AMERICANA IS BINGE-WORTHY

Americana has had a terrific couple of years, and it appears poised to grow in 2025. How has this rootsy sound taken root? Part of the answer lies in some canny placements on red-hot TV shows.

From Warner’s Zach Bryan to RCA’s The Red Clay Strays, red-dirt country and Americana breakouts have found a home in multiple Paramount series created by Taylor Sheridan. Yellowstone played a vital role in exposing audiences to the music of Zach Bryan and Broken Bow’s Lainey Wilson, with the latter gaining even greater visibility when she was cast as Abby in season five.

Sheridan’s new series is the oil-biz drama Landman, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore and Jon Hamm. The show, which has shattered viewership records on Paramount+, has prominently featured multiple cuts from Wilson and The Red Clay Strays and framed standout moments for songs by Bryan, Western AF’s Turnpike Troubadours and SAWGOD/Columbia’s Ella Langley.

Zach Bryan, Lainey Wilson, The Red Clay Strays, Tucker Wetmore

2025 has begun with big looks for tracks like Sam Barber’s emotional “Indigo” f/Avery Anna (Lockeland Springs/Atlantic) and Morgan Wallen’s ballad “Smile” (Big Loud/Mercury/Republic). Back Blocks/UMGN’s Tucker Wetmore, meanwhile, is gaining admirers by the day with songs like “Wind Up Missin’ You.” And Dualtone folk-rock titans The Lumineers—whose influence on many of today’s roots records is undeniable—are due to drop new music soon.

These acts, which have traditionally made their bones courtesy of independent labels and indefatigable road work, increasingly have syncs in a variety of media (most of it beyond the Taylor Sheridan cinematic universe) to thank for their broadened horizons.

Look for more Americana signings, breakthroughs and ticket sales throughout 2025.