{"id":2251515,"date":"2026-01-26T19:05:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T19:05:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2251515"},"modified":"2026-01-26T19:05:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T19:05:08","slug":"biggest-new-discoveries-from-folk-alliance-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/biggest-new-discoveries-from-folk-alliance-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Biggest New Discoveries from Folk Alliance 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n
\n
Sammi Accola, Mason Via, Megan Cody, Summerlyn Powers<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What is Folk Alliance? Well, it\u2019s part festival, part industry conference, part gathering of the tribes. Most importantly though, it\u2019s about the most ground level assemblage of music talent in the United States each year. This is where many up-and-coming artist young and old go to try and get discovered, or at least find the managers, labels, booking agents, publicists, and festivals who might help foster their career to the next level. <\/p>

As one prominent independent label head once stated, \u201cYou know who the real mother f\u2013ckers are when you see them in a hotel room at Folk Alliance at 3:00 in the morning.\u201d That because along with discussion panels during the day and \u201cofficial\u201d showcases in the evening, multiple floors of the host hotel are taken over by groups of artists, management companies, promoters, non-profits, and everything in-between, showcasing performers until the wee hours in the morning. <\/p>

That same prominent independent label head also once said about Folk Alliance, \u201cThere is a hell of a lot of chaff here. But the wheat can be so sweet.\u201d <\/em>That\u2019s the reason those who really want to be on the cutting edge of the talent bubbling up in music make their way to the event each year, including this year where it was held in New Orleans January 21st to 25th. <\/p>

One recurring theme that kept coming up in conversation was one you hear outside of music as well: affordability. Artist Carsie Blanton was the co-winner (tie) for Artist of the Year at the annual Folk Music Awards held on the Wednesday of every Folk Alliance. She split the accolade with supergroup I\u2019m With Her (Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O\u2019Donovan). <\/p>

I\u2019m With Her were not there to accept the award. Carsie Blanton was, but didn\u2019t accept it either, instead using the opportunity of her speech to say that Folk Alliance (and music in general) is too expensive to make it in. It\u2019s hard to argue with that, since everywhere you seem to turn, the gulf between the have\u2019s and the have not\u2019s only widens, with so much true talent getting lost in the attention economy. <\/p>

But we can all complain about it, or roll up our sleeves and get to work trying to do something about it. That\u2019s what Saving Country Music does, and tried to do at Folk Alliance 2026, surfing from hotel room to hotel room, showcase to showcase, trying to find what might be next great artist to emerge, and of course focusing on the more country side of things, but keeping an open mind. <\/p>

Here were the Top 5 discoveries from Folk Alliance 2026, as well as some other great connections, rec-connections, and general stellar performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Sammi Accola <\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Sammi Accola presents herself as a songwriter, and she most certainly is that. But she is also a genuine star deserving of discovery. Her fearless and advanced lyricism is willing to explore the most difficult and sometimes tense of subject matters, and in often enrapturing ways. She also uses songwriting as therapy, working in Nashville with battered and trafficked women, as well as with the Beyond Bars prison songwriting program authored by songwriter\/performer Caitlin Cannon. <\/p>

Originally from Seaside, Florida and now living in Nashville, Sammi Accola\u2019s ability to use her vocal range and dynamics to pull the emotion out of songs and deliver \u201cmoments\u201d is singular. And for such a serious songwriter, she also can be seriously fun and disarming, self-describing herself as a \u201cgoofball.\u201d There is so much possibility in a Sammi Accola career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The Cody Sisters<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Just when you think you\u2019ve discovered the very apex talent within the bluegrass discipline\u2014or the next blazing band to take the subgenre to another layer of the stratosphere\u2014there\u2019s yet another right around the corner that seems to best all comers, and leave you agog. That is the experience of witnessing The Cody Sisters. AI ain\u2019t no match for these young women.<\/p>

Originally from Colorado, and now living in New York, sisters Megan Cody (brown hair), and Maddie Cody (blonde hair) present the very pinnacle of human possibilities when it comes to instrumental performance. They started in a family band with their dad playing bass. Now they\u2019re joined by Will Pavilonis, who is responsible for the incredible and imaginative arrangements of their cover and original material. They were also joined by fiddle player Jackson Earles at Folk Alliance. <\/p>

You absolutely have to get this band on your radar, and do not miss any opportunity to see them live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Mason Via<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Combining adept flat-picking with top-caliber songwriting and a voice perfectly tooled for bluegrass and Appalachian roots, Mason Via brings an accessibility and immediacy to the music that sometimes can be missing from the roots disciplines. As intrepid and inspiring as bluegrass can be, it can also feel like you\u2019re witnessing a technical skills competition. That\u2019s not the Mason Via experience. Though he can pick with the best with them, his focus is telling stories and evoking feelings in his songs, while gracing them with timeless appeal.<\/p>

Mason Via has a natural disposition to making quality songs fun and entertaining, and he\u2019s a hoot to see live. Formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show, he released a killer self-titled bluegrass album<\/a> in 2025, and his newer songs sound great. Mason Via feels like the future of accessible string band music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Yasmin Williams <\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Yasmin Williams is able to unlock the magic out of wood and wire unlike anyone else. There are plenty that can pick fast. There are plenty who can strum beautifully. But few if any bring the diversity of influence and musical dialect to bear on the instrument while synthesizing it into something distinctly their own through a brilliant approach of imagination. <\/p>

Williams also takes no BS, whether from Beyonc\u00e9 and the over-commercialization of Cowboy Carter<\/em><\/a>, or The Kennedy Center where she had to field heckles after criticizing its politicization. As always, Yasmin received as massive, standing ovation for her official performance at Folk Alliance 2026 in New Orleans. Wherever she goes, she mesmerizes audiences. She\u2019s not exactly a new discovery, but she definitely left a major impact at Folk Alliance 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Summerlyn Powers<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, Summerlyn Powers features great country songs, and a great voice (and whistle too, apparently). She started performing when she was only 11, and has been mentored by Pam Tillis over the years. She\u2019s got songs you could hear being hits on country radio in a good way like \u201cPeaches,\u201d and others that would earn the acceptance of the distinguishing Americana crowd. You really look forward to what Summerlyn has in store for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Other Discoveries, Connections, and Reconnections:<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Morris Holdahl<\/em> (left) and Simon Flory (right) made a hillbilly symphony\u2019s worth of music for just two guys.<\/em> Whether by himself, with Morris, or a full band, Simon Flory is worth seeing live.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"
Alice Wallace is one of the greatest singers of this generation hands down, and perhaps one of the greatest yodelers ever. She stunned when performing her song \u201cBonfire\u201d co-written with Grammy winner Melody Walker. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
The last of the Cosmic Cowboys, and the proprietor of The Lonesome Rose in San Antonio, Garrett T. Caps performed a rare acoustic set, featuring songs from his upcoming album called \u2018I Still Love San Antone\u2019 out March 10th.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Caitlin Cannon featured songs from her new album \u2018Love Addict\u2019 at her official Folk Alliance Showcase. On numerous occasions at Folk Alliance, other songwriters she mentors as part of her Beyond Bars prison songwriting program doted on her writing and the leadership she shows using songs to heal.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
There will be a lot more to say about Emily Scott Robinson once her new album \u2018Appalachia\u2019 drops on January 30th. But let\u2019s just say for now that you want to have it on your radar. There wasn\u2019t a dry eye in the house when she closed with the song \u201cTime Traveler\u201d about her grandmother.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Oregon-based singer\/songwriter\/guitar player Jimmy Fretwell participating in a songwriter round hosted by Matt The Electrician. Fretwell\u2019s been at it for years, but just released a new single called \u2018One of the Good Ones\u2019 featuring Darrell Scott on steel guitar ahead of his debut album \u2018analog dream\u2019 out February 20th. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Songwriter Philip Bowen is the embodiment of the Appalachian music dream. He was working a regular job when his blue collar music was discovered and he shot onto the depth charts of many. He\u2019s also a skilled multi-instrumentalist.<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
River Shook has officially gone solo, disbanding her Disarmers backing band, but still touring with husband Blake Tallent, and featuring cutting new songs from an upcoming album. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Banjo player Meredith Moon playing one last set before heading back to New York into the teeth of the winter storm. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Lucy Clearwater is another songwriter to keep an eye out for.<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Matt The Electrician is one of America\u2019s ultimate artisan songwriters, and spent much of Folk Alliance in rounds opening up opportunities for others. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Alaska native and Austin music legend Beth Chrisman<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Another Austin music legend Silas Lowe performing with Beth Chrisman. He\u2019s also co-written with Brennen Leigh. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Drew Landry might be living in Montana these days, but he\u2019s still at home in New Orleans. Stay tuned for a new album from him dropping shortly. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Jimmy Fretwell playing guitar for Drew Landry\u2019s epic new protest song he had to bust out the laptop to remember all the verses to. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Songwriter Hope Dunbar. Her 2021 album \u2018Sweetheartland\u2019 received a 9 rating at Saving Country Music in 2021. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Ali Holder is one of Austin\u2019s most beloved songwriters. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Jack Barksdale writes well beyond his years with incisive observation.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Stella Prince speaking at the \u201cNew Voices, Old Souls\u201d showcase.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Buddy Red performing at the \u201cNew Voices, Old Souls\u201d Showcase<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Summerlyn Powers and Sammi Accola enjoying a moment.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Megan Cody of The Cody Sisters<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Maddie Cody of The Cody Sisters<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"\"\"
Will Pavilonis<\/em> of The Cody Sisters<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013 \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you found this article valuable, consider leaving<\/em>\u00a0Saving Country Music A TIP<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n

\u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\r\n

\u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source savingcountrymusic.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sammi Accola, Mason Via, Megan Cody, Summerlyn Powers What is Folk Alliance? Well, it\u2019s part festival, part industry conference, part gathering of the tribes. Most importantly though, it\u2019s about the most ground level assemblage of music talent in the United States each year. This is where many up-and-coming artist young and old go to try […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2251516,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25179],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2251515","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Biggest-New-Discoveries-from-Folk-Alliance-2026.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2251515","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2251515"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2251515\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2251517,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2251515\/revisions\/2251517"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2251516"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2251515"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2251515"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2251515"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}