Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real recently performed at the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tennessee. While there, Nelson took a moment to talk to American Songwriter about new music and collaborating with Sierra Ferrell and the Travelin’ McCourys for a bluegrass cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You.” He also shared a few under-the-radar artists he wants more people to listen to.
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In an exclusive interview presented by George Dickel, American Songwriter asked Nelson to share his favorite relatively unknown artists. “They’re known to some people,” he began. “I’ve been doing a lot of writing with—he would not be considered unknown now—Stephen Wilson Jr. He’s a great artist. Some may not know him, some may,” Nelson said.
Then, he name-dropped two great female Americana artists. “I love Sierra Ferrell, she’s been pretty publicized lately. She’s just won some awards in Americana. She’s a rising star I would say,” Nelson said. “I’m sure a lot of people here in Nashville know Nikki Lane but maybe you wouldn’t in other places. She’s a good friend of mine,” he added. There’s so many great folks out there.
Getting to Know Lukas Nelson’s Recommendations
Lukas Nelson gave three solid recommendations for people who are fans of country, Americana, and rock and roll. Get to know a little more about each artist below.
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Stephen Wilson Jr. is a singer/songwriter who hails from Southern Indiana. He released his debut album Son of Dad last September to acclaim from fans and critics alike. Taking inspiration from a wide array of artists including Willie Nelson, Nirvana, John Mellencamp, and The National, Wilson’s sound is at the same time unique and familiar. Fans come for the unique sound and stay for the songwriting.
Since making his debut, he has shared the stage with acts like Brothers Osborne, Midland, the Cadillac Three, and others. Additionally, he has shared writing rooms with the likes of Nelson and Miranda Lambert. Check out his song “Year to Be Young 1994” below.
Sierra Ferrell
Fans of country and bluegrass who haven’t heard Sierra Ferrell have been missing out. The West Virginia-born singer/songwriter found her voice while busking across the United States. Led by her expert songwriting and otherworldly voice, her sound is a combination of bluegrass, classic country, and modern Americana.
With a voice that has been compared to a combination of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, Ferrell went from hopping trains and playing on street corners to winning genre awards and playing to packed venues across the country and beyond. Hear her song “In Dreams” below.
Nikki Lane
Nikki Lane is a singer/songwriter who hails from South Carolina. Her sound bridges the gap between vintage and modern, country and rock. Led by her expressive vocals and top-notch songwriting, Lane is at home in whatever genre she decides to step into.
Lane released her debut album Walk of Shame in 2014. Since then, she has garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike. Sometimes called the First Lady of Outlaw Country, she remains one of the most criminally underrated artists in the alt-country and Americana sphere. Listen to “Good Enough” from her most recent album Denim & Diamonds below.
Featured Image by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
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