries.
Simpson's music blends country, rock, and psychedelia, much like Stapleton's diverse genre range. His albums, especially “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music,” exhibit a unique mix of heartfelt lyrics and experimental sounds.
3. Tyler Childers
Hailing from Kentucky, Tyler Childers is a standout artist in the new country music scene, blending bluegrass, folk, and country in a way that resonates with Stapleton’s fans. His raw, emotional songwriting speaks to the struggles and joys of rural life, similar to Stapleton’s deep storytelling.
4. Jason Isbell
Having been a former member of Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell has carved out his own path in the Americana and new country music scenes. Known for his sharp songwriting and emotional depth, Isbell’s music, like that of Stapleton, draws from personal experiences and Southern storytelling.
5. Margo Price
Margo Price is another new country music artist who brings a fresh voice to traditional country music. Much like Stapleton, she channels classic influences while still maintaining a modern edge. Her debut album, Midwest Farmer's Daughter, tells stories of heartache, resilience, and life struggles, echoing Stapleton’s soulful themes.
6. Brent Cobb
Brent Cobb’s laid-back style and Southern storytelling make him a perfect companion for fans of Stapleton’s music. His blend of country, blues, and folk evokes a warm, earthy feeling, much like Stapleton’s records.
7. Marcus King
If you’re drawn to Chris Stapleton’s blues genre, Marcus King might be your next favorite artist. King, a young guitarist and vocalist, combines Southern rock, blues, and country in a way that’s reminiscent of Stapleton’s early work.
8. Shovels & Rope
For those looking to explore the indie folk side of Stapleton’s sound, Shovels & Rope offers a gritty, folk-driven take on Americana music. The husband-and-wife duo blends folk, rock, and country influences in a way that’s raw and authentic, much like Stapleton’s own stripped-down approach.
9. The War and Treaty
Another duo with deep roots in indie folk and Americana is The War and Treaty. Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter create music that combines gospel, country, and blues, much like Stapleton’s genre-bending approach.
10. The Lone Bellow
This Brooklyn-based trio brings a folk-rock edge to the indie folk scene, with harmonies and storytelling that have drawn comparisons to both Chris Stapleton and The Avett Brothers. The Lone Bellow’s music blends folk, country, and gospel influences, creating a sound that’s both uplifting and introspective.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of Chris Stapleton, I believe you’ll find something to love in these artists. From the heartfelt storytelling of Tyler Childers to the blues-infused grit of Marcus King, there’s no shortage of talent out there. These musicians all bring their own fresh perspectives to country and folk while maintaining the authenticity that you probably crave in music.
Stapleton has paved the way for a new generation of artists who aren’t afraid to push boundaries while staying true to the roots of country and folk traditions. So, dive in and explore these artists—you might just find your next favorite song or album!